Fun Family Winter Activities

Don’t let winter get you down! Even if you live where the weather is frightful, there are plenty of delightful activities for you and your family to do. We compiled a list of some of our favorite ideas here, along with a few tips and useful products to help you get the most out of your experience!

Outdoor Activities with Snow

• Build a snowman or a snow fort
• Go sledding or snow tubing
• Go skiing
• Make snow angels
• Have a snowball fight
• Snow paint (see details below!)

How do you snow paint?

All you need is empty spray bottles, water and food coloring! Rinse out the bottles, fill them with water and add 20 drops of food coloring to each bottle. Start with 1 bottle each of red, blue and yellow. If you have more bottles, you can create more colors by combining them (just like in art class)!

• 10 drops of red + 10 drops of blue = purple
• 10 drops of red + 10 drops of yellow = orange
• 10 drops of blue + 10 drops of yellow = green

Your kids will love spray painting snow men, snowballs or just drawing pictures on that big white snow canvas!

Outdoor Activities (No Snow Required)

• Rent a cabin in the woods
• Go on a self-guided holiday light tour
• Collect pinecones and small evergreen branches to create a centerpiece
• Take a hike through the woods
• Blow bubbles and watch them freeze (below 32° F)
• Set up an “ice gem” treasure hunt for the kids (see details below!)

What are “ice gems”?

Ice gems are simply ice cubes that have been made with food coloring. Fill an ice tray with water, add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring to each compartment and put it in the freezer. Use different colors to represent different types of gems (rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.).

Indoor Activities

• Build a cozy blanket fort with lights
• Set up an indoor scavenger hunt
• Bake cookies
• Make paper snowflakes
• Make bird feeders (see below for details!)

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, if desired

Steps

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed or with spoon until fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour mixture just until blended and dough is stiff. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown (center will be soft). Cool 2 minutes. Remove cookies and place on cooling rack for about 30 minutes.  

If you would like to add this recipe to your collection, download the Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe card.

This blot post was courtesy of Thirty One Gifts. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How To Create a Cute Pumpkin

Fall means Halloween is just around the corner, with witches, ghosts and monsters galore. I used to love this holiday because I got to make some fun costumes for Belinda and her friends.  You can start getting in the spooky spirit with Halloween totes, pillows and embroidery designs in Thirty One’s Fall Catalog – and this easy DIY pumpkin painting craft that’s perfect for big and little ghouls alike.

What you’ll need:

• Small pumpkins or gourds
• Acrylic paint
• Alphabet craft stickers
• Assorted paintbrushes

• Paper plates
• Newspaper
• Paper towels
• Cups of water

Optional:

• Glitter
• Rhinestones
• Glue

Directions:

Lay down newspaper to keep your table or counter mess-free. Use paper plates as paint palettes and squeeze out the colors of paint you want to use. Then, get painting! When you need to switch to a new paint color, just rinse out your brush in a cup of water and dry it on a paper towel.

These pumpkins can be as simple or as funky as you want! Go for one neutral color palette, or let the kids go to town by choosing the colors for their own personal pumpkins.

Spell out spooky words like “Boo!” or “Trick or treat” by placing letter stickers on your pumpkin before painting it, then peeling them off after the paint dries. Or go for a bedazzled look with glitter and rhinestones attached with glue. Check out Hallmark’s Think. Make. Share. blog for more pumpkin-painting inspiration.

Bonus tip: Opt to paint your pumpkins this year to save on the mess and cleanup of carving! Decorate your windowsill or mantelpiece with mini pumpkins, or use them as a festive Halloween centerpiece on the dining room table. Plus, they stay fresh much longer than carved pumpkins.

Looking for some place to store all of your craft supplies.  Check out Thirty One’s Get Creative line.  The Get Creative Caddy is great for crafts, work, or church. Craft time is any time when you pack up our specially designed shoulder bag with paper crafts, knitting, crochet, scrapbooking, painting and more. The stylish Get Creative Caddy has three compartments and seven pockets to organize and transport crafting and sewing items as well as toiletries, toys and travel essentials. These craft caddies partner beautifully with our Get Creative pouches and cylinders.

The Get Creative Carry-All is my favorite.  I carry craft supplies to show and have plenty of room for lots of “stuff”.  I have home health aides who use this to carry their supplies.  Teachers love it because it is roomy. Don’t leave home without your favorite project in this craft bag or sewing bag! Pack up your yarn, paper crafting and scrapbooking items, art supplies and more in this stylish and sturdy travel craft bag. The structured satchel top stays open for easy access to projects while you work, while eight pockets organize crochet hooks, knitting needles, markers, brushes and more. This craft bag can be personalized to make a distinctive and special gift.

Share your pumpkin creations with us…. Have a blessed day!

Thankful Thursday: The Lens of Lovely

I  re-visited a blog I read some time ago by LYSA TERKEURST.  It changed my perspective on things a few years ago, and right about now, I could use a change in perspective when it comes to my weight and view of myself.  The blog was entitled  “Learn to Love Your Story“.  I am hoping it will chase  Negative Nellie away when it comes to how I view my body and my weight.  A change in perspective will help me get motivated and back on track to lose the few pounds I have gained…

Lysa talks about loving your story – your life – being content in the moment and enjoying it! WOW!  Most days I do love my life but then there are those curve ball weeks.  An emotional roller coaster and I am not sure why.  No major fiascos, no crisis – just little hiccups which quickly send me on a road less traveled (okay so maybe it is traveled a little bit more than I want it to be).  You know the journey with Negative Nelly where you struggle to see the light at the end of the rainbow?

Since starting my recover journey again, I can almost tell when I wake up, if I am going to love my story for the day.  Crazy, right?  Of course, I should carry a warning notice around my neck which was “STOP! NOT A GOOD DAY!”.  Send out a text alert to friends and family so they know to stay away.  LOL.  The reality is, on those days  I need to STOP, take a breathe and regroup.  The Serenity Prayer and the Third Step Prayer have become my go to for getting some peace in my life.  I need to then praise and thank God for my life… my story.  See I forget that sometimes.  My life may not be a story book or full of lots of happy endings but it is MY story.  It is the life God gave me or at least he tries to keep me on the right road when I take my will back.

Memories are hard for me.  But there are days when hubby and I talk about the past – reminiscing about days gone by.  I have no regrets nor does he because it is because of those things we are blessed to be in each other’s lives today.  We had our struggles.  We had our heartache.  We had our joys.  Life wasn’t perfect but we got through it to get us where we are today.  The struggles still come but now we try to look at the differently – together.  I am grateful for the times he helps me to remember by playing a song or sharing a picture.

Lysa talked about “pre-deciding” she would LOVE her story.  NOTE to self: change my point of reference BEFORE the day begins.  Stop thinking about the “what if” and “predicting” what may happen in any given situation.  I am learning to live in the moment thankful for being able on some days (working towards all days) to live without expectations.

I decided I would look at it all through the lens of noticing the rich evidence of life through each mess and mishap.

Did I do it all perfectly? Nope, not at all.

But even if we choose to be noticers with thankful hearts just once today, we’ll start to look at our stories in a different way.

A more beautiful way.

I remembered our key verse, Philippians 1:3, where Paul says “I thank my God every time I remember you.” I have plenty of reminders each day to thank God for the people in my life. To rejoice over every piece of my story. Starting with those shoes.

So I whispered, “Notice. Be a noticer. See all the fun represented here and thank God for these moments.”

Noticers see the lovely in front of them and learn to love their story.

What might happen if you pre-determined to look through the lens of lovely today?

Thank you Lysa for reminding me to look through the “lens of lovely” today.  What are you thankful for today?  Share it with us so we can all celebrate together.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

All the Perks and More

The summer is quickly approaching…. are you looking for some extra money?  Would you love a break from the kids for some girl time?  Do you just LOVE a great deal?

Yes, you are reading it correctly!  Till May 31st, you can join Thirty One for just $49 (no tax).  SAY WHAT????

Wouldn’t you LOVE to be a part of the excitement as we kick off a Summer Season with Thirty One?

Let me show you all the things going on right now at Thirty One and why NOW is the best time to join! The Summer Seasonal Guide is AWESOME!  Fun new prints and products for everyone in the family.  PLUS you will be able to grab some of the Retiring Products from our Spring Collection.  Your NEW Customers will love all of the different solution sets to get ready for Summer.

So, for the $49, you will receive:  a Welcome Packet, a How-To Guide, one Summer Guide and one Spring/Summer Catalog, plus a $131 Gift Certificate!

Are you wondering what you can use your gift certificate on?  ANYTHING to help you jumpstart your business.  OPTION #1: You can use it in your launch party (I will be there to help you every step of the way) so you can start earning Personal Volume (PV), Hostess Rewards and commissions, counting toward earning AllMyPerks (AMP) incentives and rewards.  OPTION #2: You can place an order in Marketplace and get the 40% discount off all products ordered.  You will earn Personal Volume toward the AMP incentive. OPTION #3: You can use it to buy Business Supplies and/or a mix of product.  OPTION #4:  You can simply use the Gift Certificate as a payment type on your order. You will earn commission of $32 on your order.

What is an AMP Reward?  So you will be able to pick one of these AMP products for 60% by just using your gift certificate by the end of the month.  If you collect additional orders, up to $1,000 in the month, YOU will get MORE perks!

When you reach $1000 in sales (and multiples of $1000) in your first four months, you are going to earn Wishes Rewards.  So for every multiple of $1,000 you will earn $200 in Wishes Rewards.  These rewards can be redeem for product and/ or business supplies; VISA gift cards or Disney dollars.  I know this is A LOT to take in but stay with me.

Let’s say you host a launch party (in your home, online, Facebook).  You only need $70 more in orders to reach party status when you use your gift certificate.  Easy Peasy!  The average party is about $600 which means YOU are going to earn as the hostess a $150 in commission, the hostess benefits ($100 in FREE products, 2 half price items, 2 hostess exclusives and a monthly hostess special), as well as the AMP reward.

Now, imagine your party jumps to $1000 in sales.  It can happen, believe me.  Now, you are earning $250 in commission, $200 in FREE products, 2 half price items, 2 hostess exclusives, an AMP $100 level reward, 200 in Wishes Rewards and you have unlocked a Fall Hostess Exclusive.

All of this can be yours with just a $49 investment!  I will help you along the way.  If you are close (within an hour’s ride) I will come to your home to help with your launch party.  If you aren’t, I will help you with a Facebook party and can FaceTime in for your party to answer any questions or help out.

SHARE the love and ask a friend to join you on your journey. They could join you for just $49 as long as it is by May 31st.  If they have $1000 in sales (or multiples of $1000) in the first four months, YOU will receive an additional 400 Wishes Rewards points.

Who do you know who could use some extra money?  Maybe they just need some girl time and a break from the kids this summer?  Maybe they just love to shop great deals?  Whatever the reason, Thirty One has the answer.  What was the last thing you spend $49 on?  If you do nothing else with the $131 gift certificate than shop, you will earn $32 BACK in commission and earn the $100 AMP Reward.

By sharing the love, you are also earning points towards The Sea of Dreams Wishes Incentive.  A chance to earn a 7-day cruise for TWO!  This is the first time Thirty One has opened this incentive to all consultants.  It is so doable when you join now and start sharing Thirty One.  What better way to start your own business then with a group of your friends, right?

Did I mention you get ME too.  I am the one in the PINK cowboy hat along with some of my team at Thirty One’s National Conference.

 

Ask any question you want about my business. I am an open book!  I am here to help you on your journey. I LOVE to answer questions.

Here is how you can reach me:

Website: www.partywithHope.com

Facebook: Hope’s Thirty One Gift Closet

Email: HopeWs31@gmail.com

 

How To Get Organized

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to “declutter” or “get organized”? I take baby steps every year but never seem to get very far. Does that sound like you? Do you seem to take one step forward and two back? Starting in February, Club members will come together to help each other get organized.

I know you are wondering how, right? I found this an amazing book which is also a Netflix series and it is AMAZING! This system may not be right for you BUT there will be some great tips and tricks along the way to help you get organized in as little as 10 minutes at a time.  YES, it can be done.

From February through July, we will work on organizing different parts of our home. Will it be the only focus? Of course we will talk about all kinds of things but I will also be sure to add ways for you to organize a part of your home. How does that sound?

Do you LOVE everything in the catalog and have a wish list longer than your budget?

What if you could shop from the comfort of your home? I know the internet is full of things, right? What if I could help you with organizing and gift giving ideas to eliminate some of the stress in your life? I know, what’s the catch, right?

Have seen those “surprise box” clubs where you subscribe and you never know what you are going to get? Guess what? YOU will get to pick exactly what you want each month. Of course, you will always get a “surprise gift”‘ from me!

What is a Hostess of the Month Club?
You join a group of 6 ladies who agree to purchase (or gather from a friend) a $35 order by the 13th of every month from February  thru July..

Once during the “club” period – YOU will get to earn the hostess benefits. You can decide to do NOTHING and just collect the $25 in FREE product, 1 half price item and 1 hostess exclusive. OR you can have a party – home, Facebook, online, or fundraiser. When you combine one of these with the club member orders, your benefits JUMP! Every month, I will offer tips and tricks for each room in your house. In return, you will agree to spend a minimum of $35 per month.

What are the perks?

1. You get a gift box on your doorstep with all your catalogs, order forms, and everything you need to get started!  There were be TWO new seasonal guides as well as a NEW catalog during this time period.
2. You get a special gift just my way of saying THANK YOU
3. One of the months you will be the Hostess for your group and earn all hostess benefits
4. You will get VIP access to all Thirty-One information, specials, sales, and much more! You’ll know the goods before anyone else!

Here’s one of the FUN HOTM box!

Are you ready to get started?
Send me a message and you’ll be on your way!  I will send you a WELCOME party package to get you started.

Not interested in being part of the club… that’s okay. Join me in my VIP customer group on Facebook. CLICK HERE!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!