Slideshow
-
Artist: Tricia Courtney
Recently I came across the work of artist Tricia Courtney whose oil paintings really struck something with me. I love the colors she chooses and how the flowers seem to pop off the canvas. We had a chance to speak this week about her work and her upcoming new book Floppy Sue’s Birthday Adventure that will be published as an eBook through Pixel Mouse House. Here is what she says about what inspired her to start creating and about her new story. A happy experience at the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri “many, many years ago” led to Tricia Courtney’s lifelong love of art. “My…
-
Creating Family Traditions at Christmas
There are few holidays that hold the place of Christmas for family traditions. Through the years we create and maintain traditions that have a special place in our memories. Some are sacred and never change, while others are replaced with a new tradition that fits the family dynamics at the time. When our son was growing up, the day after Thanksgiving we gathered with extended family and turkey leftovers and drove to Santa’s Acres to cut down the perfect tree. When our son went off to college, we purchased our first pre-lit tree. I used my creative side to decorate it in elegant gold and white ornaments, garlands, flowers…
-
Dandelion Moms Launch Giveaway Winners
Dandelion Moms Launch Giveaway This was an exciting week of giveaways! The dandelion moms giveaway was really popular with over 18,000 entries! Many of you left comments about what made you a dandelion mom. All of the comments were wonderful and some of my favorites are listed below. I love how the concept of what a dandelion mom is seems to be resonating with many of you. Nadyne says: “I think that I am a dandelion mom because I try to make everyday fun. I tell my kids that I love them and hug them everyday! I try to teach them to do unto others as you want them to…
-
How To Talk to Our Children About a Tragedy
Our country faced one of the saddest days in our history yesterday with the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. It is beyond comprehension that a person could do such a thing to little children. Our children are faced with hearing about this frightening experience as they might hear bits and pieces about it on the news or hear about it at school. The principal at my daughter’s elementary school sent out a letter last night and provided some resources on how best to talk to your children about this tragedy if you find it appropriate. I am providing this resource from The National Association of School Psychologists verbatim so you can…
-
Fun Craft: Christmas Family Trees
Christmas trees – they serve as both the main Christmas season decoration & a great bonding tool for family during the holiday season. Decorating them with your family enjoying carols & laughs along the way is one of the things I look forward to all year round. But why not take a twist to the traditional tree with your little ones? Nothing is cuter than a set of tootsie trees hanging on the wall. Materials: Non-toxic paint – green & yellow Black or brown marker pen Canvases – one for each family member Small items to decorate your tootsie trees – we used stick on jewels How To: First of…
-
Festive Meringue Cookies
Last week I needed a gluten-free cookie for a Christmas party. I wanted a cookie that was easy and fast to whip up, but I also wanted something that looked fun, festive, and pretty. I came across a recipe in my files that I had made for my daughter’s wedding. I remembered that is was indeed easy, and it turned out so pretty. I made the cookie in yellow for the wedding, but I figured that it wouldn’t be hard at all to make it white or red for Christmas. As a matter of fact, you could make this cookie any color you wish, and you can make a variety of shapes…
