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With Christmas fast approaching, more people are ordering online and having gifts delivered to their homes.

I like to reuse things as much as possible before I recycle or toss them in the trash. When I get a boxed item, I save the box and packaging material.

If you can’t reuse the items, maybe a friend, neighbor, or family member will. Many people eBay and use boxes, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, and large envelopes for mailing purposes.

         Bubble Wrap               

                                            Styrofoam

 

 

 

Twist ties from packaged items can be used to secure cords. I like the longer ties that come with appliances and large items. I store them in a Ziploc bag.

Boxes are great for children’s play. They can create houses, trains, and many other inventive toys. Boxes are fun for painting too. I knew a person who painted cereal boxes. When flattened, boxes are great to place under cars for oil leaks and outdoor spray painting.

I use boxes to carry flowers, pies, and casseroles in the car. With two holidays upon us, try to have a few on hand. Styrofoam isn’t just for packing. Children can paint or draw on pieces with Sharpies or washable markers to create designs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

                                                                      

A basket filled with inexpensive games and crafts can give children a nice break from online studies. High school students enjoy these too.

Just fill a basket with brain teasers, Rubik’s cubes, paint sets, card games, etc. You may have an idea of your own. I purchase items from the dollar stores so my cost is minimal.

        

Brain teasers are great to take along for doctor/dental visits or long rides to games and activities. Of course, the paint sets are much easier to do on a table at home. All are a great alternative to tech devices.

You can place these items in a trick or treat bag, stocking, or travel bag. Even grown-ups like a distraction every now and then.

It doesn’t hurt to have a plate of brownies and glass of milk waiting for tired eyes. Who wouldn’t love a break like this?

I’ve included a quick and easy brownie recipe. Children will beg for more.

Amazing Brownie Recipe

• 1 box milk chocolate brownie mix (I purchase mine when they are a $1 a box).
• Bake according to directions in a 9×13 pan
• Frosting: Bring to boil 1 stick oleo, 1/2 cup milk, 4 tablespoons baking cocoa. Add 1 box powdered sugar and pour over cake while hot. Can top with chopped nuts. (If powdered sugar is lumpy, whisk it smooth).

The frosting is from my brownie sheet cake recipe and is delicious on brownies. Since it covers a sheet cake, you’ll want to make an extra pan of brownies. They’ll be gone before you know it, or you can freeze a pan for use at a later date.

Surprise children with a change of pace and watch their faces light up.

Enjoy!

 

Are lunch box notes just for lunch boxes?

While shopping this week, I stopped at the Dollar Tree. To my surprise, I found lunch box notes. Maybe they’ve been in the market, but I haven’t seen them. After I purchased the notes, I came up with some ideas of my own on how to use them.

Creating notes is a great idea for children. It’s a nice break from online studies, and for the students who are now back in school. Adults can have fun too. I practiced making a few. I used blank index cards with stickers, ribbons, and craft items from around the house. Mine aren’t as cute as the boxed ones, but children can be as creative as they want at a next-to-nothing cost.

Below are a few of my ideas:

• A note can be added to mail if you’re delivering to a neighbor.
• If you’re shopping for an elderly person, a note inside the grocery bag would be nice.
• Cheer up wishes for anyone!
• For the after-school driver, parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, and babysitters.
• If you add a ribbon to the note, it can be attached to a gift, bouquet of flowers, or used as a bookmark.
• How ’bout adding an ice cream treat or coffee gift card for an overburdened person?

Emptied, the purchased boxes can be used to store change, stickers, pins, etc. (I like to make use of leftover items).

I’m sure dozens of thoughts are popping in your head right now.

Whatever your idea, it’s sure to bring a smile.

 

I recently received sympathy cards from friends and family for the loss of a beloved family member. Because of the pandemic, the funeral was private.

Each card touched my heart and represented something meaningful. If you’re wondering what to do when you can’t attend a funeral, send a card.

Included in the beautiful butterfly card was a book of stamps. And it arrived at just the right moment when I needed one. Butterflies have always been special to me as I believe they mean new life. You’ll see a butterfly on my website pages.

The second card represents things that last, FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:13

The third card depicts that the sun will rise again.

I think all of the cards I received would make beautiful framed gifts. Hum?

One act of kindness can snowball into many. Please pass it on, and seal it with a stamp.