Patsy Reiter

Writing stories for children and adults for over fifteen years

Lunch Box Notes

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.

Sealed With a Stamp

 

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.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Whether your children are in school or studying online, sweet potato pancakes are a nice alternative breakfast menu. And with the cooler weather approaching, this tasty dish will hit the spot.

Many times I’ve made pancakes and sausage as a dinner menu, but haven’t tried a sweet potato pancake recipe.

Sweet potatoes are relatively high in fiber, an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. For more nutrition facts visit:  https://healthline.com/nutrition/foods/sweetpotatoes

Below is a sweet potato pancake recipe that I retrieved from: https://shewearsmanyhats.com

Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe

These pancakes are full of cinnamon and ginger and sweet potato goodness.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe | shewearsmanyhats.com
Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup mashed baked sweet potato
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • additional butter for pan
Instructions
  1. Whisk together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir in sweet potato, honey, cinnamon, ginger and mix well.
  3. Add wet sweet potato mixture to the dry mixture. Combine well, but don’t over mix. Batter should still be slightly lumpy. If time permits, allow batter stand for at least 30 minutes (the perfect time for enjoying a cup of coffee).
  4. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add enough butter to thinly cover pan. Ladle the batter 1/3 cup at a time. Cook pancakes until done and slightly browned on each side. Repeat, cooking pancakes in batches adding butter to pan as needed.

Enjoy!

Crazy About Crafts

Guest post by my friend, Julie, who lives in northern Michigan. Julie enjoys sending get well cards, cheer up notes, and crafts to family and friends. She’s the first to deliver an upside-down pineapple cake or nut bread to a neighbor. Her acts of thoughtfulness are always welcomed. So during these pandemic times, we can take a cue from Julie. Her easy craft ideas are fun for children. Enjoy.

I love crafts and have some great ideas to help friends and family during these crazy times. I love mail, getting and sending.

Listed below are pictures and several ideas for crafts that are fun and easy.

Take old Christmas cards or buy used cards to make:    

  1. Bookmarks
  2. Framed cards
  3. Stationery
  4. Decorated gifts bags

I enjoy mailing out cards or notes and sometimes add a lottery ticket, joke, craft, or decorating idea. Let your friends know what you’re doing during the week–cleaning, cooking, crafts, yard work, going on rides to look for deer or animals, or sitting outside enjoying the Michigan weather.

We can’t get together these days, but we can let our friends and family know we are thinking about them.

Enjoy some fun, creative time.

Julie