Cozy Sweater Hot Cocoa Bar Party + Service Project!

Cozy Sweater Hot Cocoa Bar Party + Service Project! This is a great holiday party idea for kids, teens or adults.  Hot chocolate is the best, I live off of it all Winter long.  I love adding in fun flavored syrups or other mix-ins!  Let me show you how to host the perfect Ugly  Cozy Sweater party and throw a service project in on the side too!  This party is geared toward any age, although we had 10 teenage girls (plus a few brothers) that participated. You will need: Small Crock Pot for warming hot chocolate Donuts Candy Canes Mini Chocolate Chips Mini Marshmallows Candy Sticks Mugs or Teacups More Candy We used the Cricut Explore Air 2 to cut out these adorable little sweaters.  Perfect invites for this party.  My daughter and I drew on them with white gelly roll pens with all the details for her friends. Easy Party Backdrop made with white paper chains, 3D snowflakes and some wire LED lights. Details on making th...

Daily "Random Acts" Service Advent Calendar and Printable!

Daily "Random Acts" Service Advent Calendar and Printable! I love December, I love Christmas, I love thinking of others. There is really such a change in the air. People are 'generally' kinder.  (minus Black Friday and our frenzy for accumulation) But there is a very sweet atmosphere around the holidays. I try to encourage my kids to do secret service for others throughout the year...but  it is a little easier in December.  I love to be able to do service.  It is easy to feel like we can't serve others without spending money... so I compile ways to serve others that take little (like a stamp) or no money.    Here's some ideas:   Write a note Leave a note or treat for the mail carrier Donate gently used toys and clothes to charity Say thank you more Put some motivational notes up in public restrooms or on mirrors Play a game with someone Leave a secret not for someone to find Sing a song to brighten the day ...

Service Advent Calendar!

I gave a talk about service and charity last Sunday. I spoke about how it's easy to get caught up in  the hustle and bustle of Christmas... and we should not forget the true meaning of  Christmas and have the Spirit of Christ. "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."  Mosiah 2:17 Plus, think back on your Christmas past (or other gift giving holidays of the past) Do you remember everything you got?  Maybe a few things...special things. But I remember doing things for others. I remember serving and working with my family. I want my kids to remember stuff like that too!  I decided then I should do a SERVICE Advent Calendar! (since then, of course, I've seen many online...but I really did think of this without outside inspiration)  I had the daughter cut out 25 envelopes with my big shot and a square envelope die. You could also have your silhouette do this...  W...

400 Cards!

We did a day of service in our church last week... I was asked to help design/cut/prepare (just not assemble) 400 cards! 4 cards, 100 of each! Here they are--doesn't look like a big deal,  but that represents 4 hours of service alone!  :) There was a great turnout!  Lots of families there to help put cards together! They will be donated to a local meal delivery service to brighten the days of the elderly.