St. Patrick's Day Gratitude Door

For Valentine's Day, I purchased a bunch of paper hearts at the dollar store and our family created a kindness door. I loved how it turned out, so for St. Patrick's Day, I decided that we should construct a gratitude door. The festive decor was fun and EASY to put together, and my boys took some time to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for.

I wrote "I am lucky because" at the top of a bunch of shamrocks that I purchased at the dollar store. Then, each of the members of my family completed a couple of shamrocks. I love that they spent time thinking of reasons to be grateful for all of our blessings.

When all of the shamrocks were finished, I used masking tape to attach them to the inside of my front door. 

Isn't this a clever idea? I absolutely love this St. Patrick's Day activity, and I look forward to making this gratitude door an annual part of our St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

The Ultimate Collection of St.Patrick's Day Ideas

We aren't Irish, but my boys and I always like to celebrate St.Patrick's Day with easy and inexpensive crafts, activities and treats. We don't go "all out", but today I am sharing some simple ways we celebrate on March 17th.

5 AWESOME, easy and inexpensive St.Patrick's Day DIY decor pieces - These 5 DIYs are simple and cheap to make... but they look fantastic. Find step by step written instructions and a video tutorial here.

FREE St.Patrick's Day Printable Sign - This sign is adorable, and FREE to download. Pop it in a dollar store frame, and you are good to go. Get the free download here.

"Make a Rainbow" Kit - How cute is this adorable St. Patrick's Day treat? Just follow the directions on the free printable tags that you can download here. 

Serve up some simple St.Patrick's Day food - From a green buffet to edible rainbows... you'll find everything you need here.

DIY St. Patricks Day hot chocolate bar - Click here for the fun details... including how to make the most adorable pot of gold from a mason jar.

St. Patrick's Day Yarn Crafts - These adorable yarn crafts are perfect for kids and adults. I love the little pom pom leprechaun gnome, don't you? Find the step by step tutorials here.

Lucky Penny {to share with friends} - Click here for free "lucky penny" printable postcards.  This is a really fun St. Patrick's Day treat to share with friends.

Gratitude Door - This St. Patrick's Day door is a wonderful way to decorate for the holiday, and it is a great way to teach kids about being grateful. Find the details here.

Dollar Store Frame - This St. Patrick's Day frame is a great way to get low cost St. Patrick's Day decor. Click here for a full tutorial and free printable.

St. Patrick's Day Penny Banner - This charming banner is easy to make using things you likely already have lying around the house. Click here for a full step by step tutorial.

Treasure to Share - Click here for a free printable bag topper. Your little leprechauns will love sharing a St. Patrick's Day treasure with their friends.

FREE printable "lucky" coin cards - Download this card for free here. Then, cut a slit and insert a loonie or gold coin. Such an adorable way to share a little "luck" on St. Patrick's Day.

Leprechaun Trap - Click here to find out how easy and fun it is to try to catch a leprechaun. They are tough to trap, but it sure is fun to try.

Shamrock Hat - This easy craft is simple and lots of fun for kids. Click here for the step by step tutorial.

Shamrock Pancakes and Green Milk - A few drops of green food coloring, some pancake batter, and a shamrock cookie cutter are all you need to make these adorable pancakes.  Don't forget to add a few drops to some milk too.

Rainbow Seeds make a fun breakfast too! And add some Froot Loops to a draw for some extra fun. (Get the FREE downloadable "rainbow seeds" tags here.)

Rainbow Necklaces - String some Froot Loops onto some braiding cord, yarn, or shoestring liquorice to create these edible rainbow necklaces.  Your little leprechaun will love making and wearing this festive piece of jewellery.

St.Patrick's Day Treats - Little ones will love decorating St. Patrick's Day cookies or cupcakes. Make sure you have plenty of green icing, sprinkles and colourful candies on hand.

Leprechaun Bait - This a great way to share St. Patrick's Day fun with classmates, and it's a fun St. Patrick's Day party favor too. Click here for a free printable Leprechaun Bait bag topper, or here for free printable Leprechaun Bait tags.

Rainbow Seed Treats - This is a perfect treat to share with friends. You can download the "punny" tags here.

Leprechaun Paper Dolls - This little craft is as fun to play with as it is to make. Click here for a free printable leprechaun puppet.

What do you do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Will you try one of the easy St. Patrick's Day ideas?

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

10 Snow Day Activities... that will entertain kids and help parents stay sane

In our part of the world, winter is in full swing and winter storms are plentiful. Snow days can be a lot of fun, but it isn't always easy for parents to keep kids busy and happy. Today, I am sharing a few simple and fun ideas that will entertain kids... and help parents stay sane on snow days.

1) Make snow ice cream - Whipping up a batch of snow ice cream is one of my boys' favourite snow day activities. It is simple to do, and the result is delicious. You can find the full "how to" and video for make snow ice cream here.

2) Craft a duct tape sled - A recycled box has never been so much fun. Find instructions for making a super-fun duct tape sled here.

3) Create a dollar store hot chocolate bar - A warm drink on a cold day is always a crowd pleaser. Click here to find out how to build an impressive (and portable) hot chocolate bar for less than $10.

4) Play in the snow - Getting outside in the fresh air is a wonderful way to spend a day. Go sledding, build a fort, build an upside-down snowman or colour snow with water and food coloring in a spray bottle.

5) Build a fort in the living room or have an indoor picnic - Sometimes the only thing you need on a cold winter day is a blanket and a little imagination.

6) Do a science experiment - Missing school because of a storm doesn't have to mean taking a break from learning. Check out a fun "Skittles" science experiment here. 

7) Bake something - Baking with kids is both educational and fun... and there is nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies on a cold winter day. You can find the recipe for our favourite chocolate chip cookies here.

8) Craft something - Getting crafty when the weather is bad can be just what the doctor ordered. In keeping with the "snow day" theme, you might want to try making this adorable spare sock snowman. You can find the full step-by-step instructions here.

9) Play games - Playing cards and board games when the weather is nasty can be the perfect way to spend a day together. To make it extra special, you can find ideas for "games day" decor and treats here.

10) Watch a movie - Is there anything better than cuddling up on the couch when a snow day keeps you indoors? Put on some PJs, pop some popcorn, cuddle up on the couch, and watch your favorite family movie. If you are feeling extra ambitious, you might also want to decorate and invite some friends over.

What's your favourite way to keep the kids busy and happy on snow days? I hope you give some of my ideas a try. Stay warm, and have fun!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)