Mary McCarthy's Blog
Posted by Mary McCarthy
Well it's snuck up on us once again!
Christmas is a lovely time of year though it can be stressful, Let's promise ourselved this year to CHOOSE SIMPLICITY and leave stress behind. I'd rather remember hunting for a Christmas tree with my kids rather than being stressed about finding the perfect gift for grandma. So cookie baking instead of hosting a cookie exchange it is this year!
Here are a few articles to check out!
Organizing Your Home for the Holidays
Target Announces Lower Prices for Holidays
I saved that last one for last because I think it is hilarious. A friend of mine in our small town in Maryland started this cool new holiday tradition last year, and we're all going crazy with anticipation for this year! (She has cool trophies, too.) I am including a picture here of my husband and I at last year's party which was a blast.
Don't have an ugly Christmas sweater party in your town? Start one!
Posted by Mary McCarthy
This is my favorite time of year.
The leaves on the trees are changing (here in Maryland, anyway!) and the kids get more and more excited with every costume catalog that arrives in the mail.
Here are some new Halloween articles I've written- hope you find one of them helpful for all your ghoulish needs:
Halloween Costumes for Infants
Vintage Halloween Collectibles
Exterior Halloween Decorations
Halloween Children's Books
And if you get a chance check out my new Halloween book on planning Adult Halloween Parties! Or stop by my Halloween website called Creative Halloween.
Happy Haunting!
Posted by Mary McCarthy
Nothing like going into a big box retailer to make you feel like you're late for something! Back to school shopping apparently happens earlier in the summer than I ever remember to do it- I'm always the one scrambling around to find the black and white sold-out composition books, or making my kid use a Polly Pocket folder when they really wanted a Harry Potter folder, because THOSE sold out in JUNE!
I've already seen Halloween decorations in the store- and I am excited about the beginning of the Halloween season. It's my favorite! I just reached 200 articles for Suite 101 this month (woohoo!) and the bulk of them have been Halloween articles. I even started my own Halloween website, and published a Halloween book! (of course, this has left me with little energy for Halloween decorating this year and I'm scared the neighborhood kids will be disappointed. Well, I'm sure I'll throw SOMETHING together!)
Now, what am I going to be for Halloween?!
(check out the pic of my house at Halloween!)
Posted by Mary McCarthy
If you are a stay at home mom like me, you were counting down the days til summer, and now you are counting down the days til school starts! I have kept my kids busy this summer with the invention of "Summer Camp." No, not the summer camp you spend half your summer in the car going to and from- I was too broke for that kind!
I made my 11 year old daughter the 'Camp Counselor' and we posted hours, and rules, and I loaded her up with craft and art supplies. Every day Monday-Thursday from 1-3 (so mom can write!) the kids (my teen avoids the whole thing, but my 11 year old leads her 6 year old sister and almost-4-year-old brother) gather for 'camp.' I thought they would start to dread it but surprise! They love it! I will need another trip to the craft store for supplies soon, but the break in the day helps us all to not drive each other crazy!
I try to schedule one 'field trip' per week with the kids- a local beach, the movies, bowling- something fun on Wednesdays to break up the week. This helps, too!
In the meantime...countdown to first day of school IS ON!
Come read my personal humor blog at Pajamas and Coffee or read about the release of my new Halloween book at Creative Halloween.
Posted by Mary McCarthy
School's out, and it's time to soak in those lazy, hazy days of summer. What do you think of when you think of summer?
For me, reading a good book, wearing a big, silly-looking hat at the beach, and weeding and weeding and weeding the garden (so that I can enjoy fantastic-looking summer blooms!) are all part of enjoying summer at home. Listening to my four kids splashing in the backyard pool and going out for sno-cones (all the rage here in Maryland!) are welcome bonuses to my summer fun. Here are some articles to help you enjoy summer!
Patriotic Home Decor for the 4th of July
4th of July Quotes and Sayings
and check out Creative Holiday Celebrations for more cool ideas!
Now sit back, relax...and enjoy your summer!
P.S. Swing by my personal humor blog Pajamas and Coffee anytime!
