Am I really doing a whole post about this electronic device? Yes, yes I am. I am not on the Echo advertising team (although I should be...I tell everyone about this!). I just had to share. I'm always looking for ways to simplify so I can have more reserves for creativity. This little device really has helped in that department. The day "Alexa" (this is the Echo's name...kind of like Apple's "Siri") arrived, I inwardly ...
My Creative Life
8 Ways Service Can Help Your Kids Become Awesome Adults
I'm always looking for ways to reverse the damage I'm pretty sure I'm doing on a daily basis over here (kidding...kind of). I talk a lot about creativity and nature and how both of these things have really made my job as a parent easier. But, did you ever stop and think that regular, consistent service can make a huge difference in the development of kids? After a bit of research, I found some pretty incredible ways service (at home or in the ...
Teaching Our Children To See Goodness and to Love
In a world full of half-truths about what it means to be successful and happy; It's natural to want our children to be equipped with a deep knowledge that they have value and that they are loved. We want them to be kind and to see the needs of others. To be helpers. I think back on my own upbringing and realize that this was an outlook my parents tried to give me every day in a way that I am just now discovering. There is one memory in ...
How Community Service Changed Our Homeschool
My parents tried to teach me that service to those in my congregation and community is at the heart of a happy life. I have been lucky to have that example and habit in my life from the beginning. And although we are not always the best at it, Jeff and I are trying to do the same for our kids. We want them to have eyes to look outside of themselves, to see, and to bless others. We also want to celebrate their creativity and natural artistic ...
Free Apron Pattern – Using a Table Runner – Fast and Easy
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This "oldie but goodie" may seem a little outdated but it is such a great first time sewing project for kids and newbies alike. Sewing is such a great way to make art because it's usable! :) If you are looking for more ways to get art and creativity into your life, join our community below! From the Archives: June 2009 This project is so great because the table runner is ...
Easy Peasy DIY Toddler Jeans Tutorial – From the Archives
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This "oldie but goodie" may seem a little outdated but it is such a great first time sewing project for kids and newbies alike. Sewing is such a great way to make art because it's usable! :) If you are looking for more ways to get art and creativity into your life, join our community below! From The Archives: November 2009 This project was born of frustration. The girls are too ...
12 Movies That Inspire Me To Be A Better Wife
As you have probably figured out by now, here at Lily and Thistle, I like to write about two things: Family and Art/Creativity. I have an awesome Resource Library full of goodies to help you as you strive to grow in both of those areas. But, sometimes you just want to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and watch a good, inspiring movie! So, with Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share some of my favorite ...
Easy Crocheted Slippers for Beginners – From The Archives
Here at Lily and Thistle, we are all about creativity at home. This is such a great first time sewing project for kids and newbies alike. Sewing is such a great way to make art because it’s usable! 🙂 If you are looking for more ways to get art and creativity into your life, join our community below! From The Archives: November 2009 I love this slipper pattern because you really can make them any size from little baby to big, burly man. ...
Keep Little Hands Busy With This Simple Puzzle Craft
I'm reposting this from years ago. It's reminding me of how desperate I was for things to keep my kids busy during the early stage of parenting. My kids are now 10,9 and 7. I just want to say to you (as I'm sure you are searching for the same thing I was years ago - anything to keep your kids happy and engaged in creativity) that you are doing an amazing job. Keep at it! Soon they will be able to entertain themselves for hours and you will ...
Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Creative Moms
It's crunch time. Christmas is just around the corner and if you're like me, you're just now realizing it's time to get serious about gifts! If you're looking for something that will make your favorite creative mom's heart sing - or thinking about what might make your heart sing ;) I've got you covered! I put together some great budget-friendly ideas that can be to the door (or inbox) just in time for the big day! Online ...
Spring Wheat Grass Basket – Make Your Own Fresh Grass for Easter
From the Archives - April 2012 I wanted to share this with you even though it is too late for you to do it this Easter...I'm calling it "Spring Grass" because I think it is the perfect indoor decoration for the season (before or after Easter). SO easy and so pretty...and, it is perfect for kids! I'm sure you've seen tutorials all over the place on how to do this so I'll just do a quickie. I was inspired by Design Mom and Homebased Mom both. ...
I don’t want to forget….
From The Archives: July 2010 These cheeks and those eye lashes and this beautiful mess and that smile and this face her determination and focus and those little, busy hands and that sometimes I wish I had more hands that confidence and this joy her care free love for life her sense of style how she doesn't care who's around...she WILL dance and those ...