Family Archives

VIDEO ON HOW TO ADD CHILDHOOD KEEPSAKES TO THE DECOR

February 2, 2022

This is an updated post (and video) to this post. It’s all about creative ways to add childhood keepsakes where everyone can see them.

Hello! Have you checked on your childhood keepsakes? Do you have them in a storage tub or file box? Please stay a minute or two to find inspiration on how to add childhood or family keepsakes to the decor.

how to add childhood keepsakes and family heirlooms into decor

I shared an updated video on how to add childhood keepsakes to bookcases and corners. You can scroll to the bottom for the video at the end of the post or there is a link to my Youtube channel a few scrolls below. If you leave a comment or follow you can enter to win this Pottery Barn gift card.

The key is don’t overthink what you want to display. The memories and laughs are the goals of this rainy or snowy day Saturday afternoon project.

If they are like most of mine they are in storage boxes underneath the stairs in the basement. Until recently, the boxes were filled with art projects, Mother’s Day cards, Thanksgiving turkey recipes and holiday crafts.

Tucked in other boxes were my children’s first swimsuits (they were so tiny) and their baptismal outfits and blankies. Some of the keepsakes stayed tucked safely inside for another time.

HOW TO ADD CHILDHOOD KEEPSAKES

But others, too cute to not display, needed to be in the heart of the home.

My son’s cowboy boots are a favorite of mine. Now they have a new job title: bookends.

I smile every time I pass his little mud-caked boots I smile. They just make me smile.

If you are going to bail on this post watch the video. It’s a favorite of my new youtube channel.

My daughter’s pottery pieces are now tucked into the boxwood planters. Here glass marble stepping stone has seen better days (it had an unfortunate run-in with the edge of the lawnmower wheel), but it’s tucked between these pavers.

Adding childhood keepsakes into the decor (and they can be your own or spouses or parents’ keepsakes just make sense. Why not do it now?

And, with that realization, I sorted through a few favorites and worked them into the decor. And you know what happened? I smile every single time I pass these family keepsakes and works of art. Scroll below for the updated video. The first one was in the early days of my Youtube channel.

Below is the trifecta for one of my boy’s favorite, childhood keepsakes. The video shows my enthusiasm for this project idea.

CHILDHOOD KEEPSAKE VIDEO

It is a reminder to pull those keepsakes out of storage and share the memories with your kids, family and friends. They will love the stories. Here is a 80-second video I made on how and more importantly why I add child and family keepsakes to the decor.

I shared a little love with the future owners of our home when I dropped a few school crafts into this time capsule during our kitchen renovation.

HOW TO DECORATE AN APARTMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

December 7, 2021

These holiday decorating ideas were in collaboration with my daughter. I asked her if I could help her figure out how to decorate her new space for the holidays. I told her I was writing a post on ideas on how to decorate an apartment for the holidays.

Once she reminded me her place is a condo she was on board.

She agreed but with two conditions: her condo must stay in an uncluttered state and it could not look like her childhood home (ie: our current home).

Basically, she did not want an industrial meets farmhouse look in her brand new, downtown Denver space.

Unfortunately, the tryptophan from the Thanksgiving turkey kicked in and I crashed on my daughter’s sofa while her brothers assembled/rearranged her furniture.

how to decorate and apartment for the holidays

We were not in her condo a minute before her brothers complained about the lack of food or beverages in her fridge; not a pretzel or a tortilla chip (or salsa) on site.

Neither of her brothers wanted to walk the 23 feet across the street to Whole Foods.

Thankfully, my tryptophan-induced nap was short and I was back on track to add a little Christmas to her 857 sq. foot home.

HOW TO DECORATE AN APARTMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Just remember the struggle is real for these busy, young professionals. The adulting part of managing cash flow, car payments and insurance deductibles can be overwhelming during their first year of employment.

KITCHEN OR BATHROOM

The holiday decor staples for a kitchen or bath are the same. You only need to add two items. But they must be BRAND NEW; seasonal soap and hand towels. The keyword here is brand new. It is amazing what a brand new polar bear hand towel and decorative foam soap can do to space and to one’s morale when the sun sets before the end of the workday.

ADD A PLAID THROW (ANYWHERE)

A holiday throw is a cozy addition to a couch. And, it is a great way to tuck yourself in with a bowl of popcorn during the workweek. When my daughter picked the identical throw that I bought for our house I smiled.

CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS DECOR

I snuck a few Christmas decor pieces from our daughter’s Christmas decoration tub from her childhood home.

My grandmother gave me a similar ceramic tree when I was little. Traditions are always an easy and meaningful way to add one’s past to the current decor.

ADD JINGLE BELLS

I love jingle bells. I always think of Clarence from It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s like Clarence is greeting her with a “Welcome home.” every time she comes through her front door.

I took these bells from my office. Super easy!

ADD BOUGHS OF GREENS

Fresh evergreens are perfect. They don’t take up much room and they can be tucked into the smallest shelves or windowsills. And, they smell like Christmas. Just toss them on the kitchen counter add a few ornaments and call it a day.

Two minutes to go!

HOLLY BERRIES

It’s never to early to teach your Millenial the power of red during the holiday season. I grabbed a few batches of faux berries that had accumulated at the bottom of a storage tub.

I grabbed this upcycled jar and married the two.

Simple.

CANDY CANES

The easiest and tiniest holiday decor staple is a mason jar filled with candy canes. I thought about creating a mini hot cocoa station like this one.

I was concerned it might violate one of the two conditions she had put forth earlier that day.

So I stuck to candy canes.

I borrow these suggestions when I have a listing during the holidays. Or, a decor challenged seller!

Check out my Instagram for Everyday Edits you can make wherever you dwell.

Have you helped your young adult settle into their new space? Share how you did it!

DO THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE THANK YOU NOTES

August 31, 2021

Sharing a simple way to repurpose your favorite thank you notes

Growing up the best way to kill the Christmas fun was when mom reminded us we had to write our thank you notes before we returned to school.

I dreaded the idea of spending eight minutes of my remaining Christmas vacation writing thank you notes.

But once pencil and paper were in motion it was always a warm feeling of accomplishment. And handwritten thank you was the best memory to thank my grandparents for the Barbie Pop-up Camper.

Now? I am grateful my mom instilled in us the power of gratitude when the pencil hit the cardstock.

DO THIS WITH YOUR FAVORITE THANK YOU NOTES

I save my favorite thank you cards from my kids or my girlfriends or just thank you cards that make me smile. It almost borders on hoarding, but for now, it reminds me of the lesson learned from my parents.

This simple idea hit me when I received the sweetest thank you from my niece. I smiled with her perfect penmanship and heart-filled thank you.

And instead of dropping it into a box dedicated to thank you notes, I tucked it inside my favorite cookbook.

And a new tradition for thank you cards began. Now when I want to save a page I add a recent thank you note between the pages of favorite recipes inside this cookbook.

No more sticky notes between salad recipes.

Instead, I get a mix of thank you notes from friends and family who still write and mail a note of gratitude instead of a text with emojis.

And by repurposing these cards of gratitude I get the unexpected joy of rereading a thank you every time I make this recipe.

Please pin for your upcycle boards!

THE WEEKEND EDIT #30

February 27, 2021

sharing family stories and fun finds on the Weekend Edit

Happy Saturday!

Quick question? Are dogs allergic to nuts?

Elliott (our Berner rescue) is recovering from an allergic reaction of unknown origin. I shared his symptoms in my Stories over the weekend. This is the face he makes at the vet.

Do they make epi-pens for dogs? Elliott may need a little epi-puppy pen until we figure out the source of his allergy. Here is what went down:

The other day I reached into the back seat (which I will never do again after watching the first episode of this amazing show with Bryan Cranston) and I spilled my Realtor life container of mixed nuts.

When I got home I scooped up a handful on the floor of the backseat and just tossed the mixed nuts into the driveway for the birds. Now I am wondering if Elliott got into them and had an allergic reaction.

This is Elliott finally settling down with our favorite blanket to fight over in the family room. With that face I might buy him his own blankie.

My husband told me he wants to get a ….. paint sprayer. What could possibly go wrong?

Here is a peek of our living room this week.

My husband has many talents but apparently, the one that will have the ladies lining up at the door (or on a dating site in the event of an “accidental incident with his first wife (me), is for his carpentry skills.

And, the busier he is with work the more he whittles away in his garage.

Last week I shared these ideas for our 2 story living room wall. I was so excited until he mentioned a paint sprayer.

Anyone from Colorado?

I have a flurry of first-time home buyers and these young professionals are getting shut out of the Denver real estate market with appraisal gaps, cash offers and buyers waiving inspections. My daughter who owns a condo in downtown Denver is getting nervous that she may have to live with us (again) to save money to buy a future home.

Movie and Book Critic

I follow and I am a friend to a blogger who gives the best movie, shows and book reviews. Stop by Katie’s blog and tell her Laura sent you over for her favorites. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to Katie’s suggestions.

Vegan Recipes

I started a vegan board because of another blog friend, Heather who shares great recipes and Trader Joe’s finds. Tell her Laura sent you!

Tiered Tray Inspo

If you want the sweetest blogger who is as adorable as she is kind, please stop by Andrea’s blog.

I bought this tiered tray because of Andrea’s amazing holiday and seasonal tiered trays.

This is my version… #goals.

Mountain Home Envy

If you want a little mountain home you have to check out Jennifer at Town and Country where she shared this home and a few more.

Instagram Prompts

Having commitment issues with Instagram? Joanne Hawker shares free, monthly printables to get you on track.

Thank you!

Thank you for stopping by today. If you have a blog you would like featured please email me at laura@everydayedits.co and send me the link!

If you have a friend, sister, mom or neighbor who may enjoy a little Everyday Edits please sign them up (with their permission) here.

WEEKLY IDEAS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

5 LAST MINUTE ONLINE GIFTS FOR ADULTISH KIDS

December 22, 2020

last minute online gifts for adultish kids

Are you dashing through the snow (or snirt) this week? My husband is notorious for last-minute gift buying for the kids. These last-minute buys are in addition to the ones he maintains on a spreadsheet.

last-minute-online-gifts

Some of our kids have calculator minds and you can see her adding up the per sibling totals. She is a CPA. #wink

last-minute-online-gifts

This shortlist is like the bonus round for last-minute buys or stocking stuffers. And, they are all purchased online with electronic delivery so you could purchase these on Christmas Day.

LAST MINUTE ONLINE GIFTS FOR ADULT-ISH KIDS

AIRLINE GIFT CARDS With remote work options getting away for a weekend can start on a Thursday with a workday on Friday in a different city.
ACORNS SAVING ACCOUNT I started an Acorns account a few years ago. It works by “rounding up your purchases to the next $ and the difference is set up in an investment account. You choose the level of investing and you can attach one or as many credit cards to participate in the roundups. Acorns is great for beginner investors, college and adult-ish kids who can passively save money without much effort or thought. For me, it’s a set it and forget it type of investing. I call it a bonus account since it is in addition to our more traditional savings and investment accounts. Here is an affiliate link to join and Acorns pays it forward to send you a link too.
DECOR STEALS gift card for the farmhouse loving friend or family member (affiliate).
JANE.COM This site should come with a warning. This online site is like shopping at Homegoods from your couch. It includes seasonal finds, really cheap trends (clothing) and etc.
UBER EATS If you have a college-age student at home or living on campus you know the value of Uber Eats when your adultish child is landlocked on a campus. Costco has $100 gift card value for the price of $80.

Merry Christmas!

last-minute-online-gifts

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LEFTY IN YOUR LIFE

November 29, 2020

Gift guide for stocking stuffers for the lefty in your life. Affiliate links included.

Raise your hand if you are a lefty? Which hand did you raise? Now, raise your hand if you have a lefty in your life or family?

Today is all about a stocking stuffer gift guide and ideas for the lefty in your life. And, a tip for all the new to tennis right-handed tennis players who play against a lefty.

I have two lefties in my life; my sister and my middle child (aka my lefty).

This auntie-nephew duo bonded over their shared ability to use their left hand to write, color, and nail a kick serve.

Sidenote: My boys always just shake their head when I tell them it took me a full set (of a tennis match) to realize my opponent was a lefty.

Both my sister and middle survived penmanship, notetaking with pen and pencils and embraced the lefty club that includes presidents and 12% of the population.

Auntie Tricia and Erich’s lives (and Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush & Obama) would have taken different directions had they lived a few centuries ago.

We knew our son was a lefty pretty early on, but I never thought about how it impacts his daily routine like hand washing.

For over a decade when I cleaned the boys’ bathrooms I constantly rearranged my lefty’s side of the sink. I never gave it a second thought until one day I noticed where he used his soap dispenser.

Of course, this is a first-world problem, but as his mom, I should have picked up on it sooner.

Everything he does is backward to me. And, for years he has said the same thing about living in a right-handed-styled house. #wink

There are so many fascinating reads about the historical significance of left-handedness.

So for any and all of the lefties in your life here is a gift guide for a few stocking stuffer ideas.

GIFT GUIDE FOR LEFTY IN YOUR LIFE

Have you ever watched a lefty open a can of green beans or a can of Libby’s pumpkin?

Lefties will appreciate an ambidextrous can opener like this one.

Or here is one that will stand out in a utensil drawer for the lefty in your life.

As a teacher, my sister was more excited about these left-sided spiral notebooks and pens.

My son transitioned to a new version of an iPad for school this year and will likely never use a spiral again.

Next up is a pair of scissors that are made for an adult. When my middle was in elementary school there were plenty of left-handed scissors. But, it was like the scissor manufacturers decided lefties would outgrow the need for a household pair of scissors.

If you want to understand a lefty’s struggle just trying using right-handed scissors with your left hand.

Sidenote: Like most lefties, they adapted to the right-handed world of scissors.

Lefties (might argue) that is it their ability to adapt that makes them so special.

This mug makes for a fun gift idea or thinking about you gift.

These left-handed pens make a fun stocking stuffer.

These scissors and I love the green so it pops out of the junk drawer.

And, finally, tennis balls make great stocking stuffers for right and left-handed and four-legged family members!

Time magazine weighed in on the history of lefties too.

Before you leave you may want to take this lefty quiz for fun. And, mark your calendar for August 13th-National Left-Handed Day.

I Blinked Letter to My Son Four Years Later

November 6, 2020

Well, this is a four-year draft I found while cleaning up my 50 + saved blog drafts. I wrote this four years ago when I blinked.

Dear Diary, We leave this weekend to take my son (my lefty) to college. With six checked bags and just as many trips to Ikea and Bed, Bath & Beyond it will be a long, humidity filled few days. I wanted to share a few moments captured over the years. I blinked.

Although the photos are my memories, the emotions and feelings of mothers are universal. Perspective and gratitude are close to my heart as our middle child begins this new chapter.

Our son is ready. Um.. we will get there too!

I have a huge list of to-do’s when we return from the “drop off” at his mid-west university. But on this day I realize I did what all mothers do …

I blinked…

I turned around…

We washed this blue Gap sweatshirt 3,432 times. Oh and that was a Blues Clues cake. Whatever happened to Steve?

That one time, you asked, “What dat?” when we introduced you and your sister to your forever baby brother. And, then you fought over him with your sister, nearly pulling him off the side of the couch.

that hair…..

That time you were mad and you …

“Erich, did you just tell your little brother there is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and Leprechaun in one sentence?”

…the bond with your siblings is just beginning.

Always throw mom under the bus if it means the three of you can stay close and share a few laughs.

Remember that time your sister showed you the benefits of a good skincare regimen? Your younger brother maintained his facials when he ordered this on our Amazon account.

… never give up… hard work yields lessons that will last a lifetime …

Remember that year you won two state championship titles …

that competitive drive will translate to new chapters and goals.

the man who showed you what integrity, perseverance and kindness look like …

If you want to know a man’s character; look at how he treats God’s creatures…

I blinked

I believe in you and love you unconditionally. Unconditionally. Trust your instincts, show kindness and respect to yourself and to the greater glory of God.

AMDG

Eat, sleep, study and have fun. You will make lifelong friends in college. Text me once every few days; but no less than every three days.

please

I will inevitably have an ugly cry moment when I give you that dorm room hug and goodbye.

But, your dad and I will be okay. We certainly don’t want you living at home this fall.

Trust me, I have a list of DIY projects to keep your dad busy between now and Thanksgiving.

You are ready…

I can’t wait to watch you from the sidelines and bleachers.

My middle is now a senior in college. He called us the other day to tell us he is having his best year ever!

Knoxville, TN Remote Area Medical Internship

Before you go here are a few gift ideas for the adulting kids in your life.

Marriage Diaries & Working from Home Suggestions

July 24, 2020

Dear Diary,

I almost went all “What are you wearing Jake from State Farm?” on my husband’s telephone the other morning. I was the crazy, bathrobe wearing wife, grabbing my husband’s phone to disable the speakerphone. I don’t even know if he knew he had it on speaker. What I needed in that moment were a few working from home suggestions.

So how you doing?

Working from Home (Together) Suggestions

If you and your spouse are now working from home, was it a seamless transition with glitter and twinkly lights in the office?

My husband was ecstatic about his new home office. I wondered if there was such a thing as one being too happy. #wink #thinkingoutloud

Apparently, over the years, one of us grew accustomed to working remotely in her brownstone in the suburbs home.

As a Realtor, my hours and days are fluid. I may be at home for an entire day followed by a day of showings.

March arrived after a fairly mild winter and we made plans for spring break. And, within 24 hours, with flights back to Denver our house was at capacity with me, my husband and our two “still in shock” college-age sons.

It was temporary I reminded myself. This would pass.

Ten days into the stay at home guidelines, my husband discovered he was way more productive in his home office. I was afraid that would happen.

We were completely different in our work habits. And, our new workday routine looked nothing like a Hallmark movie.

We scheduled a Zoom call with our therapist to brainstorm the whys behind my strong reactions to my husband’s work habits.

Apparently, my need for privacy and quiet goes back to my childhood where being one of five kids meant there was little of either.

And, after years of being the only one working from home, my husband’s work habits and home office unleashed my inner control freak tendencies.

Over the course of a few weeks, we settled on a healthy work environment. Now? We are happily married (most days). It turns out we (okay me) just needed a few ground rules to peacefully work from home.

Suggestions to Work from Home

Separate spaces

We are fortunate to have a finished basement. We created a bonus room to accommodate my husband’s and boys’ after-hours office time.

2. Invest in a 2nd Printer

We both agreed listening to a printer churn out pages disrupts one’s concentration. Or, walking in on a conference call to retrieve documents from the printer is a bit of a distraction.

2 . Lunch Breaks

I knew I was not the only one who struggled with my new co-worker over the lunch hour. One blogger lamented her husband asked what’s for lunch every day.

As my brilliant husband describes; lunches disrupt the work flow. We save dinner for a meal and conversation.

3. Work Day Hours

I start my days early. I love quiet time and coffee. Somedays he has 15 hour days and other days he is done by noon.

We talked about it.

4. Acknowledge your Work Habits

Where I like to hunker down from 8:30-5 pm with a 15-minute lunch break. He likes to take breaks, pop his head into my office and share the details of his day. We acknowledged our differences and came to a mutual understanding.

5. Conference Calls

My husband is chatty. I am chatty with my sister and girlfriends. My husband is genuinely friendly and outgoing every.single.minute of the day. I am more chatty after a productive morning or a workout. Or, a gallon of coffee.

Working from home is an adjustment. He loves working from home and I know it is more productive for him too.

We have settled into a routine that feels balanced. It turns out I will not need Jake from State Farm. Looks like we made it.

I shared our recent marriage diaries post and our anniversary story here.

Looking for new shows? Here are a few favorites.

How to Stay Connected to Adult Children

March 17, 2020

When I recently heard Maria Schriver mention something about how to stay connected to our children I knew I had a good idea. And, like most good ideas I forgot about this post. And, then I got an Amazon text alert and knew this alert was a fun example of how to stay connected to adult children.

Technically, I have two adult children; one lives and works in downtown Denver and my middle (my lefty) lives in Minnesota where he attends college.

But Amazon proves to be a fun way for us to stay connected as a family.

So here is how we roll in our family; a little bit of sarcasm, an occasional toss under the bus, lots of laughs, and a network of support from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.

How to Stay Connected to Adult Children

Who in your family gets the automatic Amazon alerts? The ones where you are nowhere near an Amazon shopping cart, but a family member, with access to the account, just bought something on your Amazon account.

Do you know what I am talking about? At our house, my husband and I have an Amazon account tied to our credit card. Our adult children have their own accounts tied to their respective accounts or graduation gift card balances. One of my children always tells me when he charged a textbook to our master account because that falls under an educational expense.

Our daughter sometimes, accidentally, purchases throw pillows with pom pom trim on our account. And, then guess who bought her own set?

Recently, I received an Amazon alert that someone in the family purchased this product on Amazon (I get purchase alerts when our credit card is charged).

But when I saw the ship-to address I thought, “Oh, this is too good not to send a group text to the kid.

I knew my husband didn’t order this product. So I sent the following group text to the kids and Auntie Tricia because Auntie Tricia is the closest thing to their second mother.

And, that simple question generated two simultaneous group chats/texts through the evening. Everyone weighed-in- including Evan’s uncles and Auntie Tricia. She always has something to say.

And, without asking Evan a dozen questions about classes and mid-term results, we focused on a $13.95 Amazon purchase of facial cleanser and a bag of chips.

This is a pre-break out photo of Evan.

He is older and stronger as evidenced by this order that crossed over my alert messages.

If you have college + age kids, some of you might relate to this quandary. You know, when you really, really want to check in on your kids, but you have used up your phone call minutes from your weekly Sunday calls and it’s only Thursday. And, we all know Thursday is a big study day on campus. #wink #snarky #snarcasm.

So sometimes, I share our status updates with the kids.

You know, in case they are asking. Humor works very well with my kids and me. My husband learned this years ago.

Or, when their dad got pulled over twice inside seven days. Just so you know, “We are headed to church” was not well received by the police officer. Good news, he did not end up in jail decide the text message below.

It just takes a minute to share and it inadvertently gives mom assurances her kids are good. As long as mom is trending among her kids; I don’t mind if I get tossed under the bus with my adult children. Nothing makes me happier than my children’s laughter.

How do you stay connected to your adult children?

On another note, with time on our hands, this month here is a fun project to start. Check out this shortlist if you are looking for gift ideas for the adulting kids in your life.

IRELAND TRIP TO CELEBRATE THE PAYOFF OF AN SBA LOAN

November 16, 2019

Dublin is the perfect destination for your first oversee’s travel. Other than the stay-focused on the round abouts and the other side of the road brain retrain. It was perfect. With rolling hills and sheep just outside Dublin’s city limits. Our Ireland trip was a celebratory trip for me and my husband after paying off a SBA business loan after ten years and five months.

Ireland was the perfect place to catch our breath and celebrate.

OUR TRIP TO IRELAND

Dublin was like a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life.

Except, in any Dublin pub you are bound to hear a specific swear word used in every part of speech.

But when you add an Irish accent the swear word sounds poetic when used as an adverb, adjective, verb, noun, and preposition. If you know an Irish man or woman (I work with one) or have enjoyed a few Irish guys at a rugby match (my son played rugby in high school) you know that word.

But that word was not offensive with an Irish accent.

We spent the majority of our Ireland trip in Dublin. Walking the Trinity College campus had me on my phone texting my daughter to consider grad school in Dublin and maybe meet a cute Irish boy with an Irish accent. #momstop

Every morning we woke up and found these on the streets.

And, of course, no trip to Ireland would be complete with a little Guinness. We did a self-guided tour which means we sampled when we wanted and on every floor. I think a tour would have been more fun.

Some of you know I have a thing for clocks. These clocks were in the Guinness museum. The details got a little blurry by the 3rd floor.

And, finally, I loved the message on this awning outside a little cafe.

How to Host a College Care Package Party

September 10, 2019

college care package parties may look a little different in the fall of 2020. This party can be adapted to a virtual party!

My youngest son just left for college. When I boarded the plane for the 2.75 hours return flight, I went thru a stack of Frontier napkins. My daughter suggested I watch this show for the return flight. These guys made me laugh and cry during each 47-minute episode. And, I remembered how much fun I had attending a college care package party. So today I want to share how to host a college care package.

How to host a college care package party —

Tip: Always include goodies or a separate care package for your child’s roommate—

The first college care package party I attended was hosted by the mom of one of my daughter’s friends. The party was the perfect way to celebrate this new transition and kick off the semester.

The hostess picked up and assembled large USPS Priority boxes in advance. She remembered the packing tape too! That was why she was the hostess!

In advance of the party, the moms were instructed to purchase small, inexpensive items for each of the girls. Our imaginations limited only to the dimensions of the USPS Large Priority Box.

Suggested care package items include:

tissues
Cracker Jack’s
gum
microwave popcorn
snack sized snacks
hand sanitizer or wipes
seasonal items from the dollar section at Target
lip balm

Suggestion: Always include extra goodies for your child’s roommate.

The hostess served wine and light appetizers. We shared a few tears but ended with lots of laughs and new favorite tradition.

We included notes of good wishes to all the girls. I brought these Hershey kisses with encouraging messages I found here.

This was my daughter’s care package. All I had to do was ship the box!

How to Host a College Care Package

Care package parties are not limited to the beginning of the school year. I made as Easter theme care package the year I son could not come home for the Easter weekend. He was in North Carolina for a college tennis tournament and could not make it home for Easter. I made sure this bunny theme care package was waiting for him.

I tucked a funny Irish blessing card I found in Dublin.

A college care package party was the perfect way to connect with the other moms. It kept our thoughts focused on our daughters’ new adventures!

Good luck to all you first-timers college freshmen parents. Stay connected, but don’t hover. #wink