Here’s a bunch of ideas for sharing St. Patrick’s Day with your friends and family both near and far away.

1. Send a pot of gold to your family. There’s always lots of gold coin candy this time of year and anything black will work for a pot.
2. Cut out different colored stripes of paper and make a rainbow. On each strip write something you love about that person or some of your favorite memories of them.
3. Email, call or send a letter to your friends and family and tell them how lucky you are to have them in your life!
4. Send them a package of green. Yeah, money would be nice, but you can be more creative than that. There’s green M&M’s, green jelly beans, green jello, green drinks, green fruit and that’s just in the grocery store! Make sure you tie everything up with a green bow out of ribbon or yarn!
5. Get out some green paper of all different shades and cut out shamrocks of all sizes. Use them to decorate someone’s door, room, car or office. If you want to go all out, maybe write some old Irish sayings on them.
6. I don’t know what’s more fun: to write a limerick or read one. If you’re looking for a good laugh get together with some family and friends (either in person or via the phone or internet) and make up some of your own St. Patrick’s Day themed limericks. I promise, you won’t be able to get through it with a good chuckle. I know I can’t!
7. Leprechauns are said to bring luck. Get a group of kids (or adults for that matter) and go on a leprechaun hunt. Hide little leprechauns (that you cut out or bought) in your house, backyard, anywhere you can think of. When they’ve all been found have some gold coins (be they real or candy) for the people who found the most.
8. Have you had a St. Patrick’s Day themed meal? If corned beef isn’t your thing try having an all green meal. There’s salad, broccoli, apples, cabbage, limes and green food coloring which can make anything green. Then end it with mint ice cream or lime sherbet floats.
9. Serve your favorite meal on St. Patrick’s day paper plates, green plastic forks and knives, and green napkins too. You’ll feel festive regardless of what you eat!
10. Make sure you’ve picked out an outfit with green on it. It’s never fun to get pinched!

February 29 is one week away.  Most years we move from February 28 to March 1.  Come up with a way to make February 29 an added or unexpected 24 hours and make the most of of it.  Some ideas are to spend a few hours on a favorite hobby, try a new restaurant or go to your favorite one, indulge in a favorite dessert, watch an old movie or a favorite one.  What ever it is, make it “out of the ordinary.”  Check out some cute greeting cards at this site to remind friends and family about “Leap Year!”

Happy Presidents’ Day!  Today I am reminded of the many great men and women who have shaped our nation.  No one is ever perfect nor without flaws.  But we are where we are because of our past leaders.  Take a moment and reflect on those Presidents who have had an impact on you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Decorations, Cookies, Valentine Cards all make for a very fun day.  Remember — it’s never too late to send an email Valentine or phone call.  It’s a great FRIENDSHIP Day!

Ta Da!!! The Valentine Box! What a great activity to do with a child. It’s even fun to do one and give it away full of treats to someone special. Someone always needs a little love!

It’s a BIG weekend ahead if you are making those wonderful school Valentine boxes.    This is certainly a family and friend activity.  First, know the student’s ideas for his or her Valentine box.  Then gather supplies together at home, then make a trip to a craft store to pick up items and supplies that are needed.  The sky is the limit on this project!  I’m helping with two boxes for boys this weekend.  Stay tuned for the revealing on Monday!

If you are mailing a Valentine package — you best get it in the mail!  If you are not — well think of someone who could use a “pick-me-up” and send them a Valentine package.  Pack you box with goodies specific to the person you are sending it to — I send Lego’s to my grand kids and plenty of candy.  Once the box is packed, then add some pizazz to the package with stickers and stamps.  Someone is going to love it!

Surprise someone with a “Heart Attack!”  Attack a friend or relative with lots of hearts!  Whether it be an office window or door, classroom door, bedroom door or window, cover it with pink, red, purple, white hearts — all sizes.  What a great way to tell someone you love them!

A Valentine tradition for us is making Valentine cookies.  It’s especially fun if a child can help.  Flour, powdered sugar and pink can  be found somewhere on everyone helping.  I have a mini rolling pin and a variety of cookie cutters to help with the creativity.  With a swipe of frosting, they are ready to eat!  Beware — they vanish quickly!

What a great Valentine treat!  Heart-shaped marshmallows are in stores right now.  Grab a bag!

Just imagine a steamy hot cup of cocoa with a heart-shaped marshmallow floating in it.  The perfect “comfort” food with a little love.  All ages will love this Valentine!