Vintage Diaper-Changing Station

  And yet another example of why I love to decorate with junk…..

Technical Difficulties

I just wanted to let my readers know that I’m experiencing technical difficulties with many links in my posts.  Please bear with me as I remedy the situation…so sorry for the inconvenience!

DIY Pallet Shelf

I love to decorate with junk.  I love to repurpose unique materials.  I love to add texture to my rooms.  I love to add storage to my rooms.  And I love me a good bargain!

In my efforts to make our playroom/all-purpose room/room where we spend 75% of our day more space-efficient, asthetically pleasing and functional, I came across this idea and instantly knew I’d found just what I needed for a certain space in that room.  Two spaces, to be exact.

Favorite Thanksgiving Poems, Hymns & Scriptures

Here are some gems for the Thanksgiving season (warning: lengthy list to follow!):

LIGHTHEARTED COLLECTIONS 

It’s Thanksgiving  (Jack Prelutsky)

NOTE:  We have this older version and I like the illustrations much better than the new I Can Read version.

Jack Prelutsky is one of our all-time favorite children’s poets.  Maybe one day I’ll do a post on our favorite Prelutsky poems….This collection of Thanksgiving poems is very light-hearted and humorous, in typical JP style.

Claude Moore Park in Sterling, VA (plus naturalist-recommended wildflower guides)

This park is a bit of a trek for us, but our visit was well worth the drive.  

What a treasure!  They have a fabulous visitor’s center, with wonderful resources for kids (and their parents).  The trails are plentiful and well-marked, with a variety of lengths from which to choose.  I highly recommend Claude Moore Park for kids and families of all ages!

And if your family is in the market for a great wildflower guide, read on for expert recommendations from a CMP naturalist.

National Collection Week: Operation Christmas Child

Did you miss this post: Are Your Boxes Packed?  Operation Christmas Child?  It’s not too late to get involved!

FREE SHIPPING TODAY ONLY at Tropical Traditions!

BREAKING NEWS:  If you’ve wanted to try any wonderful products from Tropcial Traditions, now’s your chance!

Marinated Steak Bites

This is a new favorite amongst the menfolk here at the Yankee Homestead.  Older Brother refers to it as “that steak cooked in lard.”  Mr. Native Texan calls it “perfect.”

And to think, just a few years ago I was still refusing to eat red meat, let alone buy it or cook it for my family.  I’ve come a long way!

Favorite Thanksgiving Stories for Children

Don’t you just love this time of year?  The weather is getting colder (well, for some of us) and thoughts are turning to warm sweaters, cozy fireplaces and family traditions.

Here at the Yankee Homestead, we love to celebrate each new season and holiday with a collection of our favorite stories, poems and songs*.  Below are some of our favorite picks for Thanksgiving.

*Find the poems and songs here: Favorite Thanksgiving Poems, Hymns & Scriptures

Whole Chicken in the Crockpot

The variations are endless for this timeless classic.  Here’s one that works for us!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1/2 onion, chopped (I use frozen, chopped onions)
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Homemade Herbamare, to taste