Halloween Events in Northern Virginia (2012)

We don’t make a big deal out of Halloween here at the Yankee Homestead, but we do let the boys dress up and do something fun that night.  This year, a business trip will prevent Mr. Native Texan from joining the festivities on the 31st.  I know my limitations, and will not attempt to feed the munchkins, dress them in costumes, take them out into the night and then return home to do baths and bedtime routines all on my own.

So, we decided to find a fun Halloweenish activity we all could do together on a day other than the 31st.  Our search led me to a few resources I thought I’d share, in case anyone else is in a similar situation, or is just looking for something fun to do over the next week or so (including Halloween night).

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DIY Harvest Sign

I have this friend who is super-crafty.  She’s made several good-looking signs that inspired me to attempt my own: if she can do it, I can do it, too!  (Right?)

See? Hers are so cool.

She made it sound so easy, but her signs definitely look more professional than mine.   Quirky Rustic is sort of my theme around here, though, so my sign works for me.

Master Bedroom Makeover: nightstands in distress

Want to see the old-dressers-turned-nightstands process?

Dresser #1, BEFORE. This one came from craigslist.  I was not a big fan of its green paint, or dated hardware.  But it was the perfect size and shape!

Master Bedroom Makeover: finished for now…

The following is a perfect example of all the reasons why I love to decorate with junk!  (Read more about that here).

Master Bedroom, BEFORE. As in, before we bought the house. Let’s just say the decor didn’t quite jive with my taste.

Good Night, Sleep Tight: Favorite Bedtime Books for Toddlers & Preschoolers

If there are little people at your house, you probably have Goodnight Moon memorized by now.

And Good Night, Gorilla.  And possibly Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book.

These all are wonderful books, and we do love them here at the Yankee Homestead.

Older Brother at 9 months, listening to the Spanish version of Goodnight Moon

But sometimes, even Goodnight Moon can get old (even in Spanish).

So, here are a few of our very favorite books with a bedtime theme:

Goodbye To Toxins (Day 4): My Favorite Natural Lotions

I have a history of skin issues, including severely dry hands in the winter, acne issues and itchy rashes and hives on various parts of my body.  Thankfully, due to the MANY changes we’ve made here at the Yankee Homestead, these conditions have vastly improved.

These are the brands of lotion I used before, thinking they were safe.  Because, after all, many were DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED.  And if a dermatologist recommends it, it MUST be safe, right?     😉

Chapman DeMary Trail in Purcellville, VA (and a few of our favorite nature gear items for kids)

To celebrate the newly arrived fall weather (a few weeks ago), the boys and I packed up our nature gear and a picnic lunch and headed out to explore a new trail.

Our favorite on-the-go nature guides and magnifying glasses.
(See below for purchasing details).

Quintessential Fall Day: Pumpkin-Picking at Wegmeyer Farms

It’s very rare that we have a Saturday with absolutely no plans.  Today was that day, and we had BEAUTIFUL fall weather to boot!  What’s more, it was opening day for the pumpkin farm located just a hop, skip and a jump away from our Yankee Homestead.

Want to guess what we did today?

“All Music is Folk Music”: favorite albums for family listening

“All music is folk music, I ain’t never heard no horse sing a song.”

–Louis Armstrong, one of the greatest artists in jazz history

Sadly, all music is NOT folk music, and some kids’ music is downright annoying.

Tired of listening to Veggie Tales and The Wiggles?

Looking for a great gift for a young friend or a family with kids?

Try some folk music!

We LOVE folk music here at the Yankee Homestead.

Photo by Runder