Monthly Archives

August 2019

  • How to Add FALL Flare to any Space

    I love dressing my home in seasonal decor. The excitement of change and all the fun staples of Fall, have me pulling out the gear as soon as there’s a chill in the air. It’s a simple way to add joy to the ordinary day, especially since we’re doing an abundance of at-home activity currently.

    I find the fireplace to be the most fun to decorate. My family spends most of the time (when not outside) in our warm and rustic living room space, hence why it gets the most attention!

    For Fall, I like to add cozy accents, like pillows, blankets and candles, and I haven’t found a decorative pumpkin that I don’t like. Arranging them around the rooms according to color and texture schemes, spruces up the space with autumn spice.

    And as the days become shorter and cooler, the simple pleasures of snug and comfort carry me through the transition.

    Lighting candles helps set a relaxing mood and inspires a sense of calm. Blankets and pillows encourage rest, presence, and stillness. I also like to add that fun orange color to brighten the room, and punctuate a seasonal vibrancy.

    And if you really want to dive into the season, I’ve found a pumpkin essential oil diffuser with matching scent! However you Fall, there is an item fitting for you on our list.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links

    Below is a compilation of Fall pieces I’ve found that warm up a room and add that charming autumnal flare. Enjoy!

    These pillows are adorable, and being a big fan of the buffalo check, I may just add them to my cart!

    This versatile piece is reversible and transitions into the holiday season (if you celebrate Christmas) with a simple flip! I only wish it was categorically more generic to be used by those who practice other holiday traditions, but love that it can move from one season to the next.

    I have these pretty, rustic fixtures hanging in my home. They add a nice, warm light to any space, and definitely help cozy it up.

    Assorted fall pumpkins with that adorable orange check! 

    Fall signage, similar to the piece I have standing next to my fireplace. They can be used indoor or outdoors.

    A flicker of light without the fear of fire! Set the mood with these flameless candles you can adorn throughout the home.

    Sunflowers are a must have Fall plant to add life and brightness to any space.

    It doesn’t get any snugglier than this cozy throw, which serves a warming purpose, but is also wonderfully decorative.

    Owls are another favorite Fall staple of mine. I have a similar piece on the fireplace mantle.

    Woven baskets can hold blankets, stuffed pumpkins, or stand alone as a simple Fall accent piece.

    This pumpkin essential oils diffuser is not only adorable, but fun to fill any room with your choice of scent. While I prefer lavender or eucalyptus for calming, I’ve linked a pumpkin spice flavor below!

    Welcome to our Patch. The perfect autumn greeting!

    For More FALL FUN Check out our Fall Family Bucket List for everyone to enjoy!

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  • Help Kids Cool Down with this FREE Printable Workbook

    As part of our passion for social/emotional learning, we’re always looking for healthy cool down strategies for kids. The idea for this printable cool down workbook came to me when my son was having a big, emotional week and I wanted to offer him a solution that would not only deescalate, but help him identify his feelings and cope in a positive way.

    Now, having created 6 different worksheets to be combined into a book, I truly believe this tool will be great for parents and teachers alike!

    This workbook is a process of working through big feelings with multiple worksheets. First, it includes an emotion identifier, with easy to understand emoji graphics. Children experience meltdowns, tantrums and extreme emotions for a variety of reasons. By identifying the correct emotion, it is possible to get to the root of the cause.

    Next, the child will choose a healthy coping mechanism. Then, there is a list of calming affirmations. As we know, studies show affirmations strengthen personal foundations for happy and meaningful lives.

    The final sheets are a grounding exercise for mindfulness, and an emotion thermometer to help kids register emotional zones. Through the emotion thermometer, kids will learn how to assess themselves emotionally and recognize the importance of healthy cool down strategies.

    Our hope is that children will be able to adopt this process and continue to utilize healthy cool down methods as they grow into adulthood.

    Above is the calm down area, and worksheets filed into clear sheet protectors and placed in a binder. The binder is designed to grab & go and can be used repeatedly.

    Use expo markers on the sheet protectors and wipe them off easily to be used next time. Kids should circle their current emotion on the first sheet and circle the chosen cool down method on the next. The affirmations should be voiced out loud.

    For the grounding exercise, have the child start on the “breathe in” cloud and inhale until they reach the “breathe out” cloud. Afterwards, they can color in the rainbow as desired.

    For the final emotion thermometer worksheet, kids should color in the emotional zone they were feeling prior to the cool down exercise in the “before” column. Then, color in the emotional zone for post cool down in the “after” column.

    Easy to grab-and-go printable cool down workbook! Free download below!

    Insert a pencil bag for the expo markers and a few calming items like magnets or a fidget spinner to complete the workbook.

    The goal of teaching social and emotional skills is to build a child’s mental health and resilience—so that as they grow, they can adapt and handle what comes at them. Using this printable cool down workbook can help develop those important skills. It can also aid in self regulation and emotional control.

    For more on the importance of social/emotional learning click here!

    And for tips on fostering your child’s mental health check this out!



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