| I saw this fun little picture on Pinterest today and had to write about a little pet peeve of mine. Attempts at recreating projects found on Pinterest. I know...there are many who believe why would you spend $3.00 or more for a pattern when all you need to do is find it online and copy it?
Oops! You just found out the reason for buying the pattern after you realize your project doesn't look like the picture. The pattern would have shown you how to make it using the right materials and tools.
Why recreate the wheel when it's been done for you? The person who designed and published the pattern has done the hard work for you ahead of time so you can recreate the project you admire with joy and not wind up on Craft Fail.
| One does NOT simply recreate a project from a picture or Pinterest. You can come close or you can have a time and money wasting disaster on your hands wondering why your project doesn't look like theirs!
|  Set of crochet hooks from K-B, then a set of tatting needles (for lace making).
Hook sizes are important. They determine the size and shape of your project.
| The Most Important Tool: The Crochet Hook
You cannot, cannot, cannot use any size hook and expect your project will come out the same whether you are using a pattern or you are experienced enough to crochet from a picture.  A sample of PLARN crocheted with a size E Hook and a "G" hook. Notice the difference in size, shape and stitches? | While size is vital to your work, style is equally important. The hook should be comfortable in your hand (those with Carpal Tunnel know this to be true) to create a natural flow of motion while stitching. Styles can range from rounded heads to pointed, thumb rest/no thumb rest, deep and shallow grooves in the head and some have ergonomic handles to reduce the ache in hands after much crocheting. Of course, there is no magic secret to choosing the hook that is right for you - it is all trial and error. Many give up crocheting because the hook they are using does not "fit". Keep trying until you find the hook style that works best. A good site to visit on this topic is http://thingscrafty.com/2011/10/14/the-ultimate-crochet-hook-review.  Material choice is vital! The yarn or cottons threads used can make or break a wonderful pattern. | The Second Most Important Tool: Materials
That soft flowing scarf you saw online won't look the same if you don't know the type of yarn or cotton threading it was made from.
There are so many eye pleasing textures and colors with yarns and other materials that it's easy to get caught up in "ooh, I like that color" instead of finding the color you like in the right weight and texture. Another consideration is you will need to determine what weight of yarn to use. Think of a construction project - would you use nothing but plywood to build the walls of your dream home? | | Yarn weights are vital to the project, as much as the hook size is. Gauge comes into play here with the size of hook and weight of the materials. A pattern may call for 4 ply, worsted weight, medium weight, fingering weight - all are important to the outcome of your project. If you ignore the pattern or choose not to purchase the pattern and simply make your own, that's okay as long as you are prepared to have it coming out larger or smaller or misshapen. |  If your gauge is off it may be from wrong hook, wrong yarn or not reading the pattern correctly. *www.wooldurham.com |  It takes hours to design, write and submit a pattern. *www.all-homemade.com | The Third Most Important Tool: The PatternAs a pattern designer myself, I cannot stress enough how important the pattern is for any project. There are times when using a pattern your project may not come out as it looks in the picture and that could be a pattern error or error on your part (Hook size, yarn used, etc.). Patterns are the basic instructions of making any handmade project - again, think construction. Would you build a house without a floor plan?A good pattern will be easy for the crafter to read and provide information such as the amount of yarn or other materials needed to complete the project. It will also provide:- Gauge
- Size Hook/Needles
- Notions
- Level of Difficulty
- Finishing Notes/Instructions
| Designing a pattern is a lengthy process and as a pattern designer myself, I want to share with you what goes into those beautiful works of art. There is the initial idea, but putting that idea into sculpted shapes from yarn or other materials is done with paper and pen first. My journal is filled with pages of scribbled out sections to patterns I thought were working out; only later to discover in a test run something was missing or written incorrectly. Hours or even days later, once a pattern is complete and tested, then comes the typing. It's not as easy as copy and paste as you will see below.  Crochet chart symbols. | Pattern styles may change, but there are still (thankfully) the standards that never change - the style of stitches and how they are read.
The Craft Yarn Council www.craftyarncouncil.com provides excellent tutorials on reading patterns, choosing the right materials and tools.
Red Heart and Lion Brand Yarns also provide excellent tutorials on selecting the right tools, reading patterns and choosing the right yarns.
Check out www.yarnstandards.com for detailed information on reading patterns.
| In a nutshell if you are an experienced crafter, designer or seamstress you may stand a pretty good chance at making a similar item like the one you see online; however, if you are just beginning to explore the budding artist in you, it will do you well to consider using a pattern. Using the right tools will save you from craft fails and asking yourself why your project doesn't look like theirs!
Wishing you much inspiration and success,
Sher
Stress and anxiety will take its toll if you don't have a plan.
| I'm sure by now you have seen my statement, "Rethink the Pattern to Fit Your Ideas & Dreams". Because I do not care for self interview questions in writing I will skip that and get right to the point today. It takes a lot of planning, sacrifice, sleepless nights, anxiety and stress to rethink any plan that is worth the time. The plan which gave birth to my mission and vision was our personal plan to rescue us from near disastrous consequences nine months ago. We knew if we didn't have some form of action plan, A-Z, we wouldn't make it and the stress and anxiety would take its toll on both of us. | | What Doesn't Work
1. Not having a plan. When you find yourself in the spot of no job which means no income, loss of home, car, cell service and internet, you have to launch a plan. Any plan is better than none!
2. Panic. It never fails; you can't think or make a plan when you panic.
3. Borrowing more to stay afloat. A huge mistake! Old rule of thumb, never borrow more than your income can handle. You have no income, so don't borrow. This is where DIY comes in handy... | | What Works
1. Don't Panic! Stay calm, go about your daily routine (get up, dress, coffee, breakfast, etc.). During the day you will be busy enough with job seeking, planning and more planning. Being ready for the business of the day starts with a good routine.
2. Make a Plan (A-Z). This is your job now while looking for a solution(s) to whatever disaster(s) facing you. Assessing what you have, what you need, what you can do without, what you have for skill sets and perhaps what you can sell for temporary income (notice the "s" added - Murphy always brings his friends...remember?).
3. DIY. I cannot speak enough on how DIY saved us a large amount of money and frustration. What we didn't know how to do, we learned through self - education. What we didn't need, we didn't worry about and we didn't borrow the money for those wants. We made do with what we had (and still do). A bonus with DIY: It brings you closer as a couple/family when you work on projects together. | Let's Get Started
Now you have a brief idea of what works, there is one more vital piece: Leave Excuses Outside. There is no choice here. Excuses kill all of the best laid plans. Here are some of the more common excuses I've heard followed by the solution(s):
1. I can't write a resume or cover letter. No one ever showed me. * Libraries and the Internet offer wonderful samples of both. If you don't have the internet, your local library does.
2. I can't get to the library, or, Our town doesn't have a library. * Check with family members or friends to see if they have the internet or can take you to the library in return for a small task you can do for them (babysit, wash the car, mow the yard, shovel snow, etc.).
| See where I'm going with this? There are no excuses...leave them outside.
| Step 1. Make Your Plan | In a journal (make one from paper stapled together if you don't have one) write out all your options. Nothing fancy and for heavens sake this isn't a graded paper! Just write those thoughts and ideas down! It takes the stress and anxiety out of the situation when you see it on paper. My husband bought me a large journal and colored pens where daily I'm writing plans, thoughts, ideas, inspirations, leads and more.
When you make your plan, go beyond the budget. Be sure to include all environmental factors (housing, transportation, where you live - is it rural?) and include your what you can and cannot do (skill sets). This will help you think out of the box and rethink your plan. Do you have a trade or hobby you can explore as an optional career move? Do you need to move? What can you do with the space you have in your home? What can you make instead of buying in the store? What are your needs vs wants? Again, no excuses! If you have a few excuses, write them down as well and then write a solution next to it.
| Step 2. Put your Plan to Action DIY Sites I frequently use:
www.tipjunkie.com
www.diynetwork.com
www.craftbits.com
www.allrecipes.com
Bonus: Fresh herbs provide health benefits, make bland meals taste wonderful and we're losing weight!
| Here is where you start putting your plans into action. If A doesn't work then move to B, etc. There is always a solution and one of the best ones I have found is staying active and productive. Writing your plans, ideas and thoughts is great, but you have to put something into action.
Start small. It is probably an immediate need to make budget cuts so why not start by some DIY projects? Our budget was cut in half and I found myself looking for all the DIY projects I could to make gifts for Christmas, presents for Birthdays and other celebrations that were coming up fast. House cleaners take a large percentage of anyone's shopping/grocery bill so I found ways to make a large portion of the cleaners and other items we use daily. We also cut back on the grocery bill by cooking more and eating out less and we grow our own herbs and make our own breads (a bottle of crushed Rosemary starts at $4.98 in a national super store!) saving us more money. I can't imagine where we would be now if I had not put into action the plans, the DIY skills and self education.
Use your skills in sewing, needlework, hobbies, carpentry, cooking,gardening and more to create what you need. You will find an amazing sense of self-worth and strong sense of pride in your accomplishments as you meet each goal you set when you start small.
| Step 3. Rethink the Plan Plans are always evolving and shifting in direction; are you ready to shift in a new direction with it?
| Any good plan will need adjustments. Be prepared to move to Plan C, D, E, etc. It will happen, trust me. You can avoid plan disasters by assuring you have all required materials or suitable materials if working on a DIY project. If it's your budget and you still are short each month, rethink the plan. Perhaps you have put in more than 50 applications and no calls or job offers. That may be a sign to rethink the plan and look at a whole new career field or maybe school is right for you. Perhaps your interview clothes are outdated if the last time you interviewed was 15 or more years ago. Rethink the plan for your attire. Are there unnecessary pieces of furniture in your home, taking up space you could be using for a home business? Rethink your arrangement plan. Can you create your own home office space? Rethink and re-purpose your plans.
| I realize this is all overly simplified but it's intended to get you - the young family, persons recently unemployed, families facing health challenges - into the mode of thinking about making a plan. We may think we have one, a good one in fact - enter Murphy & his cousin, Mayhem who will leave you with more anxiety and stress than you need. Take time to rethink the plan using your ideas, dreams and goals.
Wishing you much inspiration and success today!
Sher
In my mind I still see the active and young Dad I knew growing up, who was sometime there, sometimes not. Always with a corny joke to make us kids laugh or say, "Yuck, Gross!", or put us in awe of the places he would travel to, bringing his stories and treasures home. In his career he served in the Navy, Coast Guard (retired Officer), Merchant Marines, a chef, a loan officer, a baker and now he serves his passion for cooking and food in his own catering business. Now that I think about it, my love of cooking and creating dishes that bring a harmony of tastes and sensations together comes from my Dad and that flows naturally into my passion for creating with my hands.
Dad (left) and my (now) husband, prepping food for our wedding.
| Tomorrow is Father's Day. I have been thinking for weeks about what I could do to celebrate my Dad and realized there is no gift I can ever give that will compare to the gifts he has given me. These gifts have never dulled and are renewed each day I rise.
The most important to me is the gift of unconditional love. Dad wasn't much on showing his soft side, but he knew how to love without judging, accept each of us - including me and all my awkwardness - for who we were and would be. In later years, Mom shared with me the sacrifices Dad made to assure all 6 of his children were well cared for, provided for and educated. | | Dad gave me the gift of acceptance and support. No matter what choices I made in life, I would expect either tough love (which is still love) or hear the best words ever, "I'm so proud of you, I love you!" When I decided to take on small business ownership, he didn't cringe and tell me the worst that could happen; he offered to help me with any tips, information and leads that I may need.
The acceptance and support extends to family. Dad gave me the gift of his unconditional love and support to marry the man I should have married 20 years ago. His support and acceptance brought together 2 very large families that extend coast to coast.
|
Dad (left) and my husband.
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Colonial Williamsburg, VA. A passion I share with my Dad, his love of historical places.
| Another treasured gift my Dad gave to me is the gift of appreciating art, music, cultures and people. There were not too many days when he was home that music wasn't playing or we would be treated to a drive-in movie (all 6 kids in a station wagon was an experience!). Road trips were always a "Plan B" for vacations and to some very exciting and fascinating places (most kids will never to see Slide Rock in AZ). I learned about Africa and the Maasai Warriors, the North and South Poles, Australia and other exotic places he traveled. I was fortunate to live a multicultural lifestyle and learned early on to accept others without judgment, to appreciate what we have and be open to experience what we have not yet experienced. | | Dad is a true Renaissance Man and lover of life. I have never considered him just a "Dad". He's been my mentor at times, teacher in others. He has taught by example, lead others with humility and integrity. He always provided for his family, many times with sacrifice.
Dad, thank you for the gift of understanding what life offers and how to use my passions for creating and appreciating. Thank you for teaching me that I have choices and chances to seek more, do more, be more and to seize the day. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the friendship we share. Thank you for being you - my Dad.
| |
Wow, consider these fast facts: - About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute.
- A single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade (20 years in good circumstances).
- Plastic bags remain toxic even after they break down.
- In just 4 trips to the grocery store, the average family accumulates 60 plastic bags.
http://www.reuseit.com/learn-more/top-facts/plastic-bag-facts I'm stunned. I did a short search and the fact of the matter is we still have work to do on our recycling efforts. Most know what recycling is and why we should recycle. If you need an incentive for recycling, consider it can help you or your organization raise funds. Think about the plastic bag you used to take the sweet treat to your co-workers in. I bet it went into the trash can before serving, right? If not, was it set aside to make PLARN? Plastic Yarn, made from cut up used plastic bags—the kind you bring home from the store. PLARN can make so many things - sleeping mats (for the homeless); tote bags for shopping, school, work and outings; coasters; kitchen pot scrubbers; mats for working in the garden. What other items can you think of to make with PLARN? Do you need a fundraiser but don't have the money to start one? PLARN projects make excellent fundraisers for youth groups or other organizations. It’s fast and no cost (except a little of your time) making your profit nearly 100%! Not only will your profit be high, but your group will be contributing to a better environment and left with a feeling of satisfaction brought by making green items for others in need. Below is a step by step picture tutorial on how to make PLARN to get you started on your first projects. There is no need to be an expert at crocheting as working with PLARN is excellent for anyone to learn to crochet. Included are excellent sources for PLARN patterns (I didn’t see the need to re-create the wheel here). I’d love to see some of your projects or ideas for PLARN. Have fun ! Wishing you much inspiration, Sher | First things first. You will need to know a chain and single crochet stitch. If you don't know how to crochet a chain or make a single crochet stitch, About.com offers an excellent tutorial for both chain and single crochet. http://crochet.about.com/od/learnbasics/ss/stchain.htm | Project Materials:
Size K (7 mm) crochet hook
Plastic bags (colored OK)
Scissors  Plastic bags, scissors and crochet hook are all you need to get started! |  1. Lay the bag out flat, smoothing out edges and folds.
|  2. Fold sides of bag toward middle, keeping the plastic smooth.
|  3. Fold bag in half from middle, still keeping smooth.
|  4. Still folding (last time I promise!), keeping smooth.
|  5. Using your scissors, cut off the top of the bag (handles). Keep the handles for other projects or re-cycling.
|  6. Cut the folded bag into 1" sections. It's okay if you get them a little bigger or smaller.
|  7. Take each section you cut and open them out. You should have 15 complete loops (sections).
|  8. Here's the tricky part. Lay open two sections and join together by placing one section over the top of the other. Take an end and pass through the loop that is under. Pull tight (not too tight, it will break).
|  * Here is what it will look like joined. While tying together you may want to consider wrapping into a ball that feeds from the center out.
|  * Here are a few single crochet stitches in a short chain.
| Easy! There are so many color combinations you can make with PLARN. Think of all the colored plastic bags we have given to us from stores. Here are a few tips to get you going on your project. - 1 plastic bag makes 5 yards (180") of PLARN. Most projects you will need about 125-130 yards of PLARN (or 26 plastic bags to make one tote bag). Remember, you can save 60 bags in 4 trips to the store!
- Try for color combinations of plastic bags.
- Watch density of bags. Some are thicker than others and you want to try and get as close as you can with the thickness (matching).
- Use and old hook you do not mind staining. Ink from the bags comes off on your hands and the hook (can you imagine what it does to our landfills and soil?).
- A larger hook will make larger stitches. Try using a larger hook if you just learning.
- Keep your hands dry for slipping the plastic through your fingers while you work.
And finally two sites to help with pattern ideas. Crochet Pattern Central has many great ideas for projects to get you started. - http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_029.htm
- http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/plarn_items.php
I have always been struck by a few lines in the song by Extreme, More than Words. "Now that I've tried to talk to you and make you understand...Hold me close and don't ever let me goMore than words is all I ever needed you to showThen you wouldn't have to say that you love me'Cause I'd already know."These words are not specifically what inspired me to create Aware Bears, but they played a helpful part in the morphing of a thought into a dream. The bears I make, as written about in The Process of Morphing a Dream, resulted in the making and marketing of Aware Bears. Why are they so unique? Why do I believe in them? What makes them a "need to have" item? Because they are more than words. | 
A smile expressing love and happiness is more than words can ever express.
| | Advocates need to be creative in their thinking. They should not be confined to the edges of an 8 1/2 x 11 paper or manual describing what they should feel, think or how to help. It's a calling. It's instinctual. I have stated I am a passionate advocate and for me that brought many challenges both emotionally and intellectually to my creativity. There were many times I thought there must be something more than this bracelet or ribbon to raise awareness. There must be something more than that great poster we can share with the public. So many times I felt confined to thinking "in the box" and my creativity stifled. | 
Thinking outside of the box is essential to all creative processes.
| | Punching my way out of the box was not easy. It took several months in fact of challenging the sharp corners of risk and red tape surrounding the box but with patience and maneuvering I emerged. Feeling some relief, I took my first breath. I took a second deep breath and found I could think and see dreams again. When I looked at the original Old Fashioned Bear I made I knew there was something special there. Something that people of all ages could appreciate, hold onto and feel the message it gave when they received it. I wanted to create something more than another awareness tool; it had to be unique, something needed, wanted and helpful. The morphing process began. |  I could see dreams again. | After several months of designing, redesigning, shaping, and testing with others, I finalized the Aware Bear but found I was missing the focus, or purpose of the bears. I generally will not make crafts or crochet items that are not useful (I have no tolerance for cutesy clutter). I realized they are the perfect awareness raising tool. The coordinating colors are wonderful, and the Teddy Bear is universally recognized as a symbol of comfort and love. However there is a deeper message to be read by the person giving or receiving an Aware Bear. |
PTSD Aware Bear
| First, the bears are made by a Peer Supporter - me. I was diagnosed with PTSD years back and recently am experiencing physical health challenges. That's not the message - the message is I CARE. I am AWARE of what you may be experiencing and I UNDERSTAND what it's like. More than words are sometimes all that is needed to show your support and care to someone you love or care about.
The second deep message is as a Peer Supporter or advocate, I support the need to raise awareness. Can it be done by absently agreeing to pay and extra dollar at the checkout stand for whatever cause is asking for it? Perhaps - I know that method raises a lot of money, but does it really raise awareness? Are you ever told the story behind the cause when you pay that extra dollar?
| There is a deep need in our times for more than words. Our dreams and ideas should not be contained on paper alone. Aware Bears have morphed from one small toy bear for my grandson into what I believe is a tool for awareness raising, sharing, showing your support and comfort. Combining the universal love and comfort a bear brings to all with awareness for specific causes, Aware Bears do provide more than words. They are action, they are support, they are comfort, they are love and they say I understand.
"Now that I've tried to talk to you and make you understand...
Hold me close and don't ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know." Extreme, More than Words
Wishing you much inspiration and success,
Sher
Essential Oils are merely the "oil of" the plant from which it was extracted. A little known fact: the first method for extraction and use of Essential Oil was in 1188! In all those years you can imagine there would be more than 20 uses for these exotic oils; however I will only share 20 I find are most helpful to me personally. If you have other uses, please share them with the readers! One of the ways Essential Oils have been used is medicinally throughout the centuries; however, in recent years the practice of aromatherapy - a branch of alternative medicine - has taken it's place. A disclaimer here: I do not encourage the practice of internally ingesting any essential oil. The following 20 uses are external applications only. Moving on to 20 Uses for Essential Oils . . .  1. Save $ and make your own Reed Diffuser. Using a dark colored bottle (lengthens the life of the EO), place 2 drops of EO in the bottle, fill half-way with a carrier oil, insert reeds and you are done! You can refill the reeds and oil at a fraction of the cost of store purchased diffusers.
|  2. Oil Burners can be purchased in many places online or in stores. They can fragrance a room or two in minutes, creating a lasting relaxing environment.
|  3. Place warmth or cold on the area where stress is affecting you most with a warming bag. Place on your neck, forehead, chest, lower back, etc. Apply one - two drops of EO to the bag, heat in microwave (if you desire) apply and relax!
|  4. To fragrance your environment, place 1-2 drops of EO on a cotton ball and tuck behind any item (canister, dresser drawers, etc.).
|  5. Add an exotic fragrance personal to your Soap Making.
|  6. Make your own Effusion Oil for your lamps. 2 C Alcohol, 2 drops of EO and 2 Tbsp of distilled water. Mix well and you have your own favorite lamp oil!
|  7. Adding a drop or two on a padded hangar for your closet will fill your wardrobe with freshness. Great as a gift idea!
|  8. Adding a drop or two of EO to your rinse water while cleaning will enhance the freshness. Lemon, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit and Lime are wonderful to freshen kitchen and bathroom.
|  9. Add a drop or two of Eucalyptus EO to your bath water in summer for refreshing the skin and senses and in the winter to reduce dryness.
|  10. Fragrance your home for the holiday seasons by tucking cotton balls with Cinnamon, Thyme, Mint EO applied. Simmer a few of these in a small kettle as well.
|  11. Create a unique perfume with your favorite EO. Nag Champa is a perfect place to start.
|  12. Create a peaceful and calm working environment with Grapefruit and Lavender EO blended. Great for Reed Diffusers, application to cotton balls, etc. It will enhance the moods, lift spirits and stimulate senses.
|  13. Add a drop or two while making candles or add one drop to the melted wax for extra fragrance from your candles.
|  14. Add a drop or two of lavender to your wash cycle before hanging out to dry. The results are amazing!
|  15. Make your own after shower body oil. Mix 1 cup carrier oil with 30-60 drops essential oil.
|  16. As a cleaner add several drops of your favorite EO to 1 C Baking Soda and sprinkle over mattress, couch, chairs, carpet.
|  17. Keep our Environment clean by re-using an old container or spray bottle, fill with distilled water and add several drops of EO to your preference to make a fragrant room spray. Lavender is wonderful on linens for relaxing bedtime!
|  18. One part Vinegar, one part water and a few drops of your favorite EO make a great disenfectant.
|  19. Add your favorite EO to your meditation practices, whether in the candles, oil burner, diffusers or your warming bag.
|  20. Add several drops of EO to your foot bath (Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender) for an amazing, relaxing soak.
| I hope you find these as invigorating, helpful and money saving as I have over the years. I can't pick a favorite, but if I had to, it would be using the oils as an after bath moisturizing oil. My favorite is the Nag Champa & Patchouli blend. I wish for you a passionate, successful and inspirational day!
Sher
| Father's Day is around the corner so of course I will write a post about the one special day dedicated we honor our Fathers. Sadly, I am aware Dads aren't as celebrated as Mothers when it comes to giving gifts. Is it because it is so difficult to find the right gift? Or we can't afford to get him the gifts he really wants? I have discussed this topic with my husband on many occasions and his answer is always the same, "I like gifts from the heart and hands."
Actually, most Dads will tell you they don't expect or want anything; however, another necktie in his closet probably isn't what his heart desires, though he will most likely smile, hug you and thank you for the lovely tie. Gifts from the heart are those you have put time into thinking of him, his hobbies, his favorite foods, movies and activities. Gifts from the hands are wonderful as they express your love, gratitude and admiration for the man you call Dad.
| |  Spending one on one time with a Princess is always special to Daddy. |
If you have been wondering what you could possibly give the man you think has everything, or feel your crafting skills are less than dazzling, stop that! Dads have deep appreciation for gifts that are handmade just for them or for gifts that give him recognition for working the toughest gig ever - Fatherhood.
| If you haven't found any grand ideas or just the right way to express to your Dad how much you appreciate and love him, try out a few of the awesome ideas shared here to get you started. There is no need to spend a lot of money and you don't have to be an artist in the kitchen. As long as you make one of the key materials or ingredients "love", your gift will always be treasured.
 Write a story with him as the Hero or lead character who saves the day! Decorate the book with colorful action drawings. This book is sure to be on his top 10 Favorite Books list!
|  Make a very special coffee mug that reflects his likes in life. My husband still uses this coffee mug daily, chips, cracks and all. The inscription reads, "Have a Breezy Day" and there are palm trees and clouds painted on it. Can you guess he likes Island themes?
|  Bake his favorite cookie or bread. Make a special note to read your ingredients: A lifetime of love, 2 Cups of Spice, Days of Happiness, 10 lbs of wisdom, etc. You get the idea!
|  Let the Kids (or you) wash his favorite car or truck! Be sure to take care of the inside too. Let Dad relax with a cool drink and his favorite movie while you have a little fun yourself in the water. Maybe Dad will even join with you on the water fun!
|  Give him a day out to do what he wants. Fill the tank, pack his favorite snacks and drinks in a cooler and turn him loose! In case he's not interested in a day out, you can always give him a "Free Day at Home" where he watches, reads and relaxes as he pleases. I know some Dads who want to just be at home and hang out with their kids. Nothing wrong there!
|  Give him your 100% attention. Ask him to tell you about him. Ask him to share stories he feels are important to life. When he knows you are truly wanting to know him and connect, that is perhaps the best gift ever! You may be surprised how much he has to share.
| I believe the best gift we can give them is our time and attention and to acknowledge they are central to our lives. I'm interested in knowing what plans you are making for a gift to the special man in your life; please feel free to share your ideas and thoughts in the comment section below. Until the next post, I wish you much inspiration and success!
Sher
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