Today I am sharing with you a perfect fall activity for adults and children alike. We are crafting a nature wreath and baking muffins. Enjoy!
With Thanksgiving being just two days away, I like to begin upping the ante on crafts and involvement from the kiddos. We've had a fair amount of sickness running through our family recently. It's been a hectic week shuttling back and forth to doctor visits. So today we decided to take things very easy and stay home. We spent our afternoon enjoying all Autumn has to offer. We took a nice walk in the fresh air and savored a yummy, warm treat. It was a win-win for all of us.
"Today's moments are tomorrow's memories."
I put some black eyed peas in the crockpot last night after the children were in bed. This morning I whipped up some fresh rice and cornbread to go with it for our lunch today. After lunch, I loaded the kids into their red wagon and we took a walk around our neighborhood gathering leaves, sticks and acorns for our nature wreath.
To make a nature wreath you'll only need a few supplies:
~Cardboard
~Glue
~Leaves, sticks, acorns, pine cones, greenery, etc.
*Optional- I sprayed mine with clear acrylic once complete.
Instructions:
~Cut a wreath out of your cardboard. Basically a giant circle and you puncture a hole through the center and cut out another circle to create a "wreath".
~Glue on your nature finds.
*I used a hot glue gun for the larger leaves and the acorns. My four year old used a bottle of Elmer's glue for the smaller leaves. The larger leaves wouldn't stay put without the help of some hot glue.
Finally, and totally optional, I sprayed ours with some clear acrylic I had on hand.
After we completed our wreath and left it outside to dry, we all came inside and took a cozy nap on the couch by the glow of the Christmas tree.
Later that evening, we had supper and baked muffins. My daughter really enjoys these muffins in particular so I usually make them a handful of times throughout the Fall season. Recipe below.
Banana-Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2/3 cup mashed, very ripe bananas (two small bananas)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping: 1/4 sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup butter-melted
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 12 regular sized muffin cups with shortening or spray, or line with paper baking cups.
In a medium bowl, beat 2/3 cup of sugar, the oil and eggs with wire whisk. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Stir in remaining muffin ingredients just until moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake 17-21 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Dip tops of muffins into butter and then swirl in the cinnamon, sugar 'topping'.
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, I encourage you to spend an afternoon at home. See what fun you can have right in your own backyard. Go on a simple walk, enjoy the crisp air and golden leaves; taking time to slow down and create memories. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
~Crissy
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