Meaningful Ways to be Intentional About Your Relationships this Holiday Season

Relationships and leading an intentional life is a topic that I love discussing. Sadly, it is not a topic that is discussed enough on this blog. With the Holidays quickly approaching and the P(l)andemic taking its toll on everyone, I felt that writing a post about being purposeful with our relationships would would be welcomed. Because, after all, it is very important that we do not forget our loved ones during the 2020 Holiday Season. Whether you are trying to social distance or not during this Holiday Season, I have done my best to include activities that are great for both social distancing or in-person activities. These are some fun ways that I plan on being intentional about all the meaningful relationships in my life this season.


Sending Handwritten Notes

For clarification purposes, I am not talking about going out and buying a Hallmark card then adding a nice little hand written diddy in the me margins. Instead, buy a unique and personalized stationery. A stationery is a personalized paper collection consisting of a blank card, matching envelopes, and (sometimes) writing utensils. If you are looking to buy a stationary, I have included some great resources below. Or if you do not want to buy anything, just use a some of your favorite pens and pencils; in some ways, this is more creative because you can get in-touch with your creative side and draw them a picture. It does not matter what route you choose to go; but when you do write your letter to your friends and relatives, be sure to tell them you have been thinking about them and wanted to know how they were doing.

Dear Lola Letterpress (ETSY)

Idea Chic (ETSY)

Cerulean Press (ETSY)

Foglio Press (ETSY)

Paper Affair Dallas

Cotton Paperie

Bake Them Something From Scratch (just because)

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

this is easily one of my favorite things on the list, simply because I love to cook. Although, I am a little biased as I have been cooking since I was 12 years old. Some of the most meaningful time I have ever spent in my life is spending time in the kitchen cooking food for others. Of course, 2020 has inadvertently turned most people into better cooks with the Covid19 lockdowns. Why not show your family, friends, and neighbors you are thinking about them by with your newly improved baking skills? Your baking options are endless. You could make cookies, a casserole, brownies, or even make them drinks. I have quite a few favorite recipes that I like. Here are some of my favorites:

Banana Cake or Banana Bread (My favorite recipe is from the Forum Feasts Cookbook … no nuts)

Skillet Cookie

Scooter’s Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti

Don’t see anything you like in the above list? Be sure to take a look at my FOOD! Pinterest board where you can find nearly 1,000 fun recipes!

Game Night

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Game night is another personal favorite of mine. Games have a wonderful way of making people laugh. Laughter is key, when it comes to bringing people together. It has an amazing way of making you feel like you have a connection with the people you are sharing your evening with. At the end the night, you will feel like you have a deeper bond with those in you family or in your circle of friends. This is why game night is so important! In a time full of uncertainty, make sure that you set time aside with your family or friends to have a game night. Depending on your group here are some fun game night options:

After Dark (Adults Only)

Cards Against Humanity

Telestrations – After Dark Edition

Madd Libs

Five Crowns

Pandemic (See what I did there 😉 )

Family Games

Madd Libs (Yes, this is great for kids too. So long as everyone keeps it G-Rated)

Uno

Apples to Apples

Dixit

Pie Face! Game

Turn your Family Room into a Cozy Theater

Photo from Pinterest

There are so many fun ways to have a movie night with your loved ones! For those who have a media room, this is a great way to use it. A regular Television is always a great option (especially when it is right next to you fireplace). Another fun option is take a small portable projector point it a blank wall and watch your movie that way! No matter what room you decide to have your movie night in, make sure that you gather all your favorite blankets, favorite snacks, and fluffy pillows. Make it a cozy night, that will be worth reminiscing on in the years to come.

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5 Fun Places in The Colony that are Great for Family Activities

I have spent an overwhelming majority of my life living in Plano, Texas. But now, my Fiance has moved to The Colony (November 2019); and in July, I will be moving in with him as his wife. Over the 25 years of living in Plano, it has been amazing to see how my hometown has grown as well the areas surrounding it. Recently, I have decided to change the focus of my blogging so that I can learn more about Frisco, The Colony, and Plano and to share what I learn about this wonderful community that I will be moving to in six months. The more I learn about The Colony, the more amazing it is to see how this community grown significantly and has become very family oriented with many fun activities. Even though Matt and I do not have children yet, we are hoping to have a few children in the future. Here are some great places I found for anyone of all ages to visit (specially families with children).


Top Golf

Photo Courtesy of Visit Dallas

There are so many fun and distracting things to do at TopGolf that we cannot possibly think of a better place to spend time with your family and friends. For the avid golfers in the group, there are about 13 golfing related games for you to play. These games include TopDrive, TopShot, and Quick 9. TopGolf also has other non-golfing games that member of your group can play; including billiards and fooseball. For those who are looking for a space to celebrate something such as a birthday or graduation, TopGolf provides packages starting at $44 per guest.

Directions

Lasertag – DFW

Photo Courtesy of Visit The Colony

If you are worried about your little ones running around in a dimly lit area with special effect fog and flashing lights, worry no more! Lasertag – DFW is entirely outdoors and they have 22 acres that is divided into five different lasertag courses. That way you and your family have plenty of space to play and five different fields to choose from. Don’t worry about age, anyone ages 4 and up can participate in this fun activity! If you are looking to go with a larger group prices (10+ People) prices start at $160 and include one attendant and access to their picnic tables.

Directions

Truck Yard – The Colony

Photo Courtesy of Plano Magazine

We love the Truck Yard in Dallas; which is why we were elated to learn that they have opened up another one closer to our home in The Colony. The Truck Yard is a great place for you and your family for many reasons. First, with the regular rotation of food trucks that are parked at the Truck Yard there is guaranteed to be a different selection of food every time you go. Another great reason to visit this awesome location is because it is the home of Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum. The museum is full of toilet seats that have been turned into pieces of art work, which is bound to amuse the children. The final reason that your family is will love this eatery, is that there is plenty of room for your children to play around or dance to some of the live music from their featured artists.

Directions

Nature Trails

(The Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail) Photo Courtesy of AllTrails

Nature trails are always fun and there are always new and exciting things for kids to learn while outside on nature trails. You and your family could go hiking or biking on nature trails. Or you could pack some picnic gear and have a picnic on the shoreline of Lake Lewisville. But no matter what you decide to do, there is only one thing about nature trails that we absolutely love: Nature Trails are 100% free! There is no admittance fee and you do not have to buy anything while you are there! There are a few Nature Trails here in The Colony, but Matt and I have three favorites. Be sure to try The Colony’s Shoreline Trail, The Colony Five Start Hike & Bike Trail, and the newest one (The Tribute Shoreline Trail).

The Colony’s Shoreline Trail

The Colony Five Star Hike & Bike Trail

The Tribute Shoreline Trail

The Shacks at Austin Ranch

Photo Courtesy of CultureMap

In a nutshell, The Shacks at Austin Ranch are six eateries and a dog park all connected by a large patio. I love this location for many reasons. First, the entire family gets to go (of course when I say entire family, it means that your dog can join you on this outing). Another reason to love the Shacks, is the freedom to choose. If your family cannot decide on what to eat there are six different options that each family member can choose from. For those in the family who love Japanese ramen should try TEN Ramen. Mom and Dad can get adult beverages at Grrrowlers or coffee at Turbo. If anyone wants street tacos they can go to OMG Tacos. Tacklebox sells some great seafood; and Dirty Burger sells your favorite American Cuisine.

Directions

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