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Give Good, Get Good: Gifts that Give

Gift giving is my love language.

Seriously. I LOVE to find the perfect gift for the people in my life. I love to surprise them and see the look on their face when I get it right.

But there is a little something else I love to do: give back.

I have a fairly robust list of people I gift –  between family, my tribe of friends, colleagues and people I like to surprise spoil. That means I’m constantly on ‘gift alert’…..what would they LOVE? But I also ask myself another question, “Is it possible to spoil the people I adore (or surprise them) AND make the world a little better at the same time.

Why yes, it is.

Because this matters to me, I’ve curated some of my FAVORITE places you can buy for the people you love AND give back at the same time. You’ll find jewelry, t-shirts, accessories and a slew of options your family can commit to – from easing the burden of a family with a sick child, to sponsoring a child in another country to helping to feed little ones right here in the United States to supporting the efforts of a family in a third world country to pull themselves from poverty.

Give Good, Get Good: Gifts that Give

Brave New World Designs– Have I told you that I have brilliant, kind, compassionate friends who are working DAILY for a better world? My friend Christine Koh is one of them. This past year she started Brave New World Designs. I will allow her beautiful words to describe her mission, “Brave New World Designs is on a mission to make the world a little better each day by giving voice to the virtues of creativity, humor, wisdom and love. Our work is part poetry, part adventure, part advocacy and part silly.” I have three of her t-shirt designs in my closet and my small girl has a favorite as well. She wore her ‘Love Fiercely’ shirt to school for picture day and it is PERFECT.

The Giving Keys – Such a beautiful, simple concept that grabbed my heart and attention a few years ago. Keys, on chains, necklaces, bracelets – stamped with a word that resonates with you. When you feel that word has seeped into your soul – you pay it forward, or give it to another, so they can feel that same power. The first one I purchased from them says, “gratitude”and I’m getting ready to pass it on. Additionally, The Giving Keys creates jobs in Los Angeles for people transitioning out of homelessness. “With each job, we offer benefits, paid time-off for housing, education and case management appointments, and a supportive environment that cares for the whole person.“

Pura Vida – Have a cause that matters to you? I’m fairly confident Pura Vida has you covered in their charity bracelet collection. You can support animal awareness, education, mental health, cancer, diabetes, the military, Parkinson’s disease and SO MUCH MORE. Each and every bracelet is handcrafted by artisans from all over the world. The bracelets are worn by millions of people around the world (I have a DOZENS!) and provide full time jobs to more than 150 artisans around the globe. They are partnered with more than 190 charities around the world and have donated more than $1.5 Million dollars. And they have more than just bracelets. They are a go-to for gifts for me. Ohhh – and they have a subscription service!!

Chavez for Charity – I have told you I know extraordinary people, yes? Julie Marie Chavez is a fellow University of San Diego Alumni and someone I knew in my time at the University. She graduated and created the magic that is Chavez for Charity. As with Pura Vida, you can support some of the causes and organizations that mean the world to you. From the Matthew Shepard Foundation to the Malala Fund and Erin Brockovich Foundation (and so many more) – the purchase of each and every bracelet means you are making a difference. And the options are gorgeous. I regularly give them as gifts.

I am Just One. – If you have  ever thought, ‘but I am JUST ONE PERSON…how can I better the world?” – you aren’t alone. I AM JUST ONE is built on the premise that yes, yes! you can make a difference. Just One has the beautiful goals of offering hope, raising awareness and creating advocates. They are offering fair trade jewelry that subscribes to the notion of a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’ so that you know, with each and every gorgeous purchase you are helping to allow a beautifully talented artisan to support themselves and maintain their dignity.

Cause Box –  You know I LOVE subscription boxes. This is one that offers not only a series of gifts for the receiver, but each and every item in the box has a story and makes the world a better place. The boxes are curated for women and each item you receive is either in partnership with CauseBox or comes as a limited edition product from a socially conscious company. Boxes arrive quarterly and subscriptions are about $50/quarter if you pay annually. I LOVE MINE. The products may be jewelry, art work, fashion, apparel, accessories or beauty products. There also have a limited edition box for men for the holidays.

Intangible Giving

The benefit of giving the intangible – you are blessing someone you love (and possibly that ‘person who has everything’) with the gift of having helped someone in need by your gift in their honor.

St. Jude – You are likely not a stranger to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis. I bet you know it is committed to saving the lives of children living with rare forms of cancer. But did you know the doctors, nurses, and staff treat each child and each parent like family?

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, it does not smell like a hospital (despite being a thoroughly sterile environment), the walls are painted with kids in mind and decorated with heartfelt art work created by the kids living there.

Though there are only 78 beds on campus, there are three different housing options available based on how long a child will need treatment – from a week to a handful of years.

No matter how long a child receives treatment, no matter how long their family must live in St. Jude’s housing, no matter how far they must travel for the life-giving, life-saving treatment they need, they will never receive a bill – not for medical care, not for housing, not for food and not for travel.

It costs $2.2 MILLION dollars A DAY to keep this miracle in Memphis open and saving lives…and it all comes from donations. (That’s SIXTY-SIX million dollars a month for those of you doing the math). Here’s another fact that just might blow your mind – 75% of the money that comes in is from individual donors and the average gift is a beautiful and heartfelt $35. Think about this fact the next time you head out to dinner, or pay your monthly gym membership.

Here’s a thought –  You can join my family and I – and THOUSANDS of others -by joining the  #ThisShirtSavesLive movement

$35 is life giving. 

No Kid Hungry – I have long been committed to ending child hunger. It shouldn’t even be A THING. And yet, it is. ONE in SIX children in the United States don’t get the food they need. That makes learning, living, just being a kid nearly impossible. Share Our Strength is an organization working to make sure all kiddos get the food they need where they live, where they learn and where they play. I’m happy to join friends like Tim McDonald who have been advocates for this cause for years.

Additionally, through its Cooking Matters program, the No Kid Hungry campaign educates and empowers low-income families to stretch their food budgets so their kids get healthy meals at home.

Take a look at their work here.

World Vision – My life is richer for the time I spent in Uganda with World Vision last year – bearing witness to the incredible work they are doing each and every day, in countries around the world.

With a primary mission to help communities to lift themselves out of poverty (for the last 65 years) and make sure the children are granted the gift of experiencing childhood – they have a commitment to the promotion of justice, community development, public awareness, partnering with churches and creating public awareness.

I was gifted the opportunity to meet both of the incredible boys we sponsor – Samanya and Aolyisus.

You can certainly add a child to your extended family this holiday season, but there are so many other ways to give as well – from straight donations to a gift catalog of gifts given in a loved one’s honor.

Popular choices include everything from medicine, to goats and chickens to soccer balls for play.

Some are as little as $25, while others – benefitting an entire community, like a well for water, run $150.

Unbound – This is a gift you can do as a family – sponsoring a child in need in another country. A portion of Unbound’s mission is to ‘see potential, not poverty’. By sponsoring a child as we have (Karen and Jacqueline both live in Guatemala), my small people are learning not only about another culture as they can communicate with both girls, but also what is means to truly give to someone else.

In order to qualify for sponsorship, Jacqueline and Karen, (like all other children) must be enrolled in school. Dropping out at any time prevents them from being sponsored. Now that my family has committed to both of them, the folks at Unbound sit down with the family and determine how the sponsorship could most benefit them – food, clothing, school supplies and items that can help them break the cycle of poverty – like pigs, chickens, seeds for farming and trees for growing fruit – are all options.

The $60 ($30 each) we spend each month to sponsor these two girls clearly provides much needed financial assistance for their families, but it is equally beneficial for us: My children are seeing good works and love in action, they are learning about another culture, and they have a connection to another child who is opening their eyes to an entirely different way of life.

Power of 5 – Two years ago, I visited Zambia, Africa as part of the Power of 5 Program and that experience has never left my soul. There is so much I take for granted. My small people have enough food to fill their bellies every day. They have electricity and education. I sat with mothers who worry daily their children may not make it to the age of five. They worry….are their children getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive?

It is heartbreaking that in many cases, that answer had been no, but Amway™ and its Nutrilite™ Power of 5 Campaign are making great strides, one child, one family at a time. As the largest vitamin distributor in the world, Amway provides a micronutrient supplement to families with great need in five different areas around Lusaka (as well as ten other countries around the world.)

This micronutrient is mixed with a child’s food once a day in order to provide the nutrition they need.

Every 30 days, the families I met, along with 200+ other families trek to one of five distribution centers in Lusaka, Zambia to listen to an educational talk, see their children weighed and measured for tracking and pick up their monthly nutrition, their Little Bits, for their little ones.

Amway is doing this work in nearly a dozen countries – with a commitment to continue expanding.

Consider supporting them?

Heifer International – This is a beautiful way to gift a tangible item that is life-changing for a family in need. For 70 years now, they have been working to combat poverty in some of the areas that need it the most (125 countries around the world) – but not simply by  – if you will allow the adage – giving men and women fish, but actually teaching them how to fish. Their goal has long been to provide farmers with the opportunity to learn skills and change their circumstances rather than strictly benefitting from gifts from others.

A goat can be purchased for $120 and once given to a family, not only will it be a source of food for them – milk, cheese and yogurt, but these products can be packaged and sold at market, helping the family to earn an income they so desperately need. Other animal gift options include a heifer (naturally) for $500, an alpaca for $150, a pig for $120, rabbits for $60, honeybees for $30, a flock of chicks for $20 and so many more. If the amount you would like to give is less, you can also gift a portion of any of these animals. They also support women’s empowerment and there are ways you can give specifically to this category.

As part of their core mission, Heifer supports Passing on the Gift – this means the families who are gifted don’t allow that gift to stop with them. They share the training they receive and pass on the first female offspring of their livestock to another family.

Check out their gift catalog.

Shop Compliment – (THEY ARE CURRENTLY ON SABBATICAL  THROUGH FEBRUARY 2020, but file them away – AMAZING.) I have a personal policy of complimenting ANYONE I find deserving. Have a kind heart, beautiful eyes, lovely manners? I will tell you. My friend Melissa has built a beautiful business with the same mission. She and I actually found each other here online and I’ve been addicted to her heart and commitment to offering education for girls ever since. 5% of each purchase from ShopCompliment goes to a scholarship fund for girls. It is magic. And so are Melissa’s products. She started with jewelry – and each piece comes with a personal ‘compliment’…but she has expanded to inspirational coffee mugs, candles, notebooks and so much more.

How do you give back this time of year? I would love to hear any additional ideas you would add to this list.

Happy Holidays! And happy giving.

    The post Give Good, Get Good: Gifts that Give appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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Add the Joy of Sparkle to the Holidays with Sam’s Club

Disclosure: I am thrilled to be partnering with my friends at Sam’s Club to add a little sparkle to your holidays. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone. 

Sparkle. 

It’s one of my favorite words, as it sounds just the way it feels – both rolling off my tongue and when I’m feeling completely lit from within. Often it is something I have styled on the OUTSIDE that gives me that level of consciousness. 

Tell me you know what I mean.

When you throw on your favorite jeans and sweater – you know – the ones that match your eyes perfectly, but you just need a little something extra (SPARKLE) to pull it all together? Or you want to move from your day of work to a night out….you know that sparkle will take you to the next level, right? 

I want to let you in on a little secret – my favorite place for finding that perfect sparkle to complete my chosen holiday style or as a gift for someone I adore. It’s Sam’s Club! 

When was the last time you said “Sam’s Club” and “Jewelry” in the same sentence – if it’s been a while, I’m excited to show you – you can definitely expect something special. 

I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to show you a few of my favorite pieces (and a little about why I love them.) 

You are in for something special, as they have a number of collections that will satisfy your tastes – whether you are looking for something timeless or something perfectly on trend……and you will absolutely find something that fits within the budget you have set for a new holiday piece for you, or for the memorable gift you can’t wait to give. 

Here is what is MOST spectacular about finding your sparkle at Sam’s Club – they have certified diamonds, gemstones and gold that rival top designers without the boutique prices, you can absolutely expect something special whether you at shopping in the club or online. 

Either way, you are guaranteed to find something to make you (and someone you love) smile AND sparkle. Did you know that many of their diamond pieces come with an International Gemological Institute (IGI) appraisal?! Their pieces are well priced and you’ll be grateful for your Sam’s Club membership. If you don’t have a membership yet, not to worry, you can grab one while you are purchasing your jewelry.

Happy shopping. I can’t wait to hear what you love the most. 

      The post Add the Joy of Sparkle to the Holidays with Sam’s Club appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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Do you ever find you need a little extra sparkle in your life? I certainly know I do. #ad I want to let you in on a little secret – my favorite place for finding that perfect sparkle to complete my chosen holiday style or as a gift for someone I adore. When was the last time you said Sam’s Club and Jewelry in the same sentence – if it’s been a while, I’m excited to show you - you can definitely expect something special. I can’t wait share a few of my favorite pieces (and a little about why I love them.) Which do you love the most? #ExpectSomethingSpecial #SamsClubHead here to check it all out: https://ift.tt/2t6feMb by Danielle Smith

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Holiday Recipe – Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Cheesecake

Yes, I am definitely one of those people who refers to the holidays as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. If you know me, you know it certainly isn’t because I’m in love with the weather. It has everything to do with the quality family time, the spirit of giving and the FOOD – especially since I often spend so much time in the kitchen with my kids, both reminiscing and creating beautiful new memories.

There are so many flavors that I associate with this time of year, but, I bet you and I could agree that peppermint is THE FLAVOR we can’t do without…whether we are adding a stick to our hot chocolate, or like my friends at Hudsonville, bringing back their limited edition Peppermint Stick with pieces of traditional candy cane mixed into their original vanilla to create true holiday magic.

Speaking of holiday magic, I have created my very own recipe combining the flavors I truly love from this time of year – peppermint bark, cheesecake and ice cream – specifically Hudsonville’s Peppermint Stick.

Oh yes – I created the most mouth-watering Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Cheesecake.

Even better – Hudsonville has created a magical Holiday Dessert Ebook you DEFINITELY want to download. And yes, my recipe is featured. Take a look below and tell me what you think.

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Cheesecake

Shopping List:

1 package Oreos or chocolate cookies

7 tbs Melted Butter

4oz white baking chocolate

4oz milk chocolate baking chocolate

1 TSP Coconut oil (you can substitute vegetable oil)

¼ TSP Peppermint Extract

¼ TSP Vanilla Extract

1 ½ C Crushed Hard Peppermint Candy

20 ounces Softened Cream Cheese

¼ Cup Sour cream

½ Cup Sugar

24 ounces Hudsonville Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (1/2 container)

1 container Whipped Cream

Crust:

26 Oreos or chocolate cookies, crushed

7 tbs Melted Butter

Peppermint Bark:

4oz white baking chocolate

4oz milk chocolate baking chocolate

1 TSP Coconut oil (divided)

¼ TSP Peppermint Extract (divided)

¼ TSP Vanilla Extract (divided)

½ Cup Crushed Hard Peppermint Candy (divided)

Filling:

20 ounces Softened Cream Cheese

¼ Cup Sour cream

½ Cup Sugar

24 ounces Hudsonville Peppermint Stick Ice Cream (1/2 container)

½ Frozen White Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Broken into pieces

½ Frozen Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Broken into pieces

Garnish:

½ Frozen White Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Broken into pieces

½ Frozen Milk Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Broken into pieces

1 Cup Crushed Peppermint candy

Instructions – Peppermint Bark

Melt 4 ounces white chocolate broken into pieces with ½ tsp coconut oil (or vegetable oil) in microwave, 30 seconds at a time. Stir until completely melted. Add ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract and ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Melt 4 ounces milk chocolate broken into pieces with ½ tsp coconut oil (or vegetable oil) in microwave, 30 seconds at a time. Stir until completely melted. Add ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract and ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

This can be done the day before and stored in freezer until you are ready.

Once chilled, cut both peppermint barks into tiny pieces and save for filling and garnish.

Instructions – Chocolate Crust

Line the bottom of 9 inch Spring form pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides of the pan.

Crush Chocolate Cookies into crumbs.

Melt 7 TBS Butter

Combine chocolate crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture evenly into bottom of pan. Put in the freezer to firm the crust while making filling.

Instructions: Filling

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until smooth.

Fold in Hudsonville Peppermint Stick Ice Cream until combined.

Sprinkle ½ of both Peppermint Barks into filling. Stir.

Pour filling over chocolate crumb crust.

Sprinkle handful of crushed peppermint candies over top.

Freeze for 4-6 hours.

To Serve:

Garnish with whipped cream, chopped peppermint bark and crushed peppermint candy.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Store in the freezer (assuming you have any leftovers! We didn’t.)

I can’t wait to hear what you think. And you simply must download Hudsonville’s Holiday Dessert Ebook – not only are the recipes amazing, but with each download, you will receive a Hudsonville Ice Cream Coupon. That means, you can create your very own holiday recipe with their limited edition Peppermint Stick Ice Cream.

Happy Holidays. 

Disclosure: I am thrilled to be a long-time partner with Hudsonville and delighted to be featured in their Holiday Dessert Ebook. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

The post Holiday Recipe – Peppermint Bark Ice Cream Cheesecake appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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Thank you so much for watching! I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s and so wish I could have had an active role in her care. I’m grateful to companies like @PhilipsLifeline for leading the way - not only with their personal alert system, but with their new technology, Philips Cares. Philips Cares empowers caregivers to create an always connected ‘care circle’ that can share notes and updates and stay informed about everything related to their favorite senior. Check out this short video to learn more. #makelifebetter #PhilipsLifeline #ad And visit their website for everything you need to know: https://ift.tt/38bTtuf Visit me: Website: https://ift.tt/2qJQbw0 Instagram: https://ift.tt/34UZmtV Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daniellesmithtv Facebook: https://ift.tt/2F4w6TZ by Danielle Smith

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The Beauty of Thanks: Caregiving for Family

My sweet Grammie was 104 years old when I lost her. I wish I understood at 25 and even at 30 years old what a gift it was to just sit in her presence and absorb everything that was HER: her life experience, her sense of humor, the secret recipe that somehow made HER rice krispie treats the very best ever, the twinkle in her eye when she called me “‘Darlin'” , the time she took to carefully open each and every Christmas present – as though the wrapping paper was equal in value to the precious gift my 10 year old self had lovingly chosen and wrapped.

There is something about this time of year that takes my gratitude level from a solid daily 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10 to a sky-high 21. And family floats somewhere up there in the clouds. As each year passes (read: as I get older and wiser with each sunrise and sunset) I am struck by the ever-evolving circle of care and role that it plays in our lives.

As I set my holiday table, I send silent love and gratitude to the matriarch of my heart as I use her wedding china for our celebrations.

As a little one, my parents cared for me – made sure I was loved, fed, clothed and had a roof over my head. I am not doing the same for my kids – though, as teens, I can see that they ‘need me’ far less than they did as infants and toddlers. In my 30’s, I saw the beginnings of the role reversal, as my parents began to care for my aging Grammie. At first, as a fiercely independent woman who had both survived the Great Depression and raised my father as a single mother in a time that was a true anomaly – she wasn’t keen on the idea of being ‘helped’ – and definitely not by strangers. But it was our only option at the time.

Looking back, I so wish our circle of care for her had been tighter, I wish it had been different. I wish it had taken her into greater consideration – making her more a part of the process, rather than simply the one being cared for. Especially as none of us – not my parents, my brother, nor I lived close enough to be in contact often enough for our comfort.

The good news is, YOUR circle of care can be beautiful and comforting, not just for you – the caregiver, but for your loved one – thanks to the amazing team at Philips. Take a look at this quick video to learn a bit more.

Their newest digital product, Philips Cares, is hoping to empower caregivers to create an always-connected “care circle” where friends and family can share notes and updates about their loved one, worry less, as well as stay informed about their senior’s interactions with Philips Lifeline personal alert system – a system that allows users to press a button to communicate with a trained care specialist, available 24/7, who can dispatch the help a senior may need.

So, even if you can’t physically be present each day, you will be up to date on their health and daily activities.

The Philips Cares mobile application is available to download from the Apple and Google Play stores, as well as accessed via web browsers. It is available for customers receiving Philips Lifeline service in the U.S.

Disclosure: I’m proud to be partnering with Philips Cares to share this upcoming technology with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

The post The Beauty of Thanks: Caregiving for Family appeared first on Pretty Extraordinary.

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14 Wreaths to Make for Christmas

Garland and lights. Berries and snowflakes (the indoor kind). Our Christmas tree. Holiday cards from friends and family.

You simply can’t escape the magic that is the holiday season when you visit our home in December. It is, by far, my favorite decorating season. While it is certainly lovely to begin to mark the change of seasons with some Fall decor, I find that is is Christmas that has me going all out.

Our family dedicates an entire day to putting up the tree and placing the decor in just the right spot to makes us smile as we reflect on this time of year.

With that in mind, I thought I would share some of the most delightful Christmas wreaths you can make on your own. Some are the perfect addition to your front door to welcome guests, while others are just the right touch for inside. You can color coordinate with your chosen theme or simply aim for traditional.

My favorites are the Ornament Wreath and the Cotton Ball Christmas Wreath.

14 Wreaths to Make for Christmas

Ornament Wreath by Happiness is Homemade Let It Snow Wreath by The Happy Housie Simple but Elegant Wooden Wreath by Making It In The Mountains Easy Poinsettia Wreath by A Night Owl Blog A Modern Christmas Wreath by Love Create Celebrate Scrap Fabric Wreath by Kenarry Medallion Wreath by Pink When Straw and Stir Stick Wreath by Architecture of a Mom Santa’s Workshop Wreath by Houseologie Yarn Snowball Wreath by The Happy Housie Retro Wreath by Live Laugh Rowe Jeweled Christmas Wreath by Atta Girl Says Cotton Ball Christmas Wreath by Nellie Bellie Holly Berry Wreath by Polka Dot Chair

Happy DIY-ing! If you are looking for a little mantle decorating inspiration, we have that for you and also know we have a few favorites – from food to additional decor – tucked away in our Christmas Pinterest Board (think Sugar Cookie White Fudge….seriously).

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I lost my grandmother to Alzheimers and so wish I could have had an active role in her care. I’m grateful to partner with companies like PhilipsGlobal to share how they are leading the way - not only with their personal alert system, but with their new technology, Philips Cares. Philips Cares empowers caregivers to create an always connected ‘care circle’ that can share notes, updates and stay informed about everything related to their favorite senior. Check out this short video to learn more. Find me on the site: https://ift.tt/2qJQbw0 Instagram: https://ift.tt/2egwZhd Twitter: https://ift.tt/34p7frp by Danielle Smith

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Celebrating and Expanding the Circle of Care with Philips Cares

For the past 10+ years, we’ve lived a short bike ride away from my in-laws. While I had a close (emotional) relationship with my favorite grandmother, as she visited for three months every summer and one month over the Christmas holidays – she wasn’t physically close the rest of the year.

It always felt as though I was missing out. I grew up feeling as though our family was a puzzle with a few missing pieces. I didn’t want that for my kids. So, as soon as we could, we built a house that meant they would eventually be able to hop on their bikes and ride to MaMa and PaPa’s house for a rousing game of Monopoly, a favorite grilled cheese sandwich, or a little extra movie and snuggle time.

This is the extra beauty in the circle of care that comes with family: when you are a child you have the luxury of experiencing that love and care as it nurtures and helps you grow. It continues into your teen years, as you leave the home to go out on your own and eventually as you start a branch of your own family. It likely isn’t until you witness your own parents begin to care for your once spry grandparents that you see the circle beginning to close in. 

More than 40 million Americans provide care to their aging loved ones each year [AARP, Caregiving Frontiers, 2017], and spend an average of 24.4 hours per week doing so [National Alliance for Caregiving, AARP. Caregiving in the United States. 2015] and it can be a heart-wrenching, exhausting and overwhelming responsibility. Half of those report they experience high levels of stress, which can impact their own personal and professional relationships and responsibilities [AARP, Caregiving Frontiers, 2017.].

Does this sound familiar to you? If it does, I understand. And my friends at Philips do too. Philips is dedicated to making caregiving easier so that you and I can focus on the moments that matter the most. 

As my Grammie aged, it was so painful to see that we weren’t capable of caring for her entirely on our own, especially as Alzheimer’s dug its claws into her sweet mind and took piece by piece of her away. I was lucky to have her in my world until she was 104 years old, but it is so important for us to continue to have conversations about the real challenges, the real emotions, as well as the triumphs that come both with caregiving and with communicating with our loved one’s caregivers.

Obviously, we all feel the need to ‘be there’ in some way. As daily life piles on for so many us – the combination of children, demanding jobs and the desire to be present to care for our aging parents and grandparents can be overwhelming.

With a new digital experience,  Philips Cares, Philips is hoping to empower caregivers to create an always-connected “care circle” where friends and family can share notes and updates about their loved one, worry less, as well as stay informed about their senior’s interactions with Philips Lifeline personal alert system – a system that allows users to press a button to communicate with a trained care specialist, available 24/7, who can dispatch the help a senior may need.

So, even if you can’t physically be present each day, you will be up to date on their health and daily activities.

The Philips Cares mobile application is available to download from the Apple and Google Play stores, as well as accessed via web browsers.

It is available for subscribers of the Philips Lifeline service.

Disclosure: I’m proud to be partnering with Philips Cares to share this technology with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

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20 Thankfulness Quotes to Keep You Centered During a Hectic Holiday Season

Is the chaos in your world starting to ramp up as we head in to the holiday season? Mine too. The decorating, party planning and attending, shopping and gift giving….it can all add up – especially when we don’t allow ourselves a little time to center. I do my best to start and end each day with some focus on gratitude and often find quotes and messages to be a source of inspiration

Let them remind you to be grateful. Use them in your planner, your vision board, on wall art, or simply repeat them to yourself.

These are 20 of my favorite thankfulness quotes from a wide range of authors and sources. Use them to build your sense of gratitude.

20 Thankfulness Quotes to Keep You Centered

Now is not time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is. – Ernest Hemingway

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. – Oprah Winfrey

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. – Cicero

Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses. – Alphonse Karr

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it. – Ralph Marston

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. – William Arthur Ward

The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings. – Henry Ward Beecher

Thankfulness creates gratitude which generates contentment that causes peace. – Todd Stocker

None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. – Fred De Witt Van Amburgh

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. – W.T. Purkiser

It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment. – Naomi Williams

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest. – William Blake

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

If we magnified blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier. – John Wooden

Things you take for granted someone else is praying for. – Marlan Rico Lee

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. – Tecumseh

Be thankful for the things you have, because you never know what will happen next. – unknown

Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems. – Zig Ziglar

Do you have a favorite I might add to my list? I’d love to hear your suggestions as well.

If you are looking for ways to express your gratitude – consider an easy, free option for spreading kindness in your daily life.

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The Key to a Perfect Satin Shave

This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Philips

I started shaving my legs when I was 13 years old. That’s when I was *finally* allowed to lose the downy blond hair that covered my legs from ankle to thigh. I was so very excited…..it felt like a rite of passage – as though I was finally on my way to adulthood and being a woman.

However, during my very first pass, with what I can only refer to as extreme inexperience and a ‘primitive’ women’s razor (you know – a million years ago, when companies were just starting to figure out that women had different shaving needs than men), I sliced two full inches of skin from my right shin. Painful? Yes. But more than that, I had scarred myself with my very first foray into womanhood. It was years before the physical (and emotional) scars faded.

Good times.

Follow that with decades of searching for the right razor, the perfect shaving cream to work with my sensitive skin, the wretched stinging sensation if I didn’t have access to water and cream, or if I shaved too soon before heading to the beach.

And yes – I am one of those people who is ritualistic about this process and DOES shave nearly every day. I have never been able to feel comfortable once the hair starts to regrow – so… daily shaving it is, even in the winter when my legs will surely be hidden. How my legs, underarms and bikini LOOK is obviously important, but equal on my priority list is how I FEEL.

But, oh my, how times have changed. 

The greatest minds behind women’s beauty and care have long worked to come up with the perfect tools for all of our issues… let’s name a few we’ve experienced over the years:

Nicks and cuts

Finding a razor that is suited for women

Dealing with sensitive skin

Razor bumps

What to do with only a few minutes of time for shaving?

What if there is no time for a shower or bath?

This is serious business – especially if, like me, you prefer the silky smooth feel of your legs even when you are climbing into bed at night or slipping on your favorite pair of jeans or sweats in December.

Are you ready for the good – I mean – AMAZING news? I have the perfect suggestion for you: Philips SatinShave Wet & Dry Women’s Rechargeable Electric Shaver.

It is a rechargeable razor that can be used wet or dry, in the shower or in the bath. Since it is most convenient to be able to use the same tool for all of our shaving needs – legs, underarms and bikini, the Philips SatinShave comes with a trimming comb for taking care of your bikini area. 

This razor not only gives me a satin smooth shave, but it is gentle, takes care of my sensitive skin areas AND I can use it quickly when I only have a few minutes to spare: even with no water required. 

In the time that I have been using it over the past few weeks, (again – I’m a daily shaver!) I have only had to recharge it twice. Each charge offers about an hour of cordless use – and that’s enough to get me through DAYS. Keep in mind, since I shave so regularly, I’m not requiring my Philips SatinShave to do the hard work of weeks of hair growth, but that is my personal preference and I’m confident this convenient, multi-purpose razor is more than up to the challenge.

You can pick up Philips SatinShave at Target for 10% off, with promo code SATINSHAVER now through 12/31/19. If you do purchase it, let me know what you think and share your review on Target.com here.

Disclosure: I’m excited to partner with SheSpeaks and Philips to share this razor with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

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30 Fall Activities for Families

With fall in full effect, it’s important to have a list of ideas for some family fun days. Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend enjoying quality time with your family and want to know what fall activities for families you can enjoy after work, you’ll enjoy this extensive list of fall activities for families that I’m sharing today.

30 Fall Activities for Families

Go On a Nature Hike – get outside and plan a nature hike on a local nature trail.

Have a Picnic – go to a local park to enjoy a lunch or dinner picnic.

Take a Bike Ride – rent a bike or get your bikes out for a family bike ride.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch – find a local pumpkin patch and go pick out some pumpkins.

Carve Pumpkins – pick out pumpkins and templates to care beautiful pumpkins together.

Play Laser Tag – find a local laser tag facility to enjoy some competitive gameplay.

Host a BBQ – it’s still warm enough outside to host a family BBQ event during the fall season.

Pick Apples – fall is the best time of year to go pick some apples.

Host a Movie Marathon – during a cold fall day spend time binge-watching your favorite movies.

Attend a Festival – look up local festivals happening in your area and attend a few.

Make Apple Cobbler – use those apples you picked to make up a delicious apple cobbler together.

Tell Ghost Stories – make a backyard campfire and tell ghost stories after dark.

Make Smores – you can still make smores inside or outside during the fall season.

Plant Bulbs – get your flower garden ready by planting flower bulbs not so they sprout up in the spring season.

Go Camping – enjoy the cooler temperatures of the fall season with a family camping trip.

Go Bowling – venture out and go bowling together for a fun-filled family day.

Jump in Leaves – rack up the leaves in the yard and jump in leaves together.

Take a Fall Foliage Drive – New England has some of the best fall foliage drives, plan a route and enjoy looking at fall foliage together.

Go on a Boat Ride – get out there and enjoy the river or ocean together on a boat ride with your family.

Play Board Games – gather up those old board games and host a family board game night for lots of fun and laughter.

Make Apple Cider – get those apples together and make your own apple cider and apple cider donuts together.

Visit a State Park or National Park – there are so many state and national parks out there, so why not make a list and plan to visit as many as you can during the fall season.

Take a Graveyard Tour – the fall season is when Halloween arrives and with that comes many graveyard tours in the local area, find one to go to with your family this fall.

Visit a Sunflower Farm – find a sunflower farm and spend a day admiring the beauty of these large flowers.

Host a Bonfire – gather up all of those extra pieces of wood that may have fallen during windy days this spring and summer to plan a bonfire in your backyard with family.

Visit a Haunted House – look up local haunted house tours and venture out of your comfort zone with a haunted house tour.

Fly a Kite – build your own kite or buy one and fly kites together as a family this fall season.

Learn a New Hobby – have a family meeting to find a new hobby that you all will try together this fall season.

Make Soup – get the family together to make your own new family soup recipe and taste test it together on a cool fall day.

Take Holiday Photos – get out the camera and plan for some fun, festive holiday family photos now that you can use during the holiday season to send to family.

Now, what are you waiting for? Use this list of fall activities for families as a means to get out there and enjoy the cooler fall season right now. You’ll be able to enjoy quality time together with your whole family when you opt to create a fall bucket list using my extensive list of fall activities shared here today.

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Top Five Summer to Fall Wardrobe Transition Pieces

With cooler weather right around the corner, everyone has their eye on Fall! While it may still be Summer-like weather in most of the country, there are ways you can transition your wardrobe to look the part without feeling too much of the heat. Here are the top five pieces that will help you perfect the Summer to Fall transition.

Top Five Summer to Fall Wardrobe Transition Pieces

1. Kimono or Cardigan

Throwing a kimono (so light weight) over your Summer dress (or shorts!) instantly adds a Fall vibe to your look. Choose a lightweight material in a darker Fall print to channel cooler weather. You can also thrown on a cardigan over your favorite cami. You can find some of my favorite cardigans here…..SO. MANY. OPTIONS.

2. Your Favorite Boot or Bootie

Swap your sandals for a low boot, bootie (here’s a less expensive option) or even full boot for a Fall upgrade. They work great with with just about everything – dresses, so many or your favorite shorts and of course jeans!

3. A Light (Even White or Off-White) Blazer

Focusing on Fall is easy when you toss on a blazer. Sure you can choose a ‘fall’ color, but I love the idea of bringing a bit of summer with us by sticking with the lighter colors. Layer over dresses, tank tops, and simple white tees. This tee and linen blazer combo is a set I snagged from my friend Carly – she has her own business styling women – 30-Something Fashion. (No…I’m not 30-Something, but, I can pretend!)

4. Wrap a Scarf

Ignore the hair. Focus on the scarf. Or my happy. Either way – I don’t claim to be an expert, but I know that throwing on a scarf adds a touch of fall (you wouldn’t be wearing it in the heat.) and it can dress things up a little….consider a blanket scarf…this is the one I have and love. Also? Here are 10 ways to tie a scarf if you always feel like an amateur.

5. Break out the Plaid

Nothing says Fall more than a little plaid, which is why a lightweight plaid button down is the perfect transition piece! Roll the sleeves up and pair with a skirt, shorts or boyfriend jeans. Or throw one on over a tank for an easy layered look.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for continuing to support the work we love here at PrettyExtraordinary.

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The Sweetest Way to Enjoy Family Time Together: Recipes for Family Bake Night

Disclosure: I’m thrilled to be partnering with my friends at Pillsbury to share these Family Bake Night Recipes with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

When my small people were truly small – and not the teenagers they are now – setting aside family time was simple. It came in the form of regular family dinners and quality time celebrating each season – from apple picking to pumpkin patches, from weekend stay-cations to relaxing by the pool. Even time spent on the sidelines of one of their sports felt like family. But once school starts, though we welcome some of the structure, we know studying, sports, school activities and yes – teenage social lives – tend to fill many of the hours we used to be able to set aside to connect.

Now, in order to have those magical family moments, we put it on our schedule. Tucked between Varsity Softball Games and Homecoming, in and around basketball, homework and back to school nights – you’ll find us carving out time to spend together and connect as a family.

Days like today, National Family Day, inspire us to create these sweet moments together….and our friends at Pillsbury ™ have an idea we think you are going to love: Family Bake Night. Since we know your time, like ours, may be limited, we wanted to make it both easy and fun.

In our house, the kitchen is the heart of the family. It is where we often gather to start the day, catch up on each’s others highs and low, do homework, sing, dance and laugh through our frustrations and celebrations and yes, create the sweetest of treats.

Here are two sweet desserts you can make together.

Enjoy Family Time Together: Family Bake Night

Berry Cream Cheese Biscuit Bake

Preparation time: About 15 minutes, Total Time including Baking: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

4 oz Cream Cheese (softened) 1/4 C Powdered Sugar 1/4 C Fresh Raspberries 1/4 C Fresh Blueberries 1 can (12.4 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated blueberry sweet biscuits with icing

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray In medium microwavable bowl, microwave cream cheese and powdered sugar for 20 seconds at a time, stirring until smooth. Softly fold in in raspberries and blueberries.

Separate dough into 8 biscuits; set icing aside. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces; fold into cream cheese and berry mixture. Spoon and arrange mixture in baking dish. Bake 23 to 28 minutes or until bubbling around edges and dough is baked through in center. Cool 10 minutes. Heat icing and drizzle.

Garnish with remaining 1/2 cup berries. Serve warm. ENJOY!

S’mores Brownie Cups

Preparation time: About 60 minutes, Total Time including Baking: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) Pillsbury™ Place & Bake™ refrigerated chocolate fudge brownies 

12 large marshmallows, each cut in half to make 2 rounds

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 

2 bars milk chocolate, broken into 24 pieces

  Directions:

  Heat oven to 350°F (or 325°F for nonstick pan). Place paper cupcake liners in 12 regular-size muffin cups.

Place brownie dough rounds into muffin cups.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Remove from oven; cool 2 minutes.

With back of spoon, press to indent center of each brownie, leaving 1/4-inch ridge around edge

  Add two marshmallow rounds to center of each; return to oven 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows are softened. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon graham cracker crumbs. Cool in pan 5 minutes.

Top each brownie with 2 chocolate bar pieces.

Let stand 10 minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!

  While enjoying your Family Bake Night together, play the music loud (if you are really silly, take dance breaks as we do!), play your favorite board game (take a break to sample the treats!) or wait until all the baking is done (you won’t have to wait long!) and sit down together to watch your favorite movie while snacking on these warm desserts.

  And I must know…. which one are you most looking forward to making first?

  If you happened to catch me in your local TV market sharing these recipes, thank you for tuning in and stopping by to visit.

Disclosure: I’m thrilled to be partnering with my friends at Pillsbury to share these Family Bake Night Recipes with you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

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Stop Distracted Driving: It Can Wait

The first text came through at 5:15pm last night, “I didn’t win the lottery today.” This was quickly followed by, “I was in a car accident….a lady was texting and driving…she didn’t even brake, hit me going 55mph while I was stopped at a red light.”

My first thought once I knew she was ok was, “Dang…you actually DID win the lottery! She was thinking in terms of a car accident ruining her day, making her late to work, totaling her car, and causing minor aches and pains.

And I was thinking – NOT ONLY DID YOU LIVE – YOU WALKED AWAY.

This driver hit you going 55mph. No brake marks. She was so distracted by whatever was happening on her phone, that a text, a meme, a photo, playing a song – SOMETHING – was more important than her own basic safety and the safety of those in cars all around her on the road.

I think not.

IT CAN WAIT.

Really, it can. I promise. And most of us know it. In a recent online survey, 96% of drivers are aware of the dangers of being distracted by their smart phones while driving, and yet – 83% of people STILL ADMIT to having done it.

(Sheepishly raises hand.)

I wish I could say I have never allowed my phone to distract me – from plugging it in because the battery is dying, to trying to change GPS directions…. Let’s be honest, there was a time when we focused purely on the notion of texting while driving being the problem, but that is only a portion of the problem now. Taking your eyes off the road can be dangerous.

According to PEW research, not only has the number of adults using social media tripled in the past decade, but more than 70% of teens use social media hourly. Distracted driving includes everything from watching a video to sending a tweet, from picking a song to snapping a photo.

This girl – my favorite girl in the world – is learning to drive. She has her permit now and will be out on her own far too soon. I can model the right thing for her, and can make sure she is aware of the dangers distracted driving presents. But, I can’t control everyone else on the road.

I can, however, speak up and offer encouragement . You would be amazed how much more responsive people you know will be to a gentle reminder to put their phone down, to hand it to you (the passenger) for song choice and replying to a text. It is also ok to remind friends and family of the potential consequences.

Distracted Driving is dangerous. Speak up. It Can Wait.

Since we know distracted driving is reckless and can have serious consequences, let’s do something about it together. I am once again joining my friends at AT&T to sign the pledge to never drive distracted: It Can Wait. Will you join me?

I pledge to always drive distraction free. No exceptions. I pledge to never allow my phone to endanger myself or others behind the wheel. I pledge to be an advocate for the cause. To led by example and spread the message. I pledge because I believe driving distraction free can save lives and make the world a safer place.

This means being the example by putting your phone down while you drive. It also means speaking up when you see someone driving and using their phone. One simple reminder could change a life.

There has been more than 38 MILLION pledges to not drive distracted.

I’d love it if you did as well. (Will Link)

Saying no to distracted driving is the right thing to do. No selfie, text or post is worth a life.

It Can Wait.

Disclosure: I am proud to, once again, be working with my friends at AT&T to encourage you to safe lives by avoiding distracted driving and speaking up when you see it happening.

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Prioritizing YOU, Mom: Starting With Your Eye Health

After 15 years, I have learned to sink in to the revolving seasons of motherhood. Mine are punctuated not only by my kids’ school years – currently 8th and 10th grade, but also by the sports they are playing. Delaney moves from fall softball (her high school team – yes, she made Varsity! Yes, I’m bragging because I am so incredibly proud of her heart, effort and work ethic) to her traveling team, to winter’s high school basketball, to spring’s high school lacrosse and the beginning of the spring/summer travel softball season. Coop mirrors his sister’s seasons with baseball and basketball.

As you can imagine, we are non-stop. And since neither of them can drive yet, I am constantly donning my mom-uber hat for both practices and games. I do so love to watch them play.

Did I mention I, like many of you, also take care of all kinds of other parenting duties – from cooking to cleaning to spending quality time making sure my kids know they are seen and heard and growing in to responsible good-hearted human beings?

Ohhh….and I also have a full time job.  I’m self-employed. I know many of you get it. This busy-chaotic-non-stop life is just that – but it is also beautiful and life-giving. It fills me up and exhausts me. It completes my world and sometimes leaves me feeling as though my only option is to put myself last and sacrifice my own mental and physical health in the name of being everything to everyone including the Chief Medical Examiner of our house. The kids have a cough, a migraine or a stomach ache? I’m here for them.

It is a constant juggle. So it isn’t uncommon for me to put my physical needs at the bottom of the priority list. I don’t have to tell you that isn’t a good idea. I know we are ultimately on call 24 hours a day (and we are happy to do it most of the time) but we need to be healthy to fill that role. By now, we’ve all heard the oxygen mask analogy – in an airplane emergency – yours must go on first, THEN your kids. My doctor shared something similar with me a few years ago. She said, “moms are like boats….if they get a hole and don’t plug it, they are going to take everyone down with them.” 

It’s true, isn’t it? Taking care of our health can be necessary for the well being of the entire family. Naturally, eating healthy and getting exercise should be a priority. But I have another easy suggestion that will be good for you: schedule and get an annual eye exam. How does this help your overall health? I’m glad you asked. An eye exam can detect signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and even certain types of cancers.

Now…here’s the thing – if you are self-employed as I am, you may think vision insurance is simply out of your budget, but that isn’t the case. My friends at VSP make it affordable AND easy. You can purchase an individual vision plan through  for as little as $13 a month.

These plans include annual benefits that cover full eye exams, an allowance for frames and/or contacts, a fabulous selection of brand name frames and access to a large network of independent doctors. On average, members save more than $200 a year on vision costs. And when you sign up…you can begin using your benefits and visit a VSP network doctor the very next day. 

Visit getvspdirect.com for additional resources for the self-employed or to learn more about VSP individual vision plans you can buy on your own.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by VSP Vision Care, the leading provider in vision care and coverage, providing access to care for nearly 90 million members. As always, all thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone. 

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The Best Outdoor Adventures in Missouri

Missouri calls itself the “Show Me” state. Well, it could change it to “Let me show you the real Missouri.” The state is home to amazing outdoor adventures. From climbing trees to exploring elephants (or at least rocks that resemble the pachyderm), even spelunking. Missouri has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Your outdoor adventure awaits.

The Best Outdoor Adventures in Missouri

Elephant Rocks State Park

Walk among the elephants. Or, explore rocks that resemble the giant creatures. Elephants may be native to Africa, but Elephant State Park near Belleview offers visitors an opportunity to hike and explore boulders that were created more than 1.5 million years ago. The site was once used as a quarry, with some of the stones used to help build Eads Bridge in St. Louis.

Popular with geologists and history buffs, the park also attracts families because children love climbing the massive rocks and playing along the trail. Missouri State Parks recommends exploring the formation via the Braille Trail – a 1.2-mile paved loop – which includes access for people with visual or physical challenges. The park also includes a trail to the Engine House Ruin, site of a former railroad used to transport stones to area cities. Elephant Rocks State Park is located almost midway between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau in southeast Missouri.

Canopy Zip Trail – St. Louis

Climbing trees and crossing rope bridges, then zipping down not one, but multiple ziplines await the adventurous as St. Louis is home to two zipline courses. Adventure Valley is located about 30 minutes south of St. Louis. Featuring 10 ziplines, the longest is about half a mile long and people can reach speeds up to 50 mph. Adventure Valley also has six paintball fields, including two ziplines above the playing surface.

If you’re looking for a treetop zipline experience, then a visit to Go Ape in Creve Coeur Lake Park features canopy ziplines, with the highest platform 45 feet above the ground. You’ll cross rope bridges from one tree to another before eventually taking 31 crossings and several obstacles. Go Ape, which is about 20 minutes from St. Louis, has five ziplines, with the longest running 500 feet long. It takes 2-3 hours to complete the course.

Bicycle Katy Trail A 240-mile-long route, the Katy Trail follows the former MKT rail line from Machens (north of St. Charles) to Clinton. The trail, which is flat and easily navigable, runs along a portion of the Missouri River, aka Lewis and Clark expedition route. Along the route, you will take in some of the most beautiful scenery on any bicycle ride in the country, with bluffs standing hundreds of feet above you, trees dotting the landscape, and the occasional wildlife sighting.

The Katy Trail is the nation’s longest bicycle route, but is also open for hiking and running. Horseback riding is allowed in the Sedalia-Clinton and Tebbets-Portland areas. The Katy Trail crosses the Rock Island Trail, which covers nearly 50 miles. Plans call for the Rock Island Trail to eventually reach Kansas City.

Current River State Park Located near the Ozarks, about 90 minutes southeast of Waynesville, Current River State Park offers a variety of outdoor adventures. Kayaking, hiking and exploring the old buildings highlight a visit to the state park. Current River’s buildings have a rustic look that was popular during the 1920s and ‘30s, when several were constructed.

The Alton Club at the park offers river floating on inner tubes, fishing, swimming and horseback riding.

Exploring Caves Missouri is said to have 6,000-7,000 caves, with several attracting visitors nearly year-round. With so many to choose from, it’s difficult to go wrong. With water leaks creating unique and impressive calcium formations, such as stalactites (ceiling caused) to stalagmites (floor leaks). From Jesse James’ hideout at Meramec Caverns to four operated by the state park system, you can have a fun adventure exploring Missouri’s caves. The state’s cave tours range from an illuminated tour at Onondaga to handheld lanterns at three others.

The caves are home to wild bats, who hibernate during the winter. You’re likely to see them, as well insects and salamanders during tours. Fantastic Caverns is so large that you can drive a jeep through it. And they do. The only way to visit Fantastic Caverns is on a riding tour, which lasts about an hour. Following the route of an underground river, Fantastic Caverns’ tour includes a look at the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as straw columns and cave pearls in the water. Open year-round, Fantastic Caverns is located near Springfield, just off the famous Route 66.

With Missouri’s beautiful landscapes (and underground caves), the Show Me state is a great place to explore outdoors. From bluffs along the rivers to uniquely-formed caves, you can have a great time hiking, biking and spelunking Missouri.

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