Leaf Window Clings

Crafts are always a great way to spend time together on a chilly fall day. This easy leaf window cling craft is perfect for adding some color to your space. This craft is so easy even little kids can do it and best of all, you can get everything you need at Dollar Tree for $2.

We love to craft together. Now that both kids are in school all day, it is the thing I miss the most about Harper being home. We don't have time to make something fun everyday anymore. But, sometimes I can get the kids to take a break from their after school social life to make something fun with me.

This leaf window cling is perfect for adding some color to your house in  between Halloween and Christmas. It is made with 2 simple supplies to create something cute and colorful. I got the supplies at Dollar Tree, and you can literally make dozens of these for $2.

Supplies

Precut squares of tissue paper in red, yellow and orange

Transparent clear contact paper

Scissors

Sharpies if needed

Directions

If needed trace the shape of leaves on one section of contact paper, to cut or just cut the shapes out.

Peel the paper off and lay the contact paper sticky side up.

Begin layering contact paper on the sticky contact paper. Leave just a few tiny spots uncovered to attach to the window.

Press to the window firmly to attach.

Remove when the season ends.

You can find all of my other window cling ideas here
Reader favorites include:
Witch Window Cling

Pumpkin Window Cling

Apple Tree Window Cling

Ghost Window Cling

7 Hidden Gems Of New York City

New York may not be the capital city of the United States of America, but it's certainly the American city that captures imaginations right across the globe, including in its neighbouring country of Canada. Walking the streets of New York can take the breath away, and it can seem that at every turn you're confronted by an iconic building or location. The Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park; these are among the most famous tourist destinations in the world, but whilst these are all great places to see, there's more to New York City than just the cliched images of a thousand movies. By exploring the hidden or lesser known gems of New York City, you can get a true picture of this incredible, vibrant and diverse city, and have a vacation you'll never forget.

How to Get to New York City

One of the things that makes New York so popular is that it's incredibly easy to get to, with a fantastic infrastructure and three airports within its metropolitan area. As it's in the north of the United States it's particularly quick and easy to reach from Canada, which is why over three million Canadians visit the state of New York every year. Porter Airlines are the specialists in great value flights to New York from Toronto, as well as to locations across Canada. They not only provide quick and regular flights to New York at a great price, but they also pride themselves on providing a high-quality flight experience to all their passengers, including the provision of free beer, wine and snacks during the flight. That means you can touch down in New York City relaxed and refreshed, and ready to explore these seven delightful attractions.

The Whispering Gallery

New York has to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it's a perfect place for a honeymoon or anniversary vacation, or as a place to propose to the one you love. It's such a popular and bustling city, however, that you may not get the chance to whisper in your beloved's ear, and you can't easily shout romantic words. Fear not, for the Whispering Gallery allows you to utter words of love that only your significant other can hear. The whispering gallery is in the magnificent Grand Central Station, adjacent to the Oyster Bar, a fantastic place for travelers to dine. Simply stand at opposite ends of the archway and whisper, and by the magic of architecture and acoustics the person at the other end of the archway will be able to hear what you whisper perfectly. It's a lot of fun that can lead to a lifetime of memories.

The Flatiron Building

New York is famous for its skyscrapers, so of course we have to mention the Ground Zero memorial here - it's an incredibly moving sight. If we look further back at the history of skyscrapers however, our thoughts probably turn to the Empire State Building, with or without King Kong at its summit. There's another skyscraper which in our opinion is even more beautiful and which should be just as iconic, but you won't find the same crowds around it: The Flatiron Building, or to give it its official name, the Fuller Building. Dating from 1902, this 22-story building is one of the world's oldest skyscrapers and it's certainly one of its most beautiful high-rise structures. Once seen up close, its unique wedge shape will stay in your memory forever.

Off-Broadway

Broadway has become synonymous with high quality, large cast, expensive production musicals, and you'll certainly enjoy a night watching just about any show there. Watching a blockbuster production can be highly entertaining, but New York City also does some of the best radical theater in the world, and you can find something to suit all tastes at Off-Broadway theaters. These intimate theaters allow you to get closer to the action, not to mention having tickets that provide exceptional value for money. You'll find everything here from classics of world theater to brand new productions from tomorrow's stars, so you never know who you might see on an Off-Broadway stage.

The Elevated Acre

We all know of Central Park - wherever we live, it's the green urban space that our park aspires to, but whilst any trip to New York simply has to include a sojourn there, for something excitingly different and yet relaxing at the same time, it's hard to beat the Elevated Acre. It's an acre of green and pleasant land that's perfectly cultivated, but as its name suggests, it's high up in the sky. Located on Walter Street in the heart of Manhattan's financial district, it's suspended between two skyscrapers and that means that it provides incredible views over the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and more. It's a great place to lie back and pass an hour or two, and if you feel a little thirsty, it even has its own beer garden area featuring some of New York's finest craft beers.

The Smallpox Hospital

You may not think that seeing a smallpox hospital could be the highlight of a visit to the United States' most exciting city, but once you've visited the Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, you'll see what all the fuss is about. It's a shell today that nature is beginning to take possession of once more, but what a marvelous ruin it is. This is a historically significant building, as it was at the forefront of New York's battle against smallpox until it closed in 1956, exactly a hundred years after it opened. This is unlike any other building you'll see in New York, and it resembles a cross between a medieval European castle and the kind of Gothic house of horror you'd see in a movie. Above all, it's a fantastic location to take some unique shots to impress your friends on social media with.

The Museum of Ice Cream

New York is a city of contrasts temperature wise, so whilst you'll need to wrap up warm in winter, you're sure to find warm, sunny days in summer. It doesn't matter how old we are, when the heat rises, we all want an ice cream, so why not head to the Museum of Ice Cream in Soho? It's one of New York's newest attractions, and it's sure to be popular for years to come. Don't expect a boring istory lesson, but do expect lots of interactive exhibitions that encourage you to get right to the heart of the ice cream fun. This is a museum that really does make learning cool, and there are plenty of gorgeous ice cream treats to enjoy as well.

The Berlin Wall

No single structure came to symbolise the second half of the 20th century as much as the Berlin Wall. It divided east from west, capitalism from communism, and when it was finally torn down in 1989 the world would never be the same again. You don't have to go to Germany to see remnants of this once fearsome wall, because there's a section of it to be found on New York's Madison Avenue. It's an art installation comprised of slabs from the Berlin Wall, but they've been transformed into an exhilarating mural by Kiddy Citny and Thierry Noir, two of Germany's leading contemporary urban artists.

From the Berlin Wall to a sky-high park and a spooky abandoned smallpox hospital, you'll be amazed what you can find in New York City when you head off the beaten track.With best luggage brands to get you there in style and thanks to airlines like Porter, it's never been easier to reach the big apple, so make this the year you enjoy a big New York vacation.

11 Apple Crafts to Make with the Kids

I can't help but get excited about the end of summer, because it means that fall is near! Trips to the orchard with the family; lots of action in the kitchen, the temps are finally cool enough for baking! And of course, the crafting with the kids! How could I not get excited for fall!? 

This year I have 11 apple craft to make with the kids to share with you that I know you will have fun making with your little ones!

Toilet Paper Roll Apple Stamp
Paper Plate Apple Craft
Caramel Apple Fall Craft
Apple Suncatchers
Take a Bite Out of Fall Craft
Apple Playdough
Button Apple Trees
Fruit Loop Fall Tree
Apple Tree Craft
Toilet Roll Apples
Stuffed Paper Apples


I love all of these ideas! I am hoping to make them all with the kids! We are planning to make these Apple Tree Window Clings again this year but we might make it a crafting marathon with these great ideas!

You can find my Halloween posts here

You might also like this easy homemade play dough recipe

Awesome and Delicious Stocking Stuffers

The gifts have all been wrapped and we are now down to the final days before Christmas. We are ready to hang the stockings and stuff them with goodies, but this year I want to skip the tiny toys and the too sweet treats in favor of better for you options. I am going to share a few of my favorite healthier stocking stuffer ideas with you today to help you make this a memorable Christmas morning filled with good stuff in your stockings!

This is a sponsored post.

1) Juicy Juice

Opening all of those gifts can be a lot of work. This year I am going to keep the kids hydrated and happy with the goodness of Juicy Juice in their stockings. They can sip a kid sized drink to fuel their unwrapping frenzy on Christmas morning.

2) Welch's Fruit Rolls

Featuring fruit as the first ingredient, these snacks are rolling in fun and flavor. I love that they have vitamins and are gluten free. My kids love the experience of unrolling a snack as they go. Available in 3 flavors; Berry, Tropical Punch, and White Grape Strawberry, these are a great alternative to stuffing the stocking with candy!

3) Go Organically Fruit Snacks

Loaded with vitamin c, these organic snacks are always a hit with the kids! Packed with natural flavors and all of the fun of a gummy, these are a fruit snack you can give in the stockings without the guilt of sugar loaded candy.

4) Aquaball Flavored Water

Playing with all of the toys on Christmas is hard work. Adding a fun and fruity aquaball to the stockings gives the kids a fun drink to fuel their day. Made with natural flavors and featuring fun characters, this is a drink the kids will love. Drinking their water has never been as fun or tasty!

5) Munk Pack Protein Cookies

It wouldn't be Christmas without cookies! But these are guilt free cookies! Each one is loaded with protein and nutrients for a decadent snacking experience. These are so tasty that even the kids who don't care about health benefits will want to gobble them up. 

6) Carrington Farms Protein Powder

Christmas isn't just about the kids. Adults want a stocking too! This protein powder makes a great stocking stuffer because it is so good for you!Packed with protein and made with only 3 ingredients, this is perfect for anyone health minded!

7) Hurom Juice Jars

Available in both 10.1 oz. and 13.5 oz. sizes these glass Juice Jars are great for gifting that one person you know who's always eating on the run. These jars feature an air-tight stainless steel lid, perfect for keeping your smoothies, workout juices, oatmeal and other snacks fresh while on-the-go.

8) Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer

Cased in 7 fluid ounce bottles, Brooklyn Crafted's small but mighty ginger beers are the perfect size for Christmas stockings and great for enjoying on their own or incorporating into cocktails this holiday season. Made with 100% fresh ginger pieces you can actually SEE in each bottle, the craft ginger beers are available in four trendy flavors. I love this drink as a stocking stuffer because ginger is so soothing to an overindulged tummy, and we all know that has been known to happen around the holidays!

9) Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

With a delicate straw color and a golden apple flavor this is the ultimate stocking stuffer for a wine enthusiast. Fun to drink and perfectly aromatic, this would make anyone smile on Christmas morning as they open their stocking! Maybe if you are lucky, they will share it with you later in the day!

10) Lumi Shots
These are one of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas for fitness enthusiasts. These are loaded with good things for boost of energy when needed! Among my favorites are the 6 pack of fully loaded cold processed nutrition shots from Lumi. Made with broccoli leaf, lemon, and ginger this shot is aptly named. It is fully loaded with calcium & vitamins A & C to keep you on your toes for whatever life throws at you.

Lumi also offers cold pressed juice with an impressive 50 day shelf life. These are perfect for stuffing a stocking with nutrition. I am a big fan of the 10 oz Wahoo Orange  and 10 oz Harvest Apple  varieties for keeping my family healthy and hydrated. These are perfect for stockings and gift basket offerings at the holidays to help combat the blahs from excess celebrating, or to fuel the body with good things during cold and flu season!

If you have a favorite stocking stuffer idea for kids or adults please leave a comment to inspire others to avoid tiny toys and too much candy this year!

Easy Paper Apple Craft

Every day, my little girls says, "Let's make a craft!" I love her enthusiasm and always encourage activities we can do together. On this particular day, we were anxious to get into some fall themed crafts, and we are always super excited to kick off fall with the harvesting of apples!

This craft was so incredibly fun! It was a bit of a challenge for my almost 4 year old, but we worked together to get it right.

You will need:
A square of heavy white paper {Ours was about 6'' x6''
A piece of green, red or yellow construction paper
School Glue
A tiny strip of brown paper for the stem

To begin we made thin strips of green paper that were 4 inches longer than the square of paper
Next we began folding those strips of green paper so we had 2 folded edges per strip
We glued these on the white paper
Working in a circle we kept gluing both sides of the strips on to the square, being careful to not disturb the other strips of paper
At the end, we added a tiny stem to the top.

We liked this apple craft because it was challenging, a good exercise in patience for both Harp and I. It was also really cute when it was finished! This was a fun craft to follow up with apple slices as a snack!

Easy Apple Tree Stained Glass Window

Cute and easy to make, this kids craft adds a pretty touch to any window, just like stained glass!

We love to craft with contact paper, it is so much fun to use in so many projects! But, one of my favorite uses for it is to make 'Stained Glass' or window decals! These are so cute!

With fall being on the way, our thoughts drift towards the apple orchard almost every weekend. We head out for the time together as a family, harvesting fruit, eating fresh donuts and playing outside. In anticipation of the fun fall weekends that are to come, we made these easy as pie Apple Tree Stained Glass projects.

You will need:
one square of transparent contact paper per decoration
assorted colors of tissue paper, we used green and yellow
one strip of brown construction paper

Lay your contact paper sticky side up
Place your brown paper on the sticky paper to form a trunk
Next cut small circles of yellow or red tissue paper for apples
Place the apple cut outs around the tree
Fill in the leaves using green tissue paper
Leave a few sticky places without paper to easily affix to the window for displaying.

Apple Tree Window Cling

Fall days are the perfect time to find inspiration from nature and create fun crafts with the kids. This easy DIY window decal comes together within a few moments and adds a colorful touch to your windows. The kids will love displaying their artwork for the world to see!

This is such a simple project you guys! For $2 you can make a dozen or more window decals to add a festive fall touch to your windows! Best of all, this imaginative craft is perfect for the kids!

To make an apple tree window cling you will need:
Transparent contact paper, cut to the size you wish to work with. We used a 6'x4" section.
Tissue Paper Squares in dark green and yellow
One strip of brown construction paper
Scissors

First peel the backing off of the contact paper and lay it sticky side up. Add a strip of brown paper for the tree trunk.

Cut several circles from your yellow tissue paper, place around the tree trunk.

Next lay your squares of green tissue paper over the yellow dots, forming the leaves of the tree. 

Finally, find a window that gets a lot of sun and smooth the sticky side to the window. It will peel off without mess or residue whenever you are ready to take it down.

I love this craft for kids because it introduces them to a sticky texture to work with, and manipulating the paper into the right placements is great for fine motor skill development.

You might also enjoy this Fall Tree Silhouette Placemat Craft for kids.