Fun Ways to Celebrate the Olympics

Are you as excited as I am for the Olympic games to start? In our family, the Olympics is something to watch and celebrate together. It is an opportunity to learn about other countries, to admire amazing athletes, and a time of celebration for our country.

The Olympic games are just a week away and I am so excited to share a few fun ideas for craft and activities you can do to celebrate this exciting time.  Today I wanted to share with you seven fun activities you can try together as a family to make the Olympics extra special for your kids.

1. Olympic Medal Cookies- What could be sweeter than receiving an Olympic medal? How about an Olympic Medal filled with a cookie? AlphaMom offers this sweet little Olympic craft to do with your little ones. Stumped for a cookie idea?  I highly recommend an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookie for your medal filling!

2. Olympic T-Shirts- Visit Goodwill to find the perfect white t-shirt to dress up for the Olympic games. with a simple painted ring pattern on an inexpensive thrift store shirt, this is a craft that is easy enough to do with kids of all ages. Kate's Creative Space offers this fun craft idea to her readers and we think it pairs perfectly with a great t-shirt from Goodwill!

3. DIY Olympic Torch- What child doesn't dream of carrying around their very own Olympic torch. Hoosier Homemade showcases a fun craft that you can do to create your very own Olympic torch made from some commonly found items at your local craft store.

4. Olympics Party Fun- Why not throw a party for your family or for a group of families to celebrate the Olympics? A Small Snippet has you covered with everything from patriotic foods to great Olympic game ideas to play together, to fun ideas for decorations that don't cost a lot. Before heading to your local superstore, check Goodwill for creative games and prop ideas for your very own mini-Olympics.

5. Olympic Torches Made From Recyclables- If hitting your craft store for supplies to make an Olympic torch isn't in your budget, this Olympic Torch from The Idea Room is made from common items you have in your home and recyclables. These torches are made from a paper plate, a paper towel roll, and red & gold tissue paper. This is one that even the smallest child can do. Be sure to lift these high and participate in your own round of fun family Olympic games.

6. Olympic Rings Necklace- Even moms can jump in on the Olympic excitement with this cute craft, from Remarkably Domestic, for an Olympic Rings Necklace. This necklace is made from simple rings covered in Chinese knotting cord to create those Olympic rings everyone loves so much. This would be a fun craft to do while watching your favorite games this year!

7. Discus Throw Frisbee- Are your kids excited about the Discus Throw? This craft from My Sister's Suitcase is a fun one for kids of all ages. Print a design for the front of your Frisbee and then have your child decorate it to their heart's delight.

What are some ideas you have for celebrating the Olympic games with your family?

Summer Fashion Trends - black and white

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.

Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you...here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy's Summer Trend Tip:

Here we see the summer trend - black and white.

Black and White is always in-fashion, and this summer is no exception!  To make this look fresh, add a touch of camel (tan) to an all white outfit!  And be sure to mix trends with this black and white feel: stripes and baroque are 2 big print and pattern trends.

Adding interest with color is a great way to mask figure flaws when wearing our favorite black and white looks.  Trying to hide mid-section issues?  Then add a pop of color at your feet, or with your jewelry (or maybe bright red lips!).  

Summer fashion trends - the maxi!

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.


Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you...here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy's Summer Trend Tip:

 The maxi is all the rage this season.  Maxi simply means long.  LONG AND LEAN!

This can be a tricky look to pull off if you are petite.  Simple fabrics in a monochromatic hue will be best and easiest to wear.

Summer Fashion Trends - baroque

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.


Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you...here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy's Summer Trend Tip: 

 One of the print trends this season is baroque. Baroque is hard to explain, but easy to see!  It is almost a damask, paisley, curley-q print.  

We are seeing this print in EVERYTHING from the smallest of details (like the sunglasses) to a very bold statement (like on the dress).  

The key to wearing this print in an outfit is to be mindful of where that print is.  Make sure that the bold contrast in color brings attention to an appropriate place on your silhouette.  Also, make sure that the weight of the print is in line with your stature.  In other words, if you are a petite lady, be sure the print you wear doesn't overwhelm your look.

Summer fashion mistakes and solutions - part 3

Keeping on with some of the  biggest fashion mistakes...here is part 3 of this series.

Socks with sandals.  Although a few years ago, the kids were wearing socks with their Doc Martin’s, this didn’t give you permission to jump on this fashion bandwagon.  If you have to wear socks…wear a closed toe shoe.

Photo Credit:  http://socksaddicts.wordpress.com





 
 

Bathing suits are not clothing. Your really cute bikini top shouldn’t we worn as a layering piece with your favorite jacket. There is a distinct difference between 'bathing suits' and 'clothing'.  Please invest in a great cover up.  There are a lot of options, and I am sure Goodwill has a ton of things to spark some cover-up ideas for you!

I love this take on the cover up (pic to right).  It's long enough that it is appropriate for any errand you might have going to or from the beach.   


Photo Credit: http://fashion.allwomenstalk.com 

 

Summer Fashion Miskakes - and solutions part 2

Keeping on with some of the  biggest fashion mistakes...here is part 2 of this series.

• Patterned panties under white pants. Overly obvious panty lines are bad enough, you certainly don't want to the world to see the color or the pattern of your skivvies!  Try Spanx, Assets or other compression / smoothing type garments. 

  Photo Credit: http://files.mun2.tv

 

 

 

• Uncared for feet in pretty sandals. If your heels are white from calluses, and your toenails are yellow – DO NOT wear open toed sandals.  Before you slip on your favorite flip-flops, splurge on a professional manicure.  If you get this done at the beginning of the season, you can easily keep-it up through the end of the summer.

 Photo Credit: http://polishmehappy.blogspot.com

 

 

• Sandals that have seen better days.  You might be able to get away with the good ‘ol standby boots with jeans in the winter, but in the summer with Capri pants and shorts – everyone will see your shoes.  Make sure they are presentable.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hakejam/28884726/lightbox/

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Summer Fashion Mistakes and Solutions - part 1

With summer officially here, and since the 4th of July being THE 'celebrate summer' event of the season, we need to talk.  For me, and I am sure many of you, the holiday week will be a time to go to parties, do a little cleaning and of course some shopping!

 I love to dress in a theme, use these fashion tips when pulling together your ALL AMERICAN looks this holiday week. 

When cleaning out your closets consider these summer fashion no-no's...it will make it easier to donate some of those goodies to Goodwill!.

 

And shopping? Well of course you will be heading to a local Goodwill store!  Keep these things in mind when adding to your closet.

• Belly just a little too noticeable. Avoid belly shirts if this is a problem area for you, or if you are mature.  Even if you have a rockin’ bod, once you hit 40 there are certain looks that might not be age-appropriate. 

SOLUTION!

Longer tanks and tops are more fashion forward this season.  Look for something in a great color (maybe tangerine or aqua).  Wearing the right size, silhouette and color will always make you look thinner, more youthful and completely on trend!  Check out this one that was re-purposed from items found at Goodwill!

Photo Credit: http://littleredroost.blogspot.com

 

• Too much cleavage...Even if you are young and sassy – modesty is the most attractive feature you can have

SOLUTION!

Layering!  When shopping at Goodwill, look for summer weight sweaters and tank (cami) tops to layer under those skin bearing pieces.  Check out this look as seen on ABC news.

Photo Credit: http://a.abcnews.com

 

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  Self tanner applied incorrectly. If you find yourself with a smear of color that you hadn't intended on, a wedge of lemon will dissolve the mistake in seconds. Be sure to look in places you might not notice like your feet (between toes, ankles), neck, elbows.  Tip – mix your self tanner with regular body lotion.  This helps it go on more evenly.
  
  
  Photo Credit: http://houston.culturemap.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  STAY TUNED for more Summer Fashion tips!