Earth Day lands on April 22nd each year. The official theme for 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet.” 

Let’s explore a variety of creative and eco-friendly ways to celebrate Earth Day with your kids!

Plant a Garden

There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by getting your hands dirty and planting a garden with your kids. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony, gardening is a fun and educational activity that allows children to connect with nature and learn about the life cycle of plants. Depending on the seeds you pick, its usually best to plant after the last frost. But you can always start inside! Involve your kids in every step of the process, from preparing the soil and planting the seeds to watering, weeding, and harvesting the fruits of their labor. Not only will they develop valuable gardening skills, but they’ll also gain a greater appreciation for the natural world and the importance of sustainable food sources.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take your kids on a nature scavenger hunt to explore the wonders of the great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of plant and animal life in your area. Create a list of items for your scavenger hunt, such as different types of leaves, flowers, rocks, insects, and wildlife. Encourage your kids to use their senses to observe, listen, touch, and smell their surroundings as they search for each item on the list. You can also add eco-friendly challenges, such as picking up litter or identifying native plants, to promote environmental awareness and conservation. Make sure to bring along a camera or smartphone to capture photos of the treasures you find along the way.

If you live in the Sioux Falls Area, you can go to the Outdoor Campus where they have a scavenger hunt sheet for prepared for you! 

Upcycled Crafts

Get creative with your kids and transform everyday household items into fun and eco-friendly works of art through upcycled crafts. Gather materials such as cardboard boxes, empty jars, paper towel rolls, and old magazines, and let your imagination run wild. From making bird feeders and insect hotels to creating recycled paper and DIY planters, there are endless possibilities for upcycled crafts that teach kids about the importance of reducing waste and reusing materials. Encourage your kids to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to repurpose items in innovative ways, fostering a sense of resourcefulness and environmental responsibility.

Outdoor Clean-Up Challenge

Make a positive impact on your local environment by organizing an outdoor clean-up challenge with your kids. Choose a park, beach, trail, or neighborhood area that could benefit from a little TLC, and gather your supplies, including gloves, trash bags, and recycling bins. Encourage your kids to take pride in their community and work together to collect litter, debris, and recyclables while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. You can turn the clean-up into a friendly competition by keeping track of how much trash and recycling you collect and rewarding the team with the most impressive haul. Not only will you be helping to protect the environment, but you’ll also be teaching your kids the importance of taking action and making a difference in their community.

Outdoor Adventure

Spend quality time with your kids in nature by embarking on an outdoor adventure that allows you to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s hiking through a scenic trail or picnicking in a local park, there are countless opportunities for outdoor recreation that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and environmental appreciation. Encourage your kids to unplug from screens and connect with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the great outdoors. Use this time to teach them about the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and the wonders of biodiversity.

Check out our post on the importance of getting unplugged and outside here! 

Happy Earth Day, ‘hood Family! 

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If you’re looking for a simple, creative Christmas craft your kids will love, melted pony bead ornaments are a fun one to try. They’re colorful, customizable, and make wonderful keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Best of all, kids of all ages can help with the design process.

What You’ll Need

• Pony beads (This is the bulk pony beads we used!) 
• A silicone muffin baking mat or metal Christmas-shaped cookie cutters
• Jelly roll pan 
• Parchment paper (if using metal molds)
• Oven, grill, or toaster oven
• Drill (for adding holes once cooled)
• String (You can use yarn, paracord, or these AMAZING easy ornament strings with snaps we discovered this year)

How to Make Melted Pony Bead Ornaments

Start by placing your silicone muffin mat or metal ornament molds on a baking surface. If you’re using silicone, set it on top of a jelly roll pan so nothing shifts when you move it. If you’re using metal shapes, be sure to lay parchment paper underneath.

Fill each mold with a single layer of pony beads, packing them in tightly. This is where kids can really get creative! You can make rainbow patterns, alternating colors, landscape-style designs, or simply do a fun color dump. Letting kids choose their own color combinations makes each ornament feel extra special.

Once filled, melt the beads at medium heat (around 350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid rushing this step, melting too fast can cause burning or bubbles on the back. Slower melting results in a smoother, cleaner finished ornament.

We melted ours indoors and then switched to using the grill outside. A toaster oven set up outdoors also works great. We highly recommend melting beads outside when possible, as the smell of melting plastic isn’t pleasant.

After melting, let the ornaments cool. They cool quickly! Once hardened, pop them out of the molds and drill a small hole at the top for hanging.

Thread with yarn, paracord, string, or easy snap-together ornament string (a favorite discovery this year!). Finally, write your child’s name and the date on the back. These ornaments make wonderful gifts—but be sure to save one for each child, too. They’re memories worth keeping. 

Check out a post about how to do a DIY ornament tradition each year!

The post Melted Pony Bead Christmas Ornaments: A Fun & Festive Kids Craft appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

A DIY fall wreath is a perfect fall craft to make with your family, plus it is both fun and practical!

There’s something special about fall that makes many of us want to get cozy at home with our families. It’s the perfect time to break out some of your crafting skills and make something to help celebrate fall! This craft is also perfect to hang on your door as Thanksgiving guests come in. Making your own fall wreath is not only a great seasonal craft but also a wonderful way to spend time with your kiddos, teaching them something new!

Looking for more things to make with your kiddos this fall? Check out this super easy Apple Turnover Recipe! 

What You’ll Need

You don’t need to be an expert crafter for this one—just a few supplies and a little creativity! Here’s what to gather:

• Wreath frame (choose one that’s more than a simple circle—frames with mesh or multiple layers make it easier for little hands)
  • We used this one from Michaels! We also like this wreath frame from Amazon.
• Artificial fall flowers and foliage (use about three smaller bunches and one larger bunch for a focal point)
• Wire cutters
• Floral wire (This one has a built-in wire cutter on it!)
• Floral tape (Like this green floral tape)
• Wreath hanger

Step 1: Prepare Your Flowers

Start by cutting your faux flower bunches apart at the base. You’ll want individual stems with a longer length—this makes it easier for kids to help weave them into the frame. Short stems or too much wire can be tricky for small hands, so aim for flexibility and ease.

Step 2: Begin Weaving

Once your flowers are prepped, it’s time to start building your wreath! Let your kids help weave the longer stems through the wire frame. You can cluster colors or spread them out for a more natural look. There’s no wrong way to do it—this is where creativity shines!

Step 3: Secure with Wire and Tape

For flowers or greenery that don’t stay in place, use a little floral wire or floral tape to secure them. The floral tape can also help hide any visible wire and keep everything looking neat.

Step 4: Add a Focal Point

Every wreath needs a “wow” moment! Choose one larger flower or decorative piece (like a pumpkin pick, bow, or acorn cluster) and place it off-center for that perfectly balanced fall look.

Step 5: Hang and Admire

Attach your wreath hanger to the door, take a step back, and admire your creation! It’s colorful, festive, and even more special because you made it together.

Why Crafting Together Matters

When you make something with your kids, it’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. Crafting allows children to experience something new, build fine motor skills, and take pride in creating something with their own hands. More importantly, it gives you a chance to be present, to laugh together, and to make meaningful memories that last long after the glue dries.

So this fall, grab your supplies, pour some apple cider, and create a beautiful DIY fall wreath that celebrates both the season and your family time together.

The post DIY Fall Wreath: An Easy Craft to Make with Your Kids appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events and Family Fun in Sioux Falls

Get ready for a spooktacular season with ‘hood magazine’s Halloween Headquarters, your go-to guide for Halloween fun in Sioux Falls! From local trick-or-treat events and pumpkin patches to creative DIY costumes, festive recipes, and family activities, we’ve gathered everything you need to celebrate the season. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a cozy night at home, our Halloween hub makes it easy to find fun for kids and families all across the Sioux Falls area.

No Tricks, Just Treats — Your Guide to Local Halloween Fun!

Skip the searching and scrolling — we’ve rounded up all the best Halloween events in Sioux Falls in one easy place! From trunk-or-treats and festivals to haunted fun and family favorites, find everything you need to plan your spooky season here.

Plan Your Halloween Fun

A Fun Halloween Craft

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Non-Candy Treat Ideas

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Spooky Halloween Punch

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South Dakota's Favorite Candy

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Easy Halloween Bark

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Indoor Halloween Fun

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Quick DIY Costumes

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What to Do with All That Candy

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Fireworks, Festivities & Family Safety: What You Need to Know

4th of July Rules for Shooting Off Fireworks: The Sioux Falls Area

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, and fireworks are a beloved tradition for many families! However, safety and local regulations are crucial to ensure a fun and safe holiday. If you’re planning to shoot off fireworks in the Sioux Falls area, including the towns of Sioux Falls, Tea, Harrisburg, Brandon, Lennox, Hartford, and Beresford, it’s important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations in each community. We all want to do our part to have a wonderful and respectful 4th of July! 

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Celebrating the 4th of July with Little Kids: Fun Activities, Safety Tips, and Handling Loud Noises

The 4th of July is a time of celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, parades, and patriotic festivities. However, celebrating Independence Day with little kids requires careful planning to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe holiday. 

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Celebrating the 4th of July in the Sioux Falls Area: What’s Happening

The 4th of July is just around the corner, and the Sioux Falls Area is gearing up for a spectacular celebration! From parades to fireworks, there’s no shortage of events to keep the whole family entertained. 

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DIY 4th of July Wands for Kids

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PATRIOTIC JELL-O CUPS

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TEACHING YOUR KIDS WHY WE CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY

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Fruit Pizza Cookies

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Capturing the Patriotic Spirit

Share Your Stars & Stripes!

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Sponsored By: ​​Mosaic Arts & Events 

An Interview with Anna Hudelson, Mosaic’s Education Director 

Mosaic is where creativity and community come together in Sioux Falls. It’s a living, breathing canvas where echoes of past joy blend with the anticipation of future celebrations. Every event is a work of art, every class an inspiration, and every visitor an artist adding their brushstroke to a collective masterpiece. At Mosaic, we come together to create, celebrate, and learn in a space that is as diverse and vibrant as our community. Let’s meet Anna Hudelson, Mosaic’s loyal and dedicated Education Director of 11+ years. 

What inspired you to become an art educator?  

Growing up as a creative girl, I found a sense of belonging in the art class at school. When I enrolled at USD, I was first interested in graphic design. As I continued my education, I learned I wanted to create and connect with students through art, not be behind a computer.  

You’ve been with Mosaic for 11 + years; what continues to inspire you? 

Seeing my students, whether adults or children, take pride in the art that they have created continues to deepen my passion for art education. Facilitating a safe and creative experience along with a welcoming atmosphere is a job I do not take lightly. It’s more than art classes; it’s building a community.  

What are your favorite materials to work with or favorite classes to teach? 

My favorite materials include air-dry clay, oil pastels, acrylic paint, and recycled or repurposed materials that have been donated. I love all the classes I teach! Paint and Create is an open art classroom, and it is so fun to see the participants create projects out of scrapbook paper, old jewelry, and clay. In other classes, I incorporate a children’s book about an artist. We then create something inspired by them, their art style, or art movements.  

Where do you hope to see Mosaic Art Classroom in 5 years? 

I am excited to continue developing both our new pottery wheel program and our creative art classes for children and adults of all abilities.  

At Mosaic, we come together to create, celebrate, and learn in a space that is as diverse and vibrant as our community. 

The post It’s More Than Art Classes; It’s Building a Community  appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Looking for what to decorate instead of eggs this Easter? Decorating Easter eggs is a classic tradition, but lately the price of eggs is making many of us question decorating them for Easter this year! We thought of and tried five things to decorate this year instead of eggs! Each of these options has their own reasons for being a great option of what to decorate this year instead of normal eggs. 

For even more great Easter content, make sure to check out our Easter Headquarters page! Find great items to put in your Easter Basket or make these super cute Easter Bunny Puff Pastries. 

Whether you’re looking for something more permanent, a fun craft for the kids, or an edible twist, these five creative ideas are perfect alternatives. 

Here is what we are starting with! Let the decorating begin.

Wood Eggs

Wood eggs are a fantastic option for a keepsake Easter decoration. Paint them to look like traditional Easter eggs, or let your kids go wild with their creativity. Don’t forget to write your child’s name and the year on the bottom to turn it into a special memory you can bring out year after year. If decorating wood eggs is something that you do every year, one day you will have this beautiful collection of wood eggs that your children made while growing up. 

You can even try using the Eggmazing Egg Decorator with Sharpies for fun striped eggs. 

We used this pack of 15 wood eggs for our decorating! 

Plastic Eggs

For a budget-friendly option, plastic eggs are a fun and easy substitute. Many craft stores carry plastic eggs that come with their own dye kits, making them just as colorful as the real thing. You can also decorate them with markers, paints, or even glitter for an extra sparkle. Bonus: unlike real eggs, your toddlers can have fun around the house with these! 

Check out this kit of plastic eggs with dye! It comes with eggs, markers, dye, stickers, and more. We picked ours up for very cheap at Walmart. 

Rocks

This one’s a hit with kids who love to explore! Head outside and find some smooth, egg-shaped rocks. After giving them a quick wash, they’re ready to paint! Use acrylic paints for vibrant colors and then seal them with a clear spray to protect your designs. Once dry, these decorative rocks can stay outside as a part of your yard or garden. Kids will love playing “Easter Bunny” with their own collection of colorful eggs!

This set of acrylic paint is perfect for easter! Make sure to get an acrylic sealer as well! 

Egg-Shaped Cookies

Why not combine decorating and dessert? Bake a batch of egg-shaped cookies using a simple sugar cookie dough (a pre-made mix works perfectly for busy parents!). Chill your dough for at least an hour to reduce spreading and keep the egg shape intact. Cut into the shape of an egg using an egg-shaped cookie cutter (we simply found something in our home that was shaped right and used that!), bake, and cool. 

Then, let the decorating fun begin with colorful icings and festive sprinkles. It’s a tasty way to celebrate!

Egg-Shaped Marshmallows

Marshmallows aren’t just for s’mores! You can find large egg-shaped marshmallows around Easter time, and they’re perfect for decorating. You can also find chocolate-covered egg marshmallows! Use icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a sweet and festive treat. It’s a delicious way to get creative, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids (and adults too!).

This Easter, try out one or all of these fun egg alternatives. Whether you’re crafting keepsakes, adding colorful decorations to your home, or making edible creations, these ideas are sure to bring joy to your celebrations. Happy decorating!

The post 5 Fun Things to Decorate This Easter Instead of Eggs appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

To help you celebrate the season, Sanford fit has some fun, free resources that can help nurture your child’s emotional growth this season. It’s important to prioritize emotional well-being and teach children how to manage their thoughts and actions in a positive and empathetic way. Sanford fit’s printables are designed with this goal in mind – helping children not only have fun but also learn vital social-emotional skills in a supportive environment. These resources serve as wonderful tools for teaching valuable life lessons.

My Growth Garden: A Positive Self-Talk Craft

As the flowers begin to bloom outside, help your children plant their own garden with the FREE My Growth Garden Printable Craft. This activity is designed to guide kids in creating a colorful flower garden while encouraging positive self-talk and self-awareness. It’s an ideal activity for the spring, as it helps kids connect with the concept of growth and development – both in nature and within themselves.

What’s Included:

• A garden-themed printable where kids can color, cut out, and assemble a beautiful flower garden.
• Thought-provoking prompts to encourage children to say aloud positive affirmations about themselves.
• A fun way to practice self-awareness, helping children identify their strengths and unique qualities.

The process of creating their own garden allows kids to visualize their personal growth while also practicing self-love. By associating the growth of their garden with their own potential, children are more likely to internalize a positive mindset that can stick with them throughout the season and beyond.

Benefits of the ‘My Growth Garden’ Craft:

• Boosts Self-Esteem: By focusing on positive traits and affirmations, this activity helps children build a healthy sense of self-worth.
• Encourages Self-Reflection: Kids are prompted to think about their strengths and the things that make them special.
• Fosters Creativity: The coloring activity and fun design elements inspire kids to engage their creativity while practicing mindfulness.

Caregivers and educators alike can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing this activity is designed to support emotional development, helping kids build a solid foundation of confidence. It’s a perfect way to start the season off with a positive mindset!

Blooming With Kindness! An Activity Book for Kids

The FREE ‘Blooming with Kindness’ Activity Book is filled to with activities that not only entertain but also teach important life skills like kindness, empathy, and respect. Whether your child enjoys coloring, drawing, or creating cards, this activity book has something for everyone.

What’s Included:

• Fun drawing and coloring pages that feature kindness-themed illustrations, encouraging kids to reflect on the importance of being kind to themselves and others.
• Printable cards that kids can color and give to family members or friends, reinforcing the concept of kindness through thoughtful gestures.
• A variety of activities and thoughtful prompts that encourage kids to explore creative ways to show compassion to themselves and others in everyday situations.

As they work through the activities, kids are empowered to take ownership of their kindness journey, and they begin to understand how their actions – no matter how small – can make a big impact on the world around them. 

Benefits of the Blooming with Kindness Activity Book:

• Teaches Empathy: By completing kindness-related activities, kids learn the importance of considering others’ feelings and practicing empathy.
• Encourages Positive Social Skills: Activities such as creating cards or performing kindness challenges help kids interact positively with their peers and family members.
• Promotes Gratitude and Positivity: The kindness prompts encourage kids to reflect on how kindness can bring joy to themselves and others.

With each activity, children will feel empowered to spread positivity and create a ripple effect of kindness in their communities. This activity book provides a valuable opportunity for caregivers and teachers to facilitate meaningful discussions about kindness and empathy.

Both printables provide opportunities for children to develop a growth mindset, practice self-reflection, and embrace kindness. So why not kick off the spring season by planting seeds of kindness and positivity? 

Visit Sanford fit for more free resources and connect with us on social media @sanfordfitkids for even more fun ways to support your child’s growth!

The post Spring Into Positivity and Kindness with Sanford fit’s Free Printables appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Celebrate the beauty of spring and the joy of Easter with a fun and easy-painted glass vase craft! Perfect for kids and adults alike, this project adds a personalized touch to your springtime decor or makes a heartfelt gift for loved ones. Plus, using mason jars or even glass mugs adds a cute twist to a traditional vase. 

Looking for more things for Easter? Check out our Easter Headquarters page! Make some tasty Bunny Puff Pastry treats this year, or get creative with a Stained Glass Easter Egg. 

Have fun with these painted vases! This craft is especially great for those with older kids who want to really be intentional with painting things like delicate flowers! 

Painted Glass Case Craft

Materials Needed

• Clean glass vase, mason jar, or glass mug (we got our mugs at a dollar store)
• Acrylic paints (like this great set of acrylic paint)
• Paintbrushes or sponge brushes
• Paper towels and a cup of water for rinsing brushes
• Acrylic sealer (Like this sealing spray or you can also buy brush-on versions)
• Optional: Painter’s tape for designs or stencils
• Optional: Glass Primer to really make sure your design lasts! 

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Vase:
   • Make sure your glass is clean and dry. Wash with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. You can also wipe it down with rubbing alcohol for an extra clean surface.
2. Design and Paint:
   • Use painter’s tape to create stripes, patterns, or shapes if you’d like clean lines.
   • Let your kids have fun painting with vibrant colors. Encourage them to layer, blend, or dot the paint for a textured look.
   • You can also create simple floral patterns, Easter eggs, bunnies, or abstract designs!
3. Dry Time:
   • Allow the paint to dry completely. This usually takes a couple of hours, but overnight drying is best if you’ve applied thicker layers.
4. Seal the Paint:
   • Once dry, apply an acrylic sealer to protect your design. Spray sealers are quick and easy, but brush-on sealers work well too. Ensure you do this step in a well-ventilated area.
5. Cure for Extra Durability:
   • For added longevity, let your vase sit for at least 24 hours before using or gifting it.

Care Instructions

• Hand wash your vase with warm soapy water and avoid scrubbing the painted areas.
• Do not place it in the dishwasher or microwave.
• Use it for fresh or dried flowers, or even as a cute utensil holder!

Gift Ideas

• Springtime Bouquet: Fill your painted vase with fresh flowers from your garden or a local florist.
• Easter Candy Jar: Use a mason jar vase, fill it with pastel candies or chocolates, and tie a festive ribbon around it.
• Personalized Gift: Have your kids paint a mug vase for a teacher, grandparent, or friend for Easter or Mother’s Day.
• Table Centerpiece: Arrange a few painted vases with colorful flowers as a cheerful spring table decoration.

This painted glass vase craft is a simple, affordable, and delightful way to welcome spring and celebrate Easter. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to create something special with your little ones. Happy crafting!

The post Painted Glass Vase Craft appeared first on the 'hood magazine.

Thanksgiving brings to mind tables and tables full of tasty food! People think about time together as a family, football, and the coming Christmas season. All great things! But Thanksgiving deserves a bit more of a prolonged celebration as well. 

It’s a wonderful holiday to remind us of what we can be thankful for. With Thanksgiving leading us to Christmas, we all need the reminder of how much we have as we go into the season of wishing! If you have kiddos in your home, this might be an especially helpful time to remind them to be thankful ahead of Christmas morning. 

This thankfulness banner is a great way to easily celebrate Thanksgiving all month long! Plus, the added bonus of some festive decorations in your home.

How it Works

Pick a time each day (after dinner is a great option) to do your thankful leaf as a family. Have each person share one thing they were thankful for that day and write it down. Once your leaf is filled out, tape or staple it to your banner! For an even easier option, you could tape it to your wall. 

How to Make

• Cut out (or buy premade leaves here) leaves out of cardstock. You want something a bit thicker than normal printer paper. 
• Make as many leaves as you need! Choose how many days you want. It could be the full month of November, the full week before Thanksgiving, or even the time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Do whatever works well for your family. 
• Hang a long piece (longer or shorter, depending on how many leaves you plan on adding) of ribbon or yarn to your mantel, window, or wall. Your banner is officially ready to have leaves added! It could not be more simple.

You can also buy a whole premade banner! Then, all you have to do is hang and write on the leaves as the days go on.

Celebrate the Good

It’s surprising how much easier it is to notice what you are thankful for each day when it’s on your mind! Seeing the banner daily reminds us of all the good in our lives. 

Being thankful on Thanksgiving can be easy with pumpkin pie and Turkey on your plate! Teaching our children to be thankful for a kind friend, good weather, a relaxing walk, or a second chance is an amazing opportunity. Let’s celebrate truly being thankful all month long.

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