A Cozy Sunday

How our Family Spends a Day Indoors

Leah Kelly Photography

I wanted to share what we do when we're inside on a Sunday. Maybe you're in the same boat!

If you know me, you know I'm itching to get outside most of the time. But I'm not an extremist; I'm a realist. And sometimes, when you live in the Midwest, the temperature drops 30* in an afternoon, and I don’t know anyone who wants to be outside when that cold front rolls through.

Spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, or watching your favorite television show can all be relaxing activities that you enjoy. But what about those days when you want to unwind and connect with your little ones. Make a special day of it, and do something different. Well, here are a few ideas for a cozy Sunday that will have everyone smiling and enjoying family time.

How to Spend a Cozy Sunday

This blog is all about different ways to spend your Sunday. You can choose from :

• Baking - As much as I aspire to be like Lorie over at Lemon + Zest and make everything from scratch if I’m being honest, most days, I'm more of a baking mix mom. So if you are ready to whip up some fantastic treats from scratch, head over to her page and grab some yummy recipes; for now, I'll take my test kitchen leftovers when she picks her kiddo up from Nature Preschool.

• Our Favorite Breakfast Coffee Cake Mix

• Fudge Brownies

• No-Bake Cheesecake

• Birthday Cake Cookie Cups

• Family games

• My Favorite Classics:

• Trouble

• Pretty Pretty Princess

• Guess Who

• Rowen's Favorites

• Don't Break The Ice

• The Floor Is Lava

• Let's Go Fishin'

• Arts and Crafts

Instead of fighting Rowen's desire to sit on the table and draw, I built an art table where it's safe.

• Crayola Crayon Tub

• Watercolor Paints

• Collaborative Art is one of my favorite activities. We don't start with a goal. Instead, we just get our large roll of paper out and create. Usually, I let my 4 year old tell me what to draw or paint, but sometimes if I have an idea, I will insist on my vision and let him create alongside it. It's a great practice in working together and compromising while respecting one another's creative needs and making room for both to express ourselves authentically.

• Tabletop Paper Holder

• Paper Roll

• Natural Earth Paints

• European Natural Fiber Paint Brushes (For the grown-ups)

• Kindergarten Brushes (For the kiddos)

• Puzzles

• Puzzle Saver

• Chuckle and Roar Puzzles are big hits around here! They're beautiful, well made, and not too challenging for the littlest.

• Calm Puzzles are lovely for grown-ups or older kids. Not too challenging, but beautiful art and just enough mind work to keep you engaged and not frustrated.

• Melissa and Doug Puzzles are another great brand the whole family can enjoy together. This one is my Space Loving 4-year old's favorite!

• If you need an excellent nostalgic laugh, check out this Golden Girls Puzzle

• Nintendo Switch - Family Games are one of our favorite activities. With my love of nature and the outdoors, you might think I'm anti-screen, but quite the opposite. I'm all about balance! We are a family full of gamers. While running 2 businesses has taken over for most of my own gaming time, whenever I get a chance, you can find me playing Sims4 on the PC, my husband is an Xbox gamer, and Rowen loves his Switch; he's almost better than I am at Mario at this point. Here are a few of our favorite Nintendo Switch games to play together.

• Just Dance

• Mario Kart

• Mario Kart Live

• Mario Party

Set the Mood

Make sure that you're dressed for the occasion. Throw on your coziest PJs and some fuzzy socks, light some candles, and then you're ready for your perfect cozy day with family.