The EcoChic

I’m really trying this year to not get carried away with all the commercialism of the season.  I’ve realized this year that my son takes a lot of things for granted because he’s never ‘needed’ anything that he hasn’t gotten.  It’s not an easy thing but we’re working on giving from the heart. 

I mentioned a few days ago how I am trying to give my son something from the heart each day for Advent.  Special time with me is something that I’m sure he will remember and value when he is older.  So far we’ve made rice crispy treats together, we’ve decorated our tree together, and a few other things.  Tonight I treated my kids to another special family night.

The weather in FL was fabulous so I decided to pick up McDonald’s and take the kids to the beach after school.  I had forgotten how early the sunsets this time of year so we only had 20 minutes before we were asked to leave the park (we went to our favorite State Park beach) because it was closing.  It was ok though, the weather on the island wasn’t as nice as it was on the mainland.  It was already misty and windy so we couldn’t stay long anyways.  It was just long enough for the kids to put there feet in the sand and listen to the sounds of the ocean. 

Since we were so short on time at the beach we didn’t eat until after we left…so I stopped on the Causeway Beach to finish watching the sun go down.  It’s so strange how you can drive one mile and loose the mist and dreariness.  It was nice to see the sun go down.

Next up on the events of the evening…drive through a local neighborhood and look at Christmas lights!  What an un-eco-friendly way to end our night! LOL!  Sometimes holiday traditions and eco-friendly don’t go hand in hand…but it’s still special!  Here is one of my favorite light displays…

I wonder what other special things I can do with my kids?  What will I do next? 

First I should start by saying that I am slowly converting to a Rays fan since we’ve lived in FL for 3 years now (but I’ll always love my Braves!!).  The Eco Family has been watching the MLB Playoffs all week and since the Eco Boy just went to bed I just got into the game.  Go Rays!!!  It’s already 5-0 in the 3rd   Yeah!!  Well I just TURNED OUT MY LIGHTS!!!  Why?  As part of the TBS/Sharp Lights Out Challenge to make history in saving energy during game 4 of the ALCS.  What a cool way to get people to turn off their lights.  We’re usually good about having one small light on while we watch TV in the evening but tonight it’s just hubby, myself, and the TV!  All the other lights in the house are OFF!  (Except for the night light in the hall for Eco Boy!)  Go take the challenge for yourself and see if your state is winning the challenge!  AND…GO RAYS!!!