Tag Archives: christmas

Holiday Cards Easy as 1, 2, 3

It’s true what they say, the holiday season seems to comes faster and faster every year. It’s like as soon as Halloween rolls around, retailers are rolling out the trees, lights and gift wrap too!

When it comes to sending out holiday greeting cards, you really have to be on it, often getting your game plan in place when summer turns to fall! I’m sure you know what I mean…the most popular Christmas cards are no longer seasonal prints that you sign and ship off! These days it’s all about a holiday photo shoot with the family and crafting. A custom message or greeting to share with your closest family and friends, which I love by the way. It’s always fun to receive these beautiful cards in the mail.

Alright, so let me get to the point of my post. If you can get all of the above done and sent as soon as Thanksgiving passes, good for you…but that hasn’t happened for me in recent years. Taking a “nice” family photo is a very challenging situation for me and it causes stress. So, my solution this year was to use Paperless Post!

Paperless Post is an online card site that i have used to send out invitations and birthday greetings, so why not use them for my holidays cards too! They have a great selection of templates that you can easily personalize and select your background design, envelope color and liner, plus the stamp you want in it too!

I love that it’s also an environmentally-friendly way to send an immediate greeting, that still has a handcrafted, personal feel. I created this year’s holiday cards in about 30 minutes, picking the design was my toughest task! I simply used a snap of my boys from my camera roll, customized my greeting, input my email list and pressed send! That’s a bonus too, you can track who has been able to open and view the card and easily add more recipients as you wish.

So, if you still want to spread some holiday cheer and make it “your own,” it’s not too late, you could even just spin it into a Happy New Year greeting too. Pop on over to Paperless Post and get it down today!

 

 

Farewell to Our Elf…For Now

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This year I caved, I got an Elf…on the Shelf! At ages 2 and 3, this holiday season took on new meaning with my older toddler really understanding the whole “Santa” concept a little better, and well his lil bro is never far behind. So while from the outside looking in I had maintained I wouldn’t be getting one of those “creepy-looking elves,” now that I’m on the inside, we got one!

I prepped my boys prior to Turkey Day telling them we’d be getting a visitor from the North Pole who would be helping Santa out before Christmas. They didn’t really get it…but once he showed up a few days before Thanksgiving, they started to comprehend with a quickness!

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We read the storybook that accompanied our elf several times in the first week, and it’s amazing how captivated and focused they became on our visitor. Our elf took the name “Loepe,” affectionately named by my 3-year old who simply rattled off those 5 letters in that order a few times when I asked for a name, and it stuck! Throughout the month before Christmas we did have to remind the younger of our 2 boys of the “rules,” but I’d say overall it was a success.

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Now, call me an underachiever, but our elf didn’t really do anything exciting besides have a few creative appearances during his stay…maybe in the next couple years as my kids become a little more savvy he’ll become more “adventurous.” However in our inaugural elf year, he just moved around every night. The one room that was off-limits was the boys’ bedroom…we had him in their one night and they freaked out, and were scared to sleep in there, so we kept him in the common areas of our home.

And — for the non-believers/haters out there, this is why I enjoyed our first elf experience:

  • Every morning my boys were excited to get out of bed and find the spot Loepe had landed for the day. There was no moping around and whiny…just excitement to find him and show us where he was situated!
  • In the moments when either child needed a quick calm-down, all I had to do was point to the elf and say…he can see and hear everything you’re doing right now. I mean, incentive is everything.
  • It keeps me accountable. Are there times when I’m snuggled up in my warm bed, only to remember, OH CRAP…I need to move the elf!!! Yes, that happens…BUT at the same time, I am an active participant and I have to stay on my toes and make sure I stay in the spirit of the season. They are only young once.
  • On that note, their father and my sister also assisted in my absence and/or forgetful moments, and helped me with the elf’s daily location changes…plus the fresh perspectives and extra sets of eyeballs were great for new ideas.
  • Overall, it’s a fun, family tradition we can look forward to in the years to come. Now that Christmas has come and gone, they keep asking where he is and when he’ll come back!

All that said, Loepe, we miss you, have a great “off-season” and we’ll see you next year!

Snowman Soup

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I wanted to do a special something for my 3-year old’s preschool class, and teach him about giving this season, as well as receiving. I was looking for something themed for the holiday season, not too heavy on the wallet and a “gift” we could make together. So, after scouring the internet, I found “recipes” for Snowman Soup! It’s a really simple idea and all you need are a few simple ingredients.

  • Hot Cocoa packets
  • Candy Canes
  • Marshmallows
  • Chocolate

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Since I found chocolate covered marshmallow snowmen at the store, I used those and I scored at the dollar store with small holiday print baggies.

Screen Shot 2015-12-10 at 10.07.10 AMTo customize it, I found this cute, FREE printable online that we personalized with my son’s name, printed them out on card stock, then stapled to the top of the bags to make “Snowman Soup.”

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We also made this alternate version with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Overall, I love that it was easy for my toddler/preschooler to assemble and I also feel it’s an appropriate “treat” for his peers!

Holidays 2014: 5 Memorable Moments

I enjoyed a really wonderful Christmas and New Year holiday week, with my family on the West Coast recently…and while it’s back to work and back to reality, I can’t help but continue to bask and smile at how awesome it all turned out! I mean the term “holidays” often conjure up visions of stress, fatigue and even panic – especially as parents, along with all the warm, fuzzy notions of the magic of the season.

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Well, this time around we decided to pack it up and fly west for a week to be with my side of the family and friends. We purchased air tickets at a premium (holiday) price, which already had me feeling like is this really worth it, then when it came time to depart, we faced multiple flight delays and a standby fate at our original airport and the one we rerouted to…so when we eventually made it to our desired destination, a full 24 hours later had passed! Talk about a Mommy’s travel nightmare. I kept thinking I was going to run out of milk, diapers and food for my toddlers…not to mention my toddlers had to endure LONG wait times in the gate area of just hanging around while the clocked tick and we waited for our names to be called.

To their credit, my boys did exceptionally well, I think I was more of the wreck, worrying if we’d make it to the family Christmas Eve gathering, disappointed with the lack of info and options on how to get where we needed to be, frustrated at the delays (and layovers) I had hoped to avoid, etc… Luckily when we finally got to where we were going, it was nothing short of an amazing family vacation.

So, here are my top 5 most memorable moments from the 2014 holidays:

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Ship

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We stayed with my baby sister Alison during the trip and she pulled out all the stops for my boys to make them feel right at home, starting with a pop up play tent, themed after Jake and the Never Land Pirates! I couldn’t get over how cool this thing was…where were these when I was a kid? My photo probably doesn’t do it justice either…there was even a basketball hoop on the mast!

San Francisco – Pier 39

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The day after Christmas we took a trip into the city and did the “tourist” thing at Pier 39. It was a beautiful day, with crystal clear skies and not “cold” at all by San Francisco standards… We attempted a picturesque family photo by the Bay, my two sisters came to hang out….

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I mean they have a playground right there too, next to a marina with a view of the SF Bay – it doesn’t get any better, and my boys also got their ice cream fix with Aunties.

Golden State Warriors Game

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We had a family outing to a Golden State Warriors game. Basketball is big in our family, we grew up on it, we play it, we love going to games… Right now the Warriors are a top team in the NBA and we got all of us together to go to a game. My family, each of my siblings and their significant other’s and my Mom! These gatherings are rare and it was SO much fun for the boys.

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Raef had a huge container of popcorn and loved every minute of eating it…ALL!

New Year’s Eve Slumber Party Shin Dig

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For NYE, we got together with some of my closest and oldest (meaning since elementary school) friends to ring in the new year. It was good times with all the families together in one house, the kids running around and taking care of each other, while the adults socialized and enjoyed ourselves too.

Playdates

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However, the most memorable moment of the holiday vacay – and technically it’s moments, were the several play dates and visits we had with close friends. It’s so fun and really heartwarming to meet the children of the people I have been friends with since childhood and college….the pre-Mom days. And — to see our children all interact together is THE BEST!!

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Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy

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Every week, Chef Bob of Farm Fresh Supermarkets, makes an appearance on the TV show I host and this week he made his “Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy.” Now, I’m not big on nuts, but I know people tend to go “nuts” for this stuff, especially around this time of year! Well, he graciously shared his recipe with me, so now I’m going to share it with you!

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Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1 lb. Unsalted Butter
2 cups Sugar
2 Tbsp Light Corn Syrup
5 Tbsp Water
1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 Cups Mixed Nuts (Planters Deluxe)
12 oz bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 bag of 12 oz bag White Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Chopped Mixed Nuts

Directions:
1. Over Medium heat, melt butter in a large pot.
2. Add corn syrup, water, vanilla and sugar to pot and cook until temp reaches 290 degrees (use a candy thermometer) or until the mixture becomes the color of a brown paper bag (about 15-20 minutes) stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (mixture will rise and bubble quite a bit).
3. Remove from heat and stir in mixed nuts.
4. Pour mixture onto a non-greased cookie sheet with edges.
5. While the nut mixture is cooling, melt the semi sweet chocolate and white chocolate chips separately in a double boiler until all the chips are gone, and chocolate is smooth.
6. Pour the warm semi sweet chocolate over the nut mixture and spread evenly.
7. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate.
8. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (Planters is fine), and allow candy to cool completely and chocolate to harden before breaking it apart.

Note: May want to cool in freezer for at least an hour.

If you want to watch the video clip when he made this click HERE

Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

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I decorated these fun Christmas Tree cupcakes on the show – courtesy of Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, and I thought it was such a simple, but yet very cute idea and easy to do. All you need are the cupcake, sugar (ice cream) cones, green icing, white frosting and powdered sugar, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, etc… whatever you want to decorate with on your tree. A small piece of fondant can also be used to cut and add a star as a tree topper!

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First, bake and cool the cupcakes. Then you take your cupcake and cover with white frosting, and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the top for a “snow” effect. Then lightly use a butter knife to cover the outside of the cone to be “green.” After that you want to fill the pastry bag (can use ziploc bag) and slowly squeeze out small amount to create the “leaves” on the tree.

When finished, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar to give the tree a dusting of snow, or use sprinkles, mini M&M’s or other small candy to decorate you tree. Then place the tree on the cupcake and there you go! These could make cute centerpieces or edible decor on a table or just be a fun kids holiday craft idea! Enjoy!

Here’s video of the TV segment I did…

Holiday Gift Guide for Mom, Dad and Kids

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This fall I took on the daunting task of putting together holiday gift guides for everyone and everything on your list… and presented them on my show. Shopping may seem fun and easy, but it’s actually pretty tough to select items and make suggestions to make sure you cover all the demographics and range of tastes for all kinds of individuals! All that being said, I think I did a pretty good job to help someone out with some “bright” gift ideas….

All the video clips and list links are below…

Angela & Roi Handbags – www.AngelaRoi.com 

Pure HANDKIT’s Original Button Wrap – PureandCo.com

Galaxy Gold Jewelry – www.galaxygold.com

Vionic Shoes – www.vionicshoes.com

Rodan + Fields Anti-Aging Skincare – www.maryjaneng.myrandf.com

Bed of Nails – http://bedofnails.org/

Festified – www.festified.com

BodiPro – www.viatekproducts.com

YogaSmoga – http://yogasmoga.com/

Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 – http://www.usa.philips.com/

RumChata Holiday Gift Box – www.rumchata.com

Craft Beer Growler & Glasses – HomeWetBar.com

BBQ Dragon – Visit www.BBQDragon.com

Tastosterone Cookbook – http://www.tastosterone.com

Junk Food Clothing – www.junkfoodclothing.com

ScoreBand Pro – www.scoreband.net

Nap Anywhere – www.napanywhere.net

GrillGrates – www.grillgrate.com

Ribalizer Rib Cooker – www.ribalizer.com

Marbleworks  Raceway Sets – www.DiscoveryToys.net

SuperME Backpack – www.supermehero.com

Sydney Paige Backpacks – www.sydneypaigeinc.com

ciao! baby Portable Highchair – www.theportablehighchair.com

Philips/Disney SoftPal – http://www.usa.philips.com/

Original BedBug – http://originalbedbug.com/

Pediped Shoes – www.pediped.com

Lassig 4Kids Trolley Suitcase for Kidswww.habausa.com

Fashion Friends – www.DiscoveryToys.net

PlayTape by Inroad toys – www.inroadtoys.com

 

Mac n Cheese

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My girl @amarisjones shared this YUMMY photo and recipe for her Mac n Cheese on her social media…so I felt like it was my duty to share it with all of you!!

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk, warm or half n half
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 onion powder
1/4 smoked paprika
1/4 dried chives
Dash hot sauce (to taste)
salt and and fresh cracked black pepper ( to taste) 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1 pound macaroni pasta, cooked al dente
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar for topping

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in the warmed milk or (half n half) and bring to a boil, continue to whisk constantly. The mixture will thicken as the heat increases. Continue to stir while adding the dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, pepper,onion powder, smoked paprika and hot sauce. Stir in the 3 cheeses (muenster, gouda, asiago). Once melted, pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and add to a 3 quart casserole dish and stir well with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and Cheddar Cheese on top, and bake for 35 minutes. Enjoy!