Post Christmas ~ Finally!

I know, I know. We're 14 days into the new year. But if your December was anything like my family's, you are still trying to get back into the swing of normalcy also.  We had all of the typical December happenings, like tree trimming at Grandma & Grandpa's,  tamale making, cookie baking, Christmas shopping, my daughter's 10th birthday party, and two Christmas parties for Charming & me. On top of our typical December happenings we added a few new things this year, like a choir performance schedule and a gingerbread festival.

Tamale making with grandma & grandpa. The maza was flying!

 

Living in an apartment with limited space and now a large baby swing where our Christmas tree usually sat meant that this year there was going to be a lack of tree in our home.  I hated that.  It just didn't feel right not having our own tree...just a fiber optic one on our coffee table. Although, not cleaning up pine needles was a plus...and the girls hung candy canes galore on the fiber optic tree along with some homemade ornaments we did this year. (They smelled ahhhmazing!)

Baby boy enjoyed all of the lights, the smells and our traditional cocoa & Christmas light drive.  We get all bundled up, bring our cocoa mugs, a pump thermos full of hot cocoa, turn on the radio and drive around town looking at all of the Christmas lights on display in the neighborhoods.  This tradition was started the year my oldest daughter was turning 1...and we've done it every year since.  I have to say other than all of the baking that I do, this is my favorite family Christmas time tradition.

Yes, that is a GIANT inflatable reindeer peering over someone's back yard fence. It was tethered down like you wouldn't believe.

My biggest tip for making things a little lighter on your bank account during all of the Christmas shopping is to utilize SHOPKICK throughout the year.  Yes, if you don't already have it here is another app for you to put on your phone. It truly pays off though...SERIOUSLY! You get to redeem your points for instant gift cards to places that you most likely go to all the time.  Last year I redeemed over $150 just at Christmas time...not including all the redemptions I did in previous months!  (And I wasn't as diligent about it as I was the year before.) I love to yreat myself every one in awhile by redeeming for  a Starbucks instant gift card!  I use SHOPKICK all year long as I'm out and about.  We only live 5 minutes from the mall, so a stop in during the weekend when extra points are offered is an easy run in and out of the mall for me. You don't have to buy anything, just walk into one of the stores offering points!  Target and Walmart supply points to me all year long...with walk-ins and scanning certain items as I'm shopping.  I LOVE IT!!!  Anyway, that was my little bit of "here's free money for you".

My oldest daughter is all about Christmas, how could she not be? She's a Christmas Eve baby!  I love that she chose to have a Christmas themed birthday cake this year.  We had such fun decorating it with little Wilton cupcake toppers...which I got at a clearance price somehow!!! Look how cute it turned out!

 

This was the first year of choir performances to keep up on.  My Grace LOVES being in the choir (she's the one beaming at me in the photo)...and it brought us to a little gingerbread festival that we had no idea even happened in town. And don't even ask me what the Christmas pig was all about...I'm still trying to figure that out.

 

 

Some of the gingerbread houses were amazing!  I would have never tried to decorate the inside of one. We all had our favorites, which were the only ones I snapped pics of. Which one wins your vote? Think you could pull something like these off?

This was my favorite gingerbread house.  I couldn't believe how they had also done the inside of the house.  Mine have NEVER looked this pretty. Next year, next year is the year that mine steps up!

 

Face painting, a stop off at Target and then home for hair coloring...that was one busy Saturday for my clan.  They got to relax and mom got to hit the grocery store that evening...something doesn't seem quite fair about that, does it?

My little artist Rose could not just go with what the face painter offered...she had a special request to make her face look like a snowman.  The other kids in line knew as soon as the nose went on...and they all LOVED it.

 

My darling little Rose got the part she was ironically praying for in her 3rd grade performance...the angel.  She typically doesn't like the spotlight, so when she was so determined to get a speaking part in the performance I was shocked.  And she did such a good job too. 

 

I hope that you all had an amazing December with your families. I know that ours rushed by, but it was filled with plenty of happy new memories.

Cinnamon Ornaments

Photos: dōTERRA International, LLC

doTERRA has come up with a very simple craft to trim your Christmas tree...or your office, or your car, or your closet...whatever.

 

Cinnamon ornaments scented with dōTERRA essential oils! I can't wait to make these tonight with my daughters.  They love to bake and they love doing crafts...and they LOVE Christmas. We're going to have so much fun and my home is going to smell amazing!

 

READ MORE...

DYI Teacher, Co-worker or Just Plain Ole Friend Giftings

Every year I try to find some cute little gifts that I can make at home to share with my girls' teachers and our family friends. 

And every year I fail in getting everyone on our list covered. *boooo*  This year I am again making a valiant effort to accomplish one gift for everyone on my list.  *YAAAAY!*  Say a prayer for me because with my 8 month old son it's going to be quite a feat to accomplish this year.

Here are some of the wonderful homemade gifts that I have come across in my searching for the perfect gift...not to mention easy. I hope that this list inspires and perhaps takes care of your search at the same time.

Merry Christmas & Happy Gifting!

'Tis The Season For Pies, Pies, Pies!

Pockets Of Love Cherry Pies - TheChattyMom

This week we walk smack-dab into the season of pies.  This is when there are pies aplenty adorning everyone's tables and hanging out in just about every fridge on the block. 

Now, I am not a master pie maker, there is still much for me to learn in the area of making pie crust. That being said, it doesn't keep me from trying my hand at a pie now and then.  That's how you get better at doing something, right?  You try over and over until you feel that you've got it mastered...or at least down to a reasonable outcome.

 

Well, in the interest of others who like to bake pies now and then, I have pulled together some wonderful pies from others who have more experience at baking them than I.

Thanksgiving Goodie Ideas ~ We All Need Them

Before I know it, Thanksgiving is going to be crashing through my door wanting to know where to land.  This is my way of being prepared and having plenty to occupy my kiddles as the holiday approaches.

In my search for all things Thanksgiving, I have come across some great blog sites.  Because I'm so nice, and I know that there are other mommies out there looking for activities and recipes too, I'm going to share them with you.  

Halloween Treats & Craft Ideas

My girls love to use any excuse to bake or create goodies...especially fun looking ones.  Here are some of the ideas we've come across while trying to decide what to do for Halloween parties at school and friends' houses.                                    

We've already hit one Trunk-or-Treat event and have a couple more planned on Halloween...PLUS Trick-or-Treating with some good friends. By that time my oldest daughter should have her Red Angry Bird costume. (we improvised and made her a Pop Star for this one)

With very little time on my hands now that I have a new baby demanding all of it, I am pulling on Pinterest like mad this week.  From sweet treats to crafts to drinks...these are the ones that caught my girls' eyes.  Which are your favorites?

To view other ideas, visit my Pinterest Board!

1. Personal Pumpkin Pizzas - TheChattyMom

   My girls absolutely LOVE building their own pizzas. This is just another fun way to enjoy a piece of pizza...err, a whole personal pizza.

2.  Crayon Melt Pumpkins  - BudgetSavvyDiva.com

 

    We will be making a couple of these pumpkins this year...just to be different from our neighbors.

What's On YOUR Thanksgiving Table This Year?

 

With Thanksgiving knocking on my door, I have been going through tried and true recipes for appetizers, sides and desserts.  Here are the delectable dishes that will be gracing my family's table this Thanksgiving Day.  (Why is the turkey missing?  My mother-in-law has the task of turkey and ham this year.)

Feel free to leave some of your favorite recipe links in the comments below. (I love a good recipe)

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving Holiday!

APPETIZERS

Prosciutto & Cheese Rosettes ~ The Chatty Mom

 

Bacon Wraps ~ Garlic Herb ~ The Chatty Mom ~ Addictive bites

SIDES

Homemade Cranberry Sauce ~ The Chatty Mom ~ So easy, SO good...You'll never go back to the can!

Photo Source: Ree Drummond ~ ThePioneerWoman.com

Whiskey Glazed Carrots ~ The Pioneer Woman's recipe.  Ahhh-MAzing!

Photo Source: AvocadoPesto.com

Green Beans with Shallots and Pine Nuts ~ Avocado Pesto's recipe - Great alternative to the traditional green bean casserole

 

Sweet Potato Banana Crumble Casserole ~ The Chatty Mom ~ Great as a side OR a dessert.  I top it with vanilla frozen yogurt and serve as dessert! (my oldest daughter's favorite dish)


DESSERTS

Photo Source: PickyPalate.com

Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Vanilla Sheet Cake ~ Picky Palate ~ A new recipe that I can't wait to have!)

 

Photo Source: Foodnetwork.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ~ Food Network ~ My family LOVES these...without the chocolate chips.  Soft & chewy and SO good!

 

 

Steaming vs. Boiling: Easter Egg Prep

 

 This year I decided to do a little something different when prepping for the traditional Easter egg coloring fest....steaming my eggs!  Yes, I said steaming.

Where did I get such a notion? Mr. Alton Brown of course.  It's a brilliant concept I must say. The water takes less time to come to a boil which means less time waiting for the eggs to get done thus allowing you to start on a next batch quickly.

 

 

Now there is something that I learned in this experiment...adjust time for steaming when extra large eggs are used. I did not realize that the times Alton mentioned were for large eggs. My first go at steaming showed that the 13 minute mark results in extra large eggs with an undone center.  Not the result I was looking for.  

 

 

After making the adjustment of an extra couple minutes I was rewarded with the perfectly done egg on the right.  
 

So here is the steam time difference between the two:
13-14 minutes - Large Eggs
15-16 minutes - Extra Large Eggs  
 

Happy steaming everyone!


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To PEEP Or Not To PEEP?

With Easter fast approaching, I thought that it would be fun to share a little humor - and possibly get some creative juices flowing - in regards to those sugary marshmallows we all know (some love, some hate)...
 

the PEEPS!

 

It looks like so much fun to pull off.  I just may have to start this tradition here in Reno...we will see. :)



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Easter Pudding Baskets

I wanted to do something a little bit different for an Easter treat this year...and the Robin's Eggs Nests are such an easy build, I figured that I could incorporate those with one of my kiddles' favorite treats. Pudding!

Personalized Valentine Fortune Cookies

What am I up to today?  Well, I'm teaching my girls to make fortune cookies of course!

 

Not those weird ones in the "Fortune Cookie Maker" that my daughter wanted so bad at Christmas.  These fortune cookies are YUMMY!!!

 

If you have never made these before, you've got to give it a try.  Really, they are ridiculously easy to do and so much fun to pass out to family & friends.

 

Here's the recipe I found in 2008 in WOMAN'S WORLD and am still in love with today.  They are addictively tasty and so much fun to decorate. 

My girls LOVE making these when Valentine's Day & Easter come along. (yes, we decorate in spring time flair too)

 

Valentine Fortune Cookies

Kitchen Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 cookies (large cookies)

Calories: 170

 

Ingredients:

2/3 c Flour, all-purpose

1/2 c. Sugar

1 Tbsp. Cornstarch

3 Egg Whites

6 Tbsp. Butter, melted and cooled

1/2 tsp. Almond Extract

Instructions:

For each fortune, with a food-safe marker, write sentiment on strip of paper.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

 

Generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray.

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornstarch, egg whites, butter and almond extract. 

 

Making two cookies at a time, drop batter onto baking sheet, about 7 " apart.  Using a small spatula or back of teaspoon, spread batter in a circular motion, into 5" rounds.  Bake 9-10 minutes until edges are just lightly browned.

 

Cover palm of hand folded kitchen towel. With large spatula, flip hot cookie over onto towel.  Working quickly, place fortune in center of cookie and fold cookie in half.  If cookies cool and become too firm to shape, pop them back into the oven for a minute or two just until they soften.

 

Immediately bend in corners to form fortune cookie shape.  Place into cup of muffin pan to cool.  Repeat with remaining cookies while warm.  Decorate as desired.

 

Dip:

Melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips or candy melts; stir in 2 tsp. canola oil until smooth.  Dip one side or end of cookie into chocolate; place on wax paper.

 

If desired, immediately decorate with sprinkles, candy decorations and/or drizzled chocolate.

Valentine's Day Décor Ideas

Okay, alright I must admit that I am getting ready to go into full-blown Valentine's Day mode! I'm much more of a sleek & elegant Valentine's décor lover, but to each their own.  This day is set apart for those who simply love LOVE and how it is interpreted is completely up to the individual or couple.

BUT, if you are one of those who may want to change things up or just need a little inspiration, this post is for you!  In preparation for the month of love, I'm doing my homework by gathering some great decorating ideas.

AND....I am sharing them with all of you!  (crafts & recipes coming in the following days)

Really, is there any time of the year that causes the masses to become consumed with romance, chocolates, red & pink hearts galore?  No, no I would have to say that there is not.


Be inspired!
                       Be creative!
                                              Be romantic!
                                                                        BE VALENTINE'S DAY!

Click on the photos to view the original site and any instructions.

Photo Source: Interior Result

 

Photo Source: By Heather Bailey, HelloMyNameIsHeather.com

 I love these paper decorations.  My girls are going to love making their own.

 

 

Photo Source: Steve Giralt, Delish.com

 The best part, you could eat the centerpiece!

 

 

Photo Source: Best Home Decorators

 

Photo source: Home Design Pics

Simply gorgeous.

 



Photo source: Home Design Pics

Photo Source: Tip Junkie

 

Photo Source: Martha Stewart

 Give me an excuse to melt crayons and I'm in!

 

 

Photo Source: The Peanut Paintshop

 I LOVE this idea of conversation hearts...it's simple, very sweet and sentimental.

 

 

Photo Source: T. Matthews Fine Art

 Such an easy craft, simple and adorable with all the colors required for Valentine's Day.

 

 

Photo Source: Sweet Rose Studio

  I love the idea of framing Valentine's Day cards or sayings.  Free printables are offered thru this site's link.

 

 

Photo Source: HomieNice

 Seriously, who wouldn't want to walk into a retreat set like this?

 

 

Photo Source: The Charmed Home



 Staggered sizes and shapes is what really makes this appealing to the eye.

 

 

Photo Source: Fancy Home Design

 This has inspired to create my own lovey-dovey hurricane lamps.

 

 

Photo Source: Design Sponge

 This tent would take quite a bit of effort, but how cool is that?  My kiddles would take it over.

 

Great (Healthier) Appetizers (Dips Too!) To Ring In The New Year!

Let's face it, every little temptation out there thrives for the holidays. It's the time of year that is guaranteed for mass consumption of everything naughty. Cookies, cakes, candies, chocolates (my weakness), pies, nuts and flat out over indulgence of our favorite family recipes all add up to bloating, the scale climbing, jeans not zipping (or worse, not buttoning), guilt, tummy aches...you name it.

Well, I've decided that I'm going to start the New Year off with a much healthier mindset and game plan.  For starters, this year I am not going to be making high fat or high sugar appetizers for our nosh-fest while waiting to ring in the New Year.  I've scoured the internet and have come up with some amazing recipes links for my family (and all of you) to enjoy!

Happy New Year! 

Here's to a healthy and adventure filled 2013!

 

Appetizers 

 

Photo Source: Ree Drummond, ThePioneerWoman.com

Bruschetta ~ The Pioneer Woman

I'm a sucker for bruschetta 

Photo Source: Becky Luigart-Stayner, CookingLight.com

Orange Chipotle-Spiced Pecan Mix ~ Cooking Light
I love pecans!!! And you can't go wrong with sweet/salty combos!

Photo Source: SimplyScratch.com

Crispy Baked Onion Rings ~ Simply Scratch

Skip the frying! (and the unnecessary calories)

Photo Source: HungryGirl.com

 BLT Wonton Crunchies ~ Hungry Girl

Only 93 calories for two filled wontons!

Photo Source: TheDeenBros.com

Sweet & Sour Meatballs ~ The Deen Bros.
A lightened option...(3 meatballs with 1/2 cup sauce) = 151 Calories!

Photo Source: PickyPalate.com

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps ~ Picky Palate

Photo Source: PickyPalate.com

  Creamy Salsa and Black Bean Nachos ~ Picky Palate

Photo Source: Leta Shy, FitSugar.com 

Baked Thai Chicken Wontons ~ Fit Sugar
3 wontons = only 48 calories!

Photo Source: TasteOfHome.com

Cheese Straws ~ Taste Of Home
Oh my kiddles are going to LOVE these!

Photo Source: GiadadeLaurentiis.com

Beef Skewers with Cherry Tomatoes and Parsley Sauce ~ Giada de Laurentiis
This is one that my Charming will love!

Photo Source: MarthaStewart.com

Hazelnut and Turkey Stuffed Mushrooms ~ Martha Stewart
Stuffed mushrooms are always a party-pleaser..

 

DIPS!

 

Photo Source: MyRecipes.com - Becky Luigart-Stayner



Avacado-Yogurt Dip with Cumin ~ MyRecipes.com

Photo Source: FoodNetwork.com

Slim 6-Layer Dip ~ Food Network Magazine

Photo Source: FoodNetwork.com

Lima Bean Dip ~ Food Network
A great alternative to avocados...and a garlic kick!

Photo Source: FitSugar.com

Spicy Chipotle Hummus ~ Fit Sugar
This hummus will awaken your senses.

Photo Source: TasteOfHome.com

 Warm Broccoli Spread ~ Taste Of Home
I love warm dips, but don't typically find healthier options that taste so good. This one wins!

Photo Source: TheDeenBros.com

Backfield BLT Dip ~ The Deen Bros.
 Okay, it's not really a healthy option...I had to slip one naughty choice into the mix.