Day 5, 6, 7, & 8 with out Elf

Day 5... Reading Time with Friends

Day 6... Elf Fishing

 Day 7... Elf took a Spa Day (I was so jealous... I want to be able to get left alone only by using the "Do Not Disturb" sign.)

Day 8... A Mind "Boogle"ing Game on a Friday night

Happy Holidays!!!

Angela & Emily :)

Who knew???? Day 4 of our Elf on the Shelf Adventures!!!

Well, what a surprise this morning Little Gene gave us...

Kids and I laughed out loud at what we found Little Gene doing...
And the note to the left in the picture leads me to believe that Santa's message yesterday meant something to them!!! And Little Gene was proud of the kids for calming down!!!

Here is what Little Gene was found doing...

Who knew he was a Crocheter Elf along with a Christmas Elf. Princess said he is making a scarf for Santa but I think it might be for himself... maybe he can finish my orders for Christmas (lol)...maybe that can be my Christmas wish.

I enjoyed the giggles from the kids when they found him sharing Mama's passion!


Happy Holidays!
Ange and Emily

A Day of Necessary Reminder... Day 3

Well, day 2 may have started off on a fun note with Little Gene playing the Wii with a fairy competitor but as the day went on it was becoming more noticeable that it was going to be a trying day for us as parents... I don't know if it is the excitement that is building more and more wach day or the fact that this Mama has been playing both roles as of late and when Daddy does get home that the fact that they miss him so much that they go a little over board with their action (leaning towards the latter.)

Well after a tough time getting the Princess to go to bed (thankfully she only goes to School right now Tuesdays and Thursdays, and alternating Fridays... going a little later was okay but when she is being a sassy-bot and giving attitude not a good evening had by anyone involved. Monkey on the other hand was more of a non-listener than anything else and a little on the tantrum side of things when it comes to losing opportunities of play and cartoons.


So this morning we found Little Gene....

and he brought a message back from Santa to remind the kids to "Be Good" and act nice to everyone as well as do as mommy & daddy ask without putting up a stink.

The kids were quite upset that Little Gene had talked to Santa about their behaviour and so we discussed it and they came to the conclusion that they would do their best to behave in a good way to everyone!!! I think they had a good reminder that was needed and did the job!

Happy Holidays!

Angela and Emily

Day 2... Game on!!!!

This morning the kids were delighted to search out Little Gene and couldn't find him in the spot he was yesterday and seemed sad. So I asked them if they look everywhere for his newest hiding place.... and to their delight he was found....

Little Gene, I guessed decided to challenge Silvermist the Fairy
to the Wii!!! The audience included Abominable Snowman, Alphi-bot

Looks like Little Gene was losing to Silvermist
by the score

Intense game of Wii between the two 

Chocolate goldfish for an elf snack!!!

 This gave the kids a great chuckle to see Little Gene playing the Wii... and with Princess' Fairy was the topping on the cake!!! Monkey got quite upset that Little Gene got into his goldfish! But got over it quick once I mentioned that Little Gene like them too! Wonder what he will do tomorrow... can't wait to see!


Happy Holidays!
Ange and Em

He's BAACCCKKKKK!!!!!

Well, finally our Elf on the Shelf made his appearance today as our family starts our Christmas countdown to the big guy in red's arrival!!!

Today, Princess had dance class in the morning so we were up early and while I was getting ready she came running in all upset that our Elf, Little Gene, hadn't come... because she needed to tell him her Christmas wishes!!! I asked her if she looked everywhere she could to see if he wasn't hiding on her so he could get a glimpse at her and Monkey's behaviour for the first day... Off she went in search of Little Gene... Shouts of joy and excitement as she came running back to me 2 mins later exclaiming "He's here! He's here!!! Come and see he's here!!!!" So as were made our way back into the family room she began to jump with excitement and pointing for me to look for him... And sure enough there he was our Little Gene. He had tucked himself in behind the TV!!!

Along with the Elf in the Shelf book to re-read the reason for having Little Gene visit us, there was a letter from Santa...

and 2 Christmas themed books to read...

Well, let's see what day 2 will give us from Little Gene... he can be quite the character... just like his namesake... the kids' Grampie!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Angela & Em

Holiday Movies!

We have a love for Christmas movies in our family... we break them out in late November and watch them until Christmas Day!! Today we will share some of our favourites!

Elf - it is a full of holiday spirit movie that makes you giggle every time!!

The Santa Clause 1, 2, & 3 - are all equally fantastic - they capture the spirit of Santa Claus so well!!!

Home Alone - what's Christmas without this one? It's on a lot during the holiday season and I could watch it every time!

Prancer - another holiday favourite we watched with our parents!

The Santa Claus - this is definitely another favourite that we watched with our parents...one of the best!

A Charlie Brown Christmas - A classic!!! Who doesn't enjoy this one every single year?!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated) - Dr. Seuss was brilliant, and this is another that was hit out of the park!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - This is Angela's absolute favorite Christmas movie!! From Rudolph to Bumble, she loves them all! And she's passed her love of this movie onto her Princess who loves the character Clarice!

A Muppet Family Christmas - This has to be my absolute favourite!! I am a HUGE Muppet fan - Waka Waka! This movie can be found entirely on You Tube too!

The Muppet Christmas Carol - This classic Charles Dickens' story is phenomenally done by our favourite gang!

Christmas With the Kranks - Tim Allen is a fabulous holiday actor and this is a hilarious movie about a couple who cancels Christmas to go on a cruise! (I'm watching this one tonight! :-) Em)

Miracle on 34th Street - a classic that never gets old!!!!

A Christmas Carol (Animated with Jim Carrey) - My husband and I watched this one and couldn't believe how great this one was... it came out in 3D and we regretted not seeing it in theatre in 3D!

 

So, there's a list of holiday movies that are frequented at Christmastime in our family. There are plenty more, but there's a chance that this post would never end then!!! Angela will post any I've missed I'm sure!

 

Emily

Milk Unleashed Giveaway

Milk Unleashed has approached me to help get the word out about their products and do a giveaway. And with the holiday season fast approaching and our time at its most precious with school, concerts, sporting events, extracurricular activities and family priorities. Milk Unleashed offers parents wholesome goodness that is available ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. And aren't we all looking for a simpler way to keep our kids on a good nutritional track in a hectic lifestyle???

What is Milk Unleashed???  Shelf safe milk is Grade A milk that requires no refrigeration until it is opened, thanks to ultra pasteurization and special Tetra Pak cartons the wholesome goodness of milk is preserved. Now kids can get the vitamins and nutrients of milk no matter what time of day or where you are with them be it at the rink, concert hall, dance studio, stuck in traffic or just out shopping for the holidays. It is the same great milk just a different process. Here is 30 things you never knew about milk...  Also here are some great facts about Shelf Safe Milk... Other things on the Milk Unleashed website include:

•           On-The-Go Games and Tips! Even cruising down the freeway can be an adventure!  With these fun games and tips you can have some family time even when you are out on the road! 

•           On-The-Go Snacks! Have you ever wanted to try the world’s best smoothie?  Well Milk Unleashed is here to make all your dreams come true!  Find out the best snacks to grab that will make your next outing even more thrilling!

•           Get Social! Tweet with the #MilkUnleashed hashtag to get revved up for their next family adventure!

Below is the MILK UNLEASHED App with load of information on their product along with activities and snack fun... check out the app below and get some fun.

Giveaway

Milk Unleashed is offer one of our readers a chance to have a Milk Unleashed variety pack consisting of:

            a) One liter of Shelf Safe Milk (Grand Pre or Baboo)

            b) Three single serving shelf safe milks (white and chocolate) from: Chokeo Chocolate Milk,     Grand Pre or Baboo

            c) A calendar and brochure with information about Shelf Safe Milk

            d) Cool stickers and Tattoos

            e) Plus, one bonus prize!

The Winner will be chose via Rafflecopter. And notified via email and will have 24 hours claim the prize pack before a new winner will be chosen!!!

Giveaway will run from today, 

November 30th, 2012 until December 7th, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks to MILK UNLEASHED for the opportunity to spread some easy-peasy holiday  goodies...



Disclaimer: We have received product in return for this post from Milk Unleashed.


Good Luck and Happy Holidays!!

Ange & Em

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

So as Christmas gets near, we will do a feature on Stocking Stuffer ideas for different age groups!

Today we will start with stocking stuffer ideas with a baby (0-12 months old) in mind:
- Face cloths
- Rattles
- Baby Soap
- Baby Shampoo
- Small Santa Hat
- Baby legs
- Socks
- Baby Cream
- Spoons*
- Bowls*
- Cereal*
- Pacifier
- Bath toys
- Snacks; Gerber Puffs**
- Sippy Cup*
- Toothbrush **
- Bibs
- Onesies
- Mittens
- Lovey/Stuffie

*Please note that this list encompasses the age 0-12 months old, so some of these items are more for an older baby 6-9 months old
**Please note that this list encompasses the age 0-12 months old, so some of these items are more for an older baby 6-9 months old

Tomorrow, I (Angela) will show you how to make your own Babylegs... which can serve as arm warmers for little girls (which is my reason for creating them to cover Princess' arms in the winter because she likes to wear her t-shirts ~Angela)

Happy Holidays,

Em & Ange

'Tis the season for Christmas albums!

***This post was written by my husband on his blog at www.maritimevinyl.blogspot.ca and we would like to share it here as well!*** - Em


Ahhhh Christmas time is here again! Just this week I started dusting off my Christmas albums for another month of heavy playing and listening with the family.

 

My wife is a huge fan of Christmas music so she is already a few weeks ahead of me but she has been doing pure digital listening until I break out the good stuff.



She writes a blog for her (and her Sister’s) hobby business “Little Pink Thread” and was asking me to do a post about Christmas records, so I’ll write this here and double post it on her blog at www.littlepinkthread.blogspot.ca.




We differ a bit when it comes to Christmas music but we are both open to listening to each other’s albums with an open mind and ear.



Since last year she jumped on the Michael Bublé Christmas band wagon along with the rest of the female population. Honestly, I think he is perfect for this type of music. He gives it that great Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby twist and it really works for this seasonal album. Although it is highly unlikely that I ever spin a Michael Buble album, I am ok with having this on it the background for the Christmas season.

 

Personally I tend to lean to the more classic artists for Christmas music. But before I get there I will finish up on my Wife’s personal favorites.



She was a teenager in the prime of the Backstreet Boys, 98˚ and N’Sync craze so these are always on her list. Michael Buble I can handle once in a while, I have no interest in the boy band Christmas music. She respects this and tends to listen to it most when I am preoccupied (headphones on).

 

 

Number one on her list would be her “Kenny and Dolly Christmas album”. I found her a copy on vinyl a few years ago and she constantly gets me to throw it on the turntable during the festive season.

 

Now onto my list!



Number one on my list hands down is “Elvis Presley’s Christmas Album”. Nothing even comes close. Elvis is the king all the time but he dominates Christmas music in my mind! I have another of his Christmas albums but it doesn’t get near as much play as the original.

 

 

A new addition in the past few years has been “Bob Dylan – Christmas in the Heart”. Who would of thought that Dylan could pull this off! One year he is Jewish and the next he is releasing the Christmas album of the year! Great job Bob, you never cease to amaze me.

 

A new addition this year which my wife and I both equally like is the Paul McCartney 7” of “Wonderful Christmastime”. This already has been getting a lot of play time and it will only increase in the weeks to come.

Another new addition this year is “Bing Crosby – Merry Christmas Bing”. This has been praised to me as the best Christmas album ever. So far I am not a huge fan. It is little old school for me (which is weird as I love old school) but I will be sure to give it a few more chances to try and change my mind.

Only other Christmas music I can think of playing would be “John Lennon – Happy Xmas, war is over”. This was released on “Shaved Fish”. Nobody can go through the season without hearing this song so much that they get sick of it. Regardless it will always be one of my favorites!

 

So there you go, these are the albums we listen to most during the Christmas season. We are always open to new suggestions so please feel free to leave comments with your favorite albums!

The Elf on the Shelf!

If you haven't heard of the Elf on the Shelf, click the link and read all about it! I only heard of it because Angela has one for her children, Princess and Monkey. Their Elf is also known as Little Eugene, and he is a very popular little elf! Now that I have Little E in my house, I am totally getting one!! Even if you don't have children or grandchildren in your home, anyone can start this tradition! I adore the idea, and it looks like it is so much fun!

Photo taken from the Official Elf on the Shelf website!

The concept behind the Elf on the Shelf is that he or she is sent by Santa Claus to watch over the people in your household. Each night, he or she reports back to Santa all of the good and bad things that happen daily! Your Elf returns to a different spot almost every night and it is part of the fun to have to find the Elf every morning because he or she gets very clever! You can whisper your holiday wishes to your Elf and he or she will bring them back to Santa and, if you're good, your wish may come true! If the Elf is touched by a child, he will lose his magic. Losing magic means the Elf will no longer be able to get back to the North Pole to report to Santa. To get the magic back, sprinkle cinnamon beside the Elf before bed and it helps his or her magic come back and gets the Elf back to the North Pole! The Elf arrives sometime before the holiday season, and in most cases this weekend is the beginning to the Elf's visits!!!

If you are on Pinterest, you can find loads of ideas on which to base your elf's appearance each night, by searching "Elf on the Shelf". On a side note, Angela has told me that it is best to plan your Elf's visit because with the holidays and all the stuff that can muck up your day, planning your Elf's visit in advance makes it a whole lot easier. We will be posting some of Angela's ideas and the Elf visit itinerary very soon. Also Angela has told me of a blog who has created a Elf Magic Restoration Pack for the incidences where an Elf may get touched, with all the excitement in a house full of little ones it is bound to happen... we will give you the link to the blog post and download package as Little Eugene's arrival nears.

This year I personally will be purchasing my Elf for Little E for Christmas, and he will return to us at the beginning of the holiday season next year when she is a little older and is starting to understand the concept!! I know Little Eugene will be appearing soon in Angela's household... bearing gifts and tons of excitement for the kids! See below for a photo of Little Eugene's arrival from last year.... he was having a good old fashion Miramichi Kitchen party with some of the kids' most favourite toys!!!

Feel free to share your ideas and photos from your Elf's visits, we will be sharing more clever appearances Little Eugene makes as we get closer to Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Emily & Angela





30 Days Until Christmas!

Hey Everybody!!!!

My most sincere apologies for not posting anything in a while, I returned to work from my maternity leave and never realized how busy and how much of an adjustment to my routine it would be!! But guess what? I'm back and posting each day to help you could down the 30 days until Christmas! We have big plans... stocking stuffer ideas, handmade gift ideas, and even perhaps a little sale coming your way!!

Thanks for understanding... I am super excited for these next 30 days and hope you are too!

Emily :-)

With that, here is a little something to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Package Pal 2012: What I gave and what I received!

Well, this lovely blog, C. R. A. F. T. , as in the previous post host a Package Pal Exchange event and for the second year I joined in on the Christmas version! I first want to thank Jamie, from C.R. A. F. T., for all her hard work she puts in to this event. If you get a chance please take part in it because you won't regret it!

My lovely partner this year was Michelle, a beautiful artist behind i.lluminate. You honestly need to check out her shop. Her talent is just mind blowing and she just introduced her Christmas cards to her shop!!! Michelle has now become a great crafty friend and it is all thanks to the PP Exchange 2012!!

Here is what I sent to Michelle...
I searched the awesome-sauce site of Pinterest, follow me if you want (LilPINKThread). And if you don't know Pinterest, where have you been (just kidding), it is the ultimate place to store all those sites you bookmark but now it has pictures and you can put them into boards under themes. If you are a member, please email me and I will send you an invite but be aware it is extremely addictive and time management is not your friend when you are on...
As I was saying I used Pinterest to find things that I could recreate for Michelle...being a fellow Canadian I knew that winter is quickly approaching and so I created some winters cozy and Christmas fun for her to enjoy.

Here are the sources for my creations...
A Crochet Dishtowel Hanger... pattern can be found at Little Birdie Secrets' blog
Owl-some Hat.... pattern by Inner Hooker, get it here in her shop
Boot Cuffs... pattern can be found at See Vanessa Craft's blog
Crochet Christmas light Garland.... pattern from AdKnits blog
Mustache coffee cozy.... cozy pattern by Me at Little Pink Thread; mustache applique pattern by Lauren at Tutus & Tea Parties' blog

*I want to thank the lovely crafters for their inspirations and ability to use them in creating a memorable Package Pal exchange for my partner, Michelle!

And I am happy to say Michelle received the package and was so excited in receiving them!!! I am so happy to have participated and to have a new found crafty friend!!!!

Looky Looky.... 
Michelle being the talented person she is created for me, my very own one-of-a-kind Birthday Calendar!!! Yep this is all mine!!!! I had a jaw dropping moment when I opened it because I could not believe that this was made for me!!!! Me!?!?! With a sweet note from Michelle with the reason behind her creation for me suit me to a "T". I carry little slips of paper or keep old calendars just for holding onto birthday and anniversary dates! Michelle also included one of her birthday card designs too!! As I turned the page my 5 yr old daughter was taken back by the papers and colours, she tried to claim it as hers but there was no way I an giving this up! I told Michelle that I was so excited to have this I really didn't wanna use it (but I will.)

Thanks again to Jamie for the lovely event and for all her organizing she has done to get these off all year! This was the best exchange.... and I think it is great way to bring crafters together! Will be watching for the 2013 PP exchanges signups!

Happy Hooking!
Angela :)

C.R.A.F.T. 2012 Package Pal Project

With the month of November in it's first day I thought I would show you what I was able to participate in for the second time. C.R.A.F.T. is a DIY blog that four a year puts together a craft partnering even called "Package Pals". It is way for people be crafty and in one month put together a package specifically made for your partner, another crafty person!
This year I participated in the October event... I got to meet a wonderful and very crafty blogger from Quebec, Michelle. She has the creativity I can only dream of and her art work is utterly AMAZING!!!
Michelle can be found through her blog, i.lluminate, once you are there you have to look around and check out her etsy shop... you will be blown away by her creations!!!

More Printables Freebies for you....

Just click on the picture and it should open into a separate page then right click to "Save As" or "Download Image"

Enjoy!

Some Free Christmas Printable...

Hi everyone...
I thought I would create some Christmas printables to share with your wonderful readers that visit us on a regular basis...

Here is the first of many for you over the next few days as we get closer to the holidays! Hope you enjoy it!

Just click on the picture and download

it is 8 X 10 in size.

Oops, I missed 68 days to go!!!

Since I am visiting my parents with my daughter this week, I missed yesterday's blog with 68 days to go!!! My Mom and I watched Survivor last night and the time slipped away!! Oops, so I will do 68 now if you all don't mind!!

So tonight, I am going to share a few more Christmas songs, hoping to bring the holiday spirit to you all!! These five are among my husband's favourite Christmas songs... enjoy!!!

Royal Guardsmen - Snoopy vs. the Red Baron

Bob Dylan - Must Be Santa

Billy Idol - Yellin' At the Christmas Tree

John Lennon - Happy X-mas (War is Over)

Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas

As you can see, my husband loves classic rock!!! I love these songs as well!!!

Recipe Party!!!

Ooops! I came to visit my Mom and Dad this week and missed posting yesterday!!!

Soooo... I will treat you all to TWO recipes for our Christmas Recipe Party! The two I am sharing tonight are high on the list of favourites in our households!!!

Melting Moments

3/4 cups brown sugar
1 cup margarine/butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream sugar and butter. Add egg. Combine dry ingredients and add with vanilla. Roll tablespoon sized cookie dough balls and drop on parchment lined cookie sheet. Press with fork. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.


Finger Cookies

1 cup butter
5 tbsp. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. water
1 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix ingredients well. Roll into finger shaped cookies. Bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and while warm, roll in white sugar.

I hope you all enjoy these recipes... they are so yummy!!!

Happy Baking!

Handmade Christmas Tree!

This year will only be my second Christmas at my house... and I am planning on making the ornaments on our tree this year! Thanks to Pinterest, I've found a couple of definites that I will be trying and will share one of these with you tonight with 69 days to go!

I found a recipe for Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments, through Pinterest, on Katy Elliot's blog. Here is the recipe:

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

1 cup of applesauce
1 1/2 cups cinnamon
2 T cloves optional (grind with a spice grinder)
heart cookie cutters in different sizes
string for hanging
Mix 1 cup of applesauce with 1 cup of cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix, mix, mix. This is the kinda recipe you’ll need to use your hands to really incorporate the spices. Make sure you don’t miss any wet spots. Add the additional 1/2 cup of cinnamon, cloves and continue to incorporate. If it’s too wet add more cinnamon, too dry add more applesauce. But be patient. It takes time to mix so don’t add cinnamon or applesauce till you’re absolutely sure it’s well mixed.
Scatter some cinnamon (like if you were rolling out cookies with flour) and roll out applesauce/cinnamon dough to 1/4″ thick. If the dough is too wet it will make a huge mess and stick to your rolling pin.
Use your cookie cutters to cut out the hearts. I noticed the first time around my dough was too wet and the edges were straggly. Once I add more cinnamon the edges were clean.
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Place the hearts on a cookie sheet with a silpat. The hearts can be really close together but not touching; they won’t rise in the oven. Using a skewer carefully make a hole through each heart. Stick the ornaments in the oven for an hour or more. The juice from the applesauce needs to evaporate. The range in cooking time depends on your house, humidity and climate. My house is cold so I had them in for 1.5 hours and then I turned the oven off and left them to set overnight. They should be rock hard. If they’re not, give them some more time in the oven.
The next day loop a string through each of the holes to hang on the tree, string together to make a garland or attach to a package. Enjoy!


Photo courtesy of http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2011/12/cinnamon-applesauce-heart-ornaments.html

Hopefully this encourages you to try to handmake something for your Christmas tree or gift wrapping! I will post photos when I attempt them!!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

Yummy! What's better than a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven? Not much in the baking world beats it!! Even Santa Claus loves them!!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup margarine
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs - 2 full eggs, and one egg yolk
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 package of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix ingredients in order they're listed. Roll cookie dough into tablespoon sized balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Press cookie dough balls with fork. Chill for a half hour in refrigerator. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Enjoy!!

Happy Baking!

Cookies

This is a easy recipe I found on another blog, Created by Diane and loved because it has rice krispies in it... the kids love the cereal because of the crispy-ness so what a perfect combination crispy rice and chocolate...definitely a keeper!!! Oh an you need to visit the blog by Diane for some scrumptious recipes and yumminess!!!


Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips
2 cups Rice Krispie Cereal

Instructions
Beat butter, sugar until creamy.
Add vanilla, then one egg at a time, mixing well.
Add in flour with baking soda and salt. Stir in chips and one cup Rice Krispie cereal.
Roll into two tablespoon size balls and then roll into remaining Rice Krispie cereal.
Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.

Thanks Diane for the wonderful recipe!

Wow only 70 days till the big day!!!

Emily told you of her families favourite Christmas books to read yesterday. So today I will tell you about the great books we love to read at Christmas time.
Reading has become a big part of our family since Princess B has started school, we read every night. Now she is learning her sight words and she is trying hard to read the words that are familiar to her and doing a great job!!!

Our first 5 fave Christmas Themed books are:

1.  A Porcupine in a Pine Tree: A Canadian 12 Days of Christmas by Helene Becker- a definite addition to you Christmas reading, a wonderful celebration of Canada! I usually end up singing the story and the kids laugh at me while we do.

2. Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore- always a favourite for me from when I was little and now passing it on to my kids.

3. It's Christmas David! by David Shannon- a fun story about being patient when the presents are under the tree or else you don't get any... a belief for me that coal would be the end result.

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Rick Bunsen- who doesn't love the story of the little guy at Christmas!!

5. Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh- a dog includes herself in Christmas because she is "Olive the other Reindeer" from the famous song.

and our BONUS story is our pledge to our Elf on the Shelf by Carol V. Aebersold,  and our elf, Little Gene...we read his tale and the prinicle behind his visit every year. Oh and my kids also think that the security cameras in the mall belong to Santa, as well as the video monitor cameras we have in their bedroom, because he is everywhere right!
(It was something my hubby said one day before Christmas when the kids were just overflowing with excitement and not on their best behaviour... seems to work a little bit all year round when on of the kids see one on a trip to the store).


Here is wishes that you start a reading tradition at holiday time in your family to make the season that much more memorable!!! Another way you could bring reading into your family is instead of the store bought Advent calendars how about a story related advent centred around the holiday where every day your kids open a new book with a holiday theme...it's on my list of things to do with our family this year!!!

Hope you will atleast check out one of our books and share it with your child this holiday!

Angela :)

                                             

71 days left!

With 71 days left, I thought I'd start a list of children's Christmas books for December. This Christmas is a big one in our little family, I had my daughter two weeks before Christmas last year and Christmas was quite a busy one in my house!! So, this year is the year we begin new traditions with my little one and one of those will be reading Christmas books through the month of December!! The list today will consist of five titles and I will post more closer to Christmastime!

Here we go!

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Dr. Seuss
Who doesn't love the Grinch? Or, Dr. Seuss in general! Now that I'm a Mommy, I realize how tongue tied you can get reading Seuss books, but they are so great!

2.Madeline's Christmas - Ludwig Bemelmans
A favourite from my childhood... I bet if I searched my old room at my Mum and Dad's, I would find my copy!

3. The Night Before Christmas - Clement C. Moore and Cheryl Harness
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without reading this one!

4. The Muppets: The Twelve Days of a Muppet Christmas: And a Chicken in a Pine Tree - Martha T. Ottersley
This one hasn't been released yet (release date of October 16/12), yet I know it will be a favourite in my house. My husband loves the Muppets!

5. The Polar Express - Chris Van Allsburg
I haven't read this one yet, but Angela loves this book. I am eager to read it as I know it will be a great one!

I hope this encourages all of you to begin a reading tradition for the month of December with your children... and helps you start your list too!!! If you have any suggestions for me, please share! I love to hear your recommendations!

Another recipe for the party!

Another no-bake cookie recipe... I know most of you have busy lives and this one is super easy and quick to make!

Here we go!

Haystacks

1 package semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups marshmallows
1 cup chow mein noodles

Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir well and cool slightly. Fold in marshmallows and chow mein noodles. Drop cookies on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate overnight.

Happy Baking!!!!

Funny Christmas Gifts!

So, with 72 days left until Christmas, I am going to share a couple of stories about my most funny Christmas gifts!!!

The first Christmas my husband and I were together, my mother-in-law gave me a beautiful and snuggly pink sweater! I really liked it and thanked her very much for it. It was one of my more favourite sweaters and I wore it quite often... so comfy and warm! The year came and went by and the following Christmas arrived!  We exchanged gifts with my in laws and I was opening a particular gift.... I removed the wrapping paper and it was a clothing box!! Yippee... clothes!!! Much to my surprise when I opened it up, there it was... a pink snuggly sweater! The EXACT sweater I received from her the previous year!!! And once I had opened it, my mother-in-law asked me... "Can I ask you a question?" and I replied "Yes"... "Did I get you that same sweater last year?"...and I replied, "um, yes... you did.... I love this sweater though!!" That sweater is a recurring laugh in the family... each year, there is huge potential for me to get a pink snuggly sweater!!! Not that I mind... it's a gorgeous sweater!!!!!!

When I was younger, Christmas was super exciting in my house... we sisters would sleep in the same room anxiously awaiting Christmas morning! My Dad would come in between 5:30a.m. and 6:00a.m. to wake us up and we would rush upstairs to see what was under the tree from Santa Claus! This Christmas, I was probably 6 or 7, there was a huge box waiting for me. My parents excitingly urged me to open it and when i did... I looked inside and saw white fleece! A FUR COAT I exclaimed!!!! My parents began giggling at me... laughing so much that tears were in their eyes. My Dad helped me remove my "fur coat" from the box and guess what... it was a white bean bag chair!! Boy, was I wrong!!! This one is a huge joke in my family... my Mom still talks about it!!!

Now, I've told you a couple of funny Christmas gift stories... what are yours?? Please share!!!!

Recipe of the day!

Here's our recipe of the day... one of my faves!!!

Peanut Butter Balls

4 tsp. butter, softened
1 cup icing sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal

1 package chocolate chips
1 tbsp. butter

Mix butter, icing sugar, peanut butter, and cereal in a large bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour. Mould into tablespoon sized balls, place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Chill in the refrigerator again for another 1/2 hour.

Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a glass bowl over hot water in a saucepan (double boiler). Turn the heat of the burner off once chocolate is smooth. Dip peanut butter balls in chocolate and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Chill overnight before serving.

Happy Baking!!!

Daily dose of Christmas!

Only 73 days left until Christmas! Have you started your shopping yet? Consider a handmade Christmas! Visit our Etsy shop and order some of our adorable hats, tutus, or headbands... we even make neckties and superhero capes for little boys!!! Contact us if there's something you're looking for and we will try our best to help!

Tonight, we have five of Angela's favourite Christmas songs! Here we go...

 

Kelly Clarkson - My Grown Up Christmas List

 

Faith Hill - Where Are You Christmas

 

Michael Buble - Santa Buddy

 

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

 

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

 

So, there are five more Christmas songs... we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Daily Christmas Recipe!

Here is one of Angela's favourite cookie recipes... you have to try them, they are delicious!!! I think I might have to make some soon too!

Danish Thumbprint Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg yolk beaten (save the egg white for an egg wash)
1 cup flour
1 cup coconut

raspberry jam (or your preferred flavour)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix butter, brown sugar, egg yolk, and flour in a medium bowl. Roll tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough. Dip cookie dough ball into the slightly beaten egg white and then roll in the coconut. Using your thumb, make a dimple in the middle of each cookie dough ball. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 10-18 minutes, until golden brown. Add jam to the dimple while hot.

Happy Baking!

A Little Something to get into the Christmas Spirit!

So, to help you all get into the Christmas spirit with me... with 74 days to go, I am sharing 5 of my favourite Christmas songs! I tried to pick my top 5, but it was impossible to find all the videos that I want... so here are 5 of my favourites, from a long list! Expect more in the future!!!

 

 

Paul Mccartney - Wonderful Christmastime

 

 

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - I'll Be Home With Bells On

 

 

Michael Buble - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

 

 

Michael Buble feat. Thalia - Feliz Navidad

 

 

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Bells

 

 

Aaaaand as a bonus, here is one of my husband's faves:

 

Bob Dylan - Must Be Santa

 

Angela will post her favourites as well... but I know I have chosen some that she loves too!!!