Oh Holiday Ho HUM

I love Christmas - CLEARY.  But, even if you don't celebrate Christmas, there are many great ways to show your holiday spirit.  Currently my daughter is busy making arts and crafts all day long at daycare...and it has just been killing me not having a way to showcase her beautiful works of art.  So, this predicament had to be resolved FAsT because Christmas is almost here and they NeeD to be up!  Here is a really simple trick that allows you to easily showcase any kind of art - even more formidable art (though I must say, I may have a regular Pablo Picasso on my hands)! 

Tools: 2 small nails, 1 hammer, and as many clips as you want...I got mine from Ikea, but you can also get close pins, or other clips from art supply stores.

Materials: string, wire, or any sort of long, thin material

Tie a knot around each nail, place nails in the wall where you would like the art to hang, and attach clips...and WHA LAH...



Credit to MY LITTLE ANGEL

 FuRTherMoRE...

Here are just a few little tidbits of some things I love right now - primarily due to holiday decorations:

Make a Card Wall

If you don't know what to do with all those Christmas cards, but want a place to showcase them...and easy, quick, and effective way to do so would be to TAPE them to a wall!!

We actually have many more cards now...so the wall has become quite a spectacle of beauty.  The picture was taken at night, by a not-so-good photographer so I apologize for the poor quality. 

And Last BUT NOT Least - this is arguably my favorite thing in my house right now, other than my husband and my daughter of CoURsE...

                                                      HaPPy ChiRsTmAS EVE, EVE

I want to Wish You and Your Family, Friends, and LoVEd ones a Happy Holiday Season. Spread the Cheer!

Costco Jewelry Road Show - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

Costco Jewelry Road Show - San Diego Accessories Examiner.com

A San Diego Fashion Trend - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

A San Diego Fashion Trend - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

2nd and LAST holiday craft :)

Here are a few pictures of my second craft idea.  It is still cute, but did not turn out as cute as I had hoped.  I think if you opt for the large clear bulb ornaments the hand would fit better and get the look I was really hoping for.   The first ornament I did was much more unique and since I wound up making about 7 of them, I am all crafted out!

Jewelry Abounds the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market - San Diego Accessories | Examiner.com

Jewelry Abounds the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market - San Diego Accessories Examiner.com

My new article published. :)

Project Number One = Completed

Well Folks: Here it is - P.S. This project is waaayyyyy more difficult than I though it would be with an 18 month old.  Getting her to keep her hand on the ornament for more than a second was basically impossible.  And then, it turns out that I am becoming even more clumsy as I get older.  However, I did finish it and it is very pretty...I really like the very sparkly glitter!

My First Examiner.com Article!

Fellow Bloggers and Blog Followers...I have decided to pursue some of my desire to write and most specifically on fashion.  I have been granted a position with Examiner.com for their San Diego Accessories Examiner.  It was a little bit of a process to become a writer for them, and I have just been granted permission to publish my first article!  I am very excited about this opportunity.  Please check out my very first published article at the following link:
Headbands Have Made A Comeback

You can "Like" me via your facebook account and/or write comments on my article.  Feedback and even critique is welcome! I would love to hear from everybody.

I hope you all enjoy and thanks for supporting me!

Holiday Crafts for the Kiddos (but Mostly for the MOMS)

Because I have a young daughter, I love creating timeless crafts that we can always have to remember how sweet she was when she was little, since we know it won't always be that way! Just Kidding - but we all know it is sort of true!  Currently, I am pretty obsessed with handprints and footprints.  Handprints and footprints are adorable, a jolly good fellow, which no one can deny!  Sorry - I got a little Christmas spirit in that last sentence.  Moving on - handprints and footprints of little ones are so very cute and allow us to keep memories of their little ligaments for many years to come.  For some fun holiday decoration ideas that incorporate these precious little prints...READ ON...

Holiday Craftiness - Kid Style

Ornaments:

#1
 Purchase plain glass ornaments (I bought the 9 pack from Target for $6), Martha Stewart Glitter - one red, and one green, or one green and one gold, and Martha Stewart glitter glue stick. I have hyperlinked the Martha Stewart website here, but I purchased mine at Michaels art store

Next Step; use a sewing pencil (easy to rub off if you mess up) and trace your child's hand on the glass ornament.  Fill in the hand print with the glue stick, and shake the gold or red glitter over the filled in hand print (over a paper plate that can later be funneled back into the glitter container with all the leftovers.  Let that dry, and then fill in the rest of the bulb with glue and sake the green glitter all over it.  Tip: hand the ornament so it can dry without laying on any part of the glittered globe!  AND WAHLAH! You have a handprint creation you can save for yourself and/or gift to family or significant others.  I am still working on mine...pics to follow...

#2
Purchase (or use) the leftover clear glass bulbs you bought for the first ornament craft idea, red or green construction paper, glitter, any fun little holiday pieces you desire (bells, mini presents, etc.).  For this ornament, we are going to actually fill the bulb rather than cover it.  To start, you need to trace your child's hand on the construction paper and cut it out.  Write the name and the year on the child's cut out handprint.  Take the top off the ornament, roll up the hand to fit it through the top and drop it inside.  Then fill with approximately 1-2 tsp of glitter (any color of your choice) and any other little tidbits you think might be cute.  Seal up with the cap, and there you have it! You're done.  Easy...ya?  Also - pics soon to come!

Hand and Footprint Crafts for the Holidays

#1
The classic - Make a Reindeer
NEED: Light brown construction paper and dark brown construction paper, red sparkly pom poms, glue, and anything you want for the eyes (little wobbly eyes, white or black paint, finger prints, etc.)  Trace your child's foot on the light brown construction paper and go straight around the toes (do not cut out toes).  Cut the foot print out.  Then trace both hands on the dark brown construction paper and cut out.  Glue the palms of both hand to the top of the toes side of the foot print, so they stick out and look like antlers.  Then glue a red pom pom on the bottom of the heal of the foot print for Rudolph's nose.  Glue, paint, or cut construction paper out for the eyes...and BAM, that's it. You can punch a hole in the top and hang as a decoration, frame it, or do anything else with it you can think up.

#2
Snowman with Thumbs...
NEED: White finger paints, dark colored construction paper, and other paints or accessories to spruce up your snowman.  Dip your child's thumb in the white paint and print on the paper as the base of the snowman body.  Then use the middle finger for the middle of the snowman and the ring finger for the head.  Since these will be pretty small snowmen, you can make a little snowman family on the paper if you so choose.  Let that paint dry and then paint or decorate the rest of the snowman as you see fit.  TIP: little twigs make great arms :)

#3
Red Handprint, Green Footprint - Wreath
NEED: Green construction paper, red construction paper, glue.  Trace both of your child’s hands on the green paper.  You will need to cut out approximately 14 handprints, but it can vary depending on the size of wreath you want, your child's age, and how full you want it to look.  Then trace and cut out about 4 or 5 footprints (with the toes defined) on the red construction paper.  Use the glue to create a circle out of the green handprints and turn the handprints so they all face down and out, until the last handprints collides with the first.  Glue on the red footprints sporadically around the wreath, possibly tucking in some of the heals so that the toes look like berries.  Let dry.  You can finish off with a bow at the top, or use ribbon to hand the decorative piece.


Each of these crafts can be modified for different age groups.  For instance, the reindeer and the snowman craft could be a more hands-on project for old kiddos and they can become more intricate. 

I hope you enjoy creating some of these wonderful memorabilia with your children.  Sometimes it is not about the craft itself, but the memories that are made while working on the craft. 

Coming Soon...Holiday Recipes and Last Minute Shopping Tips

Black Friday Deals

Ok - So we all know Black Friday Is just about the best day of the year to find the biggest deals and get a head start on all our holiday shopping.  I have a few thoughts for those who dare to brave the BF mania. 

First - Make a List before you go.  This will prevent you from over purchasing and will keep your eye on the ball so you don't get distracted by other GREAT deals that are no where near anything you needed meanwhile taking away precious time to grab what you do need and GET IN LINE. 

Second - Do your homework.  Check out the following sites to get a heads up on where the best deals are...

CYBER MONDAY

Blackfriday

Target' Black Friday Ad

Third - Go to Target.  You can seriously get something for anyone and everyone at Target and they have just about everything else you could ever need as well. Target is definitely my favorite Black Friday starting point.

Amazon has also been running programs all week.  CDs are $6.99 and books are discounted. 

Shutterfly.com is offering a buy one get one 50% off deal on photobooks as well as many other discounts on items they sell.

Potterybarn is offering 20% off many Christmas decor items.

Last Recomendation - if there is anything you have been wanting or needing, check the company's website that sells that item.  Almost all retailers are participating in the BF event

HAVE FUN, WAKE UP EARLY, AND ARM YOURSELF WITH AT LEAST ONE MUG-FULL OF COFFEE.  Happy Shopping!

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY RECIPES

If you are like me, you love sweets, and the holidays...but we are all busy and might not have time to come up with great recipes before the holidays arrive.  So here I am - at your rescue! Just kidding.  But I do have some great ideas that are sure to spark some sweet tooth desires!

1. First on the list: Easy Cobbler

Ingredients:
1 cup butter (I use Brummel & Brown - a low fat yogurt-based margarine)
1 cup flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
4 cups of fresh fruit (my favorite is strawberries, but you can also use blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and others, or try a combination of several of them!)

Instructions:
Set the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a sauce pan, bring the 4 cups of fruit and 1 cup of sugar to a low boil - just until the sugar is melted).  Set aside. Mix the remaining 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of flour, and 2 tsp of baking powder in a mixing bowl - set aside.  In a large baking dish (I use a 9x13) pour in the melted butter (1 cup).  Then pour the batter mixture over the butter and then pour the fruit mixture on top of that.

Put the baking dish in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the top is browned.  ENJOY!

2. Next on the list is a yummy appetizer treat that I like to call Heaven Sliders.

Ingredients:
mini burger patties - found at Trader Joes
mini burger buns - found at Trader Joes
Garlic Mustard Aioli - Trader Joe's brand
1 sweet onion, diced and caramelized
shredded fresh parmesan cheese
1 TBSP olive oil

Instructions:
Cook the mini burgers on a pan on the stove to medium or medium well - approx. 10-15 minutes.  Meanwhile, in a separate pan; caramelize the onions with just a dash of olive oil.  When the burgers are nearly done, put 1 TBSP of olive oil in a flat pan and toast the mini burger buns.  When all are finished, compile the burgers...first a layer of mustard aioli, then a sprinkle of shredded parmesan, then the burger patty, then another sprinkle of shredded parmesan, topped off with the caramelized onions and the top bun placed on top.  Peirce with a toothpick or sandwich skewer and display on a platter for your guests to enjoy!  These are delectable. 

This year I am going to be giving the following Real Simple recipe for Butternut Squash Breadpudding a try...WISH ME LUCK!

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 30m | Total Time: 1hr 30m

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash (about half a medium squash)—peeled, seeded, and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 pound soft French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 7 1⁄2 cups)
• 1/2 pound Gruyère, grated (2 cups)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Oil a 2 ½- to 3-quart baking dish.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the squash, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook, tossing frequently, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in the sage. Let cool for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the bread, cheese, and squash mixture and toss to coat.
4. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake until golden brown and set, 55 to 60 minutes.





Copyright © 2010 Time Inc. Lifestyle Group

The NO COOKING Style
Need quick last minute ideas - go check out the freezer section at Trader Joes...they have already made deserts such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, berry tarts, and apple turnovers.  If you need some quick Thanksgiving style foods, they also have a quick cornbread stuffing mix, and already made turkey breast with gravy.  They have ready to heat in the microwave sides as well such as brussel sprouts au gratin, candied sweet potatoes, and scalloped potatoes, all found in the cold section by the veggies!  Got to love TJs around the Holidays!

Happy T-DAY EVERYONE!!!! And Happy Black Friday Shopping: up next - Some Black Friday Deals to be had.... Posting Shortly!

Some of My Favorite Things - Holiday Version

The Holidays are Upon Us - so it's time to get crackin'

Here are some great ideas for gifts for those you love...

Real Simple teamed with The Container Store on some great holiday recipes you can gift in your favorite container - HOW CUTE!
Click Here for All Gift Ideas

Infused Vodka (vanilla & jalapeno)

                                                      
Whippy Cakes - An All Time FAV - any girl in your life will just go crazy for these delicious hair pieces...

© 2010 WhippyCake.com

                                  
These are a new found fav - similar to Whippy Cakes, but with a little twist, called Vintage Rose Wraps (again a perfect gift for the girl in your life)

Copyright © 2010 Vintage Rose Wraps

Shutterfly Photobooks - Simply Put: I am obsessed.  I have used about 4 different photobook programs and Shutterfly beats all of them.  Make a photobook of your family to give to your parents, grandparents, or friends for the holidays.

© 1999-2010 Shutterfly, Inc. All rights reserved.

Costco is by far the best place to get your holiday cards printed.  The price is unbeatable.  The trick is to either buy a pre-made template or make one yourself if you are so graced with a husband such as mine who is a photoshop guru!  The easy route: use Costco's templates, they just aren't quite as fluffy!

For Some Free and Awesome Holiday Card Templates...Go to the Becky Higgins LLC blog.  I already have her name hyperlinked to the "Free Stuff" page and there are some awesome downloadable templates for you all to enjoy!


Ceramic Painting places...these places are great for anyone.  Put your family's handprints on a big platter for the grandparents, or have the little ones paint a mug - TIMELESS!

These Chic Camera Straps are sure to make the photo-genic lover of your family go crazy! To Buy, go to Shey B

The Pebble Collection on Etsy is also a must for the ladies.  I have a couple of the berry rings and the berry necklaces - they are AWESOME.

Here's one for the boys...and the girls too!  TOMS
These shoes are by far my favorite article of clothing currently. What's not to love about a young guy who started his own company here in the U.S. (once again supporting domestic economic growth) with a goal to give back?  For every pair of shoes sold, TOMS will give a pair to a child in need. They call this the One for One program. These are great for little ones...teens...men...and women.  There are so many colors and styles to be had - they are sure to brighten up more than one person's holiday spirit!

Beginnings...

So, here I am, being a mom, DOT com.  I am spreading my wings, and learning the ropes of how to juggle being a mom, working, going to school, and keeping up with the Jones'...or in this case, the bloggers!

I love fashion, fun things, my daughter and my husband.  I also love finding cute creative goods, vintage style home furnishings, and do-it-yourself projects (though I have absolutely no time to do any).

I love writing - I even once dabbled in the idea of becoming a journalist, but then I realized they don't make any money!  So - what better way to publish than to do it for free and only on the topics you want? 

For my first posts I will share with everyone some of my favorite things.  Most of them are handcrafted and made by hardworking people here in the U.S. (I support an increase in real GDP).  I hope you all enjoy my little tidbits about life in the fast lane, the joys of motherhood, and fun things!