Ten "To Do's" Before December 1st

Being the mom of four, I have to plan ahead if I want anything to run smoothly. It's imperative.  At least for the big stuff like Christmas.

I admit that for anything not completely necessary or of vital importance I fly by the seat of my pants.

Before December 1st, there are a few things I try to accomplish in order to enjoy my holiday season without undo stress.  This is how I avoid waking up in a cold sweat because I have a thousand things to do with just a few days to do them. 

I love my sleep too much to let that happen.

1.  Take down the Halloween decor.  Do this today.

2.  The first mild, sunny day you have get out the holiday lights.  This sounds crazy, but if you hang them now you won't have to worry about it when its 20 degrees outside.  Set the timers, have everything up and ready.  Thanksgiving night plug them in and watch the kids get super excited at the official start of the Christmas season.

And you can super excited the lights are up.

3.  Make "the list."  This includes every single person who you plan on buying for, even if it's just a small token of appreciation.  I can't even begin to admit how many times I rummaged through the house for an unused candle or uneaten box of candies five minutes before the bus driver pulled up.

It happens.

4.  Start grabbing small items like giftcards.  It stinks to buy three or four (or more) gift cards at once.  You spend $100 and all you have are small four envelopes to show for it.  I prefer to buy one every few weeks, starting now.

5.  Make a Thanksgiving plan.  Decide what you're bringing or making, and purchase all necessary supplies.

6.  Start stockpiling magazines for kids to make holiday wishes.  Sit the kids down at the end of November, near Thanksgiving time, and make wish lists.  Make this an event, and have discussions with the kids regarding their wishes.  If you just hand them five magazines and tell them to circle what they want you'll have five magazines full of circles.

Explain Santa has MANY kids to make presents for, and they need to prioritize what they want the most.  More on list making here.

7.  Buy an elf.  They are fabulous fun and useful in many, many ways.  There is no better friend than one who flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa himself.

8.  If you aren't a Black Friday fan, remember the same deals are often found online with FREE SHIPPING.  Start browsing Thanksgiving night, and get a few purchases taken care of at deep discounts.

9.  On Thanksgiving, make "Thankful Lists."  Everyone makes one, and stipulate how many blessings must be listed.  You'll be amazed what kids write down, and it keeps everyone in a thankful mindset instead of a "I want, I want" mindset.

Perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and even better way to start December.

10.  Take time to smell the pumpkin pie.  Or apple pie.  This season is all about friends, family and remembering all of our blessings, big and small.

HAPPY NOVEMBER 1st!

Being the mom of four, I have to plan ahead if I want anything to run smoothly. It's imperative.  At least for the big stuff like Christmas.

I admit that for anything not completely necessary or of vital importance I fly by the seat of my pants.

Before December 1st, there are a few things I try to accomplish in order to enjoy my holiday season without undo stress.  This is how I avoid waking up in a cold sweat because I have a thousand things to do with just a few days to do them. 

I love my sleep too much to let that happen.

1.  Take down the Halloween decor.  Do this today.

2.  The first mild, sunny day you have get out the holiday lights.  This sounds crazy, but if you hang them now you won't have to worry about it when its 20 degrees outside.  Set the timers, have everything up and ready.  Thanksgiving night plug them in and watch the kids get super excited at the official start of the Christmas season.

And you can super excited the lights are up.

3.  Make "the list."  This includes every single person who you plan on buying for, even if it's just a small token of appreciation.  I can't even begin to admit how many times I rummaged through the house for an unused candle or uneaten box of candies five minutes before the bus driver pulled up.

It happens.

4.  Start grabbing small items like giftcards.  It stinks to buy three or four (or more) gift cards at once.  You spend $100 and all you have are small four envelopes to show for it.  I prefer to buy one every few weeks, starting now.

5.  Make a Thanksgiving plan.  Decide what you're bringing or making, and purchase all necessary supplies.

6.  Start stockpiling magazines for kids to make holiday wishes.  Sit the kids down at the end of November, near Thanksgiving time, and make wish lists.  Make this an event, and have discussions with the kids regarding their wishes.  If you just hand them five magazines and tell them to circle what they want you'll have five magazines full of circles.

Explain Santa has MANY kids to make presents for, and they need to prioritize what they want the most.  More on list making here.

7.  Buy an elf.  They are fabulous fun and useful in many, many ways.  There is no better friend than one who flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa himself.

8.  If you aren't a Black Friday fan, remember the same deals are often found online with FREE SHIPPING.  Start browsing Thanksgiving night, and get a few purchases taken care of at deep discounts.

9.  On Thanksgiving, make "Thankful Lists."  Everyone makes one, and stipulate how many blessings must be listed.  You'll be amazed what kids write down, and it keeps everyone in a thankful mindset instead of a "I want, I want" mindset.

Perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and even better way to start December.

10.  Take time to smell the pumpkin pie.  Or apple pie.  This season is all about friends, family and remembering all of our blessings, big and small.

HAPPY NOVEMBER 1st!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Monster Headphones (plus giveaway!)

Last Christmas, I remember my oldest child mentioning expensive headphones as a possible Christmas gift.  This is when I knew we were entering "teen world."  Headphones?  Seriously?

I ignored the expensive headphone request and went on about my Christmas shopping as usual.  Hubby had a pair of clunky headphones he didn't use and our oldest son snatched them right up.  Problem solved, and money saved.

He can still be found on our couch, using his ipod, with those headphones on his head.

I don't get kids.

Recently, I was introduced to Monster N-Tune Headphones, and I knew immediately my kids would go batpoop crazy over them.  Durable, comfortable on the ears, excellent sound quality and my favorite; they are available in an assortment of colors.  While I don't understand the wear headphones in the house deal, I do appreciate the headphones in the car deal.  On just about every roadtrip I'm scouring the house and car for earbuds, ensuring each of my kids has a pair for the ride.  The kids can play what they like, or listen to what they like, and I don't have to hear it.

They're happy because they can concentrate on what they are doing and I'm happy because I can enjoy my mom radio.

It's a win-win.

The trouble with earbuds is they fall out, and they're not very comfortable.  For my kids, they don't get the job done.  They are a temporary crowd pleaser; within an hour of the car ride I have to help my kids get them back into their ears.

"Moooom...they keep falling out!"

"Mom, if I turn my head they pop out!"

Complete nightmare.

With the holidays creeping closer every day, these headphones are a fabulous gift idea.  Cool, useful, reliable and they stay on their head.  We all know how tough it is to find gifts for "tweens" and teens, and I'm glad I have a pair of these bad boys to wrap up for my son.

Monster N-Tune Headphones are available at Walmart, and they are available in green, blue, red, purple and orange.  They feature an in-line mic with controls for tablets and other devices, and they're designed for durability (can anyone say kid friendly?).

To win your very own pair of N-Tune headphones (valued at $150),  read all about the Monster headphones here and let me know in the comments of this post which color you prefer.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
• Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
• Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
• For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/2/13 – 11/1/13.

Last Christmas, I remember my oldest child mentioning expensive headphones as a possible Christmas gift.  This is when I knew we were entering "teen world."  Headphones?  Seriously?

I ignored the expensive headphone request and went on about my Christmas shopping as usual.  Hubby had a pair of clunky headphones he didn't use and our oldest son snatched them right up.  Problem solved, and money saved.

He can still be found on our couch, using his ipod, with those headphones on his head.

I don't get kids.

Recently, I was introduced to Monster N-Tune Headphones, and I knew immediately my kids would go batpoop crazy over them.  Durable, comfortable on the ears, excellent sound quality and my favorite; they are available in an assortment of colors.  While I don't understand the wear headphones in the house deal, I do appreciate the headphones in the car deal.  On just about every roadtrip I'm scouring the house and car for earbuds, ensuring each of my kids has a pair for the ride.  The kids can play what they like, or listen to what they like, and I don't have to hear it.

They're happy because they can concentrate on what they are doing and I'm happy because I can enjoy my mom radio.

It's a win-win.

The trouble with earbuds is they fall out, and they're not very comfortable.  For my kids, they don't get the job done.  They are a temporary crowd pleaser; within an hour of the car ride I have to help my kids get them back into their ears.

"Moooom...they keep falling out!"

"Mom, if I turn my head they pop out!"

Complete nightmare.

With the holidays creeping closer every day, these headphones are a fabulous gift idea.  Cool, useful, reliable and they stay on their head.  We all know how tough it is to find gifts for "tweens" and teens, and I'm glad I have a pair of these bad boys to wrap up for my son.

Monster N-Tune Headphones are available at Walmart, and they are available in green, blue, red, purple and orange.  They feature an in-line mic with controls for tablets and other devices, and they're designed for durability (can anyone say kid friendly?).

To win your very own pair of N-Tune headphones (valued at $150),  read all about the Monster headphones here and let me know in the comments of this post which color you prefer.

Sweepstakes Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
• Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
• Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
• For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 10/2/13 – 11/1/13.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant Strategies Before You Make Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant Strategies Before You Make Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

Christmas cake is a usual cake for Christmas celebration. They may be considered as fruit cakes because of the fruits that it contains. It also has flour and nuts. This delicious cake is widespread in UK and as well in US. t can also be conventional in Japan as well as in the Philippines. If you could be unfortunate to have gluten intolerance, then this dessert just isn't for you. However, good thing there is certainly already a gluten-free baking that will allow you to create Gluten Free Christmas Cakes and make your Christmas far way better than last year. But remember the fact that it's also important to follow a guide when about to make one. Read below.

First, it can be crucial you have a plan about the quantity of people that will likely be eating the Gluten Free Christmas Cakes so you wouldn't think it hard to estimate the ingredients' measurements. If your Christmas is going to be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, it definitely is a great idea to bake a larger size of cake. Through that way, one and all will get the possibility to consider a bite of your delectable cake.

Another thing that you will definitely keep in mind is always to read the label to make sure that the product that you're buying is gluten-free. Do not also disregard the flour and the other products have to be carefully checked as well. Keep in mind to follow this step because this will likely assist you to have an ideal result.

Another, before leaving for the grocery shop, it will be indeed necessary for you to write the list of ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you may see in case you have forgotten a single ingredient. The Christmas cake recipe has to be searched well too. You may try to find it online or at food magazines.

4th, being a customer, there is a need for you to be prepared with all the budget. In order for you to have a thought if just how much must your budget is, calculating the estimated prices of the ingredient would help a lot. In case you do not know each ingredient's price, it will be the best idea to search it online. It could be best to have an additional budget also so you wouldn't run out of money at the grocery store.

With the holiday season steadily approaching, the prospect of extended family visiting can be daunting. It pays to prepare early and pick this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid any awkward dietary restriction of your lesser known relatives, and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes - you will also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Significant strategies before you make gluten free Christmas cake

Christmas cake is a cake, usually for a Christmas party. They can be regarded as fruit cakes because of the fruit it contains. It also has a flour and nuts. This tasty cake is widely available in the United Kingdom, and the United States. t may be conventional in Japan and in the Philippines. If it can be unfortunate to have a gluten intolerance, then this dessert is just not for you. Though a good thing, certainly there are already gluten-free baking, which will allow you to create a gluten free Christmas cakes and Christmas make your way far better than last year. But do not forget the fact that it is also important to follow a guide where to make one. Read below.

First it may be crucial to have a plan the amount of people who will most likely be eating gluten free Christmas cakes so you won't think it's hard to quantify components measurements. If your Christmas will be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, this is definitely a great idea to bake a bigger cake. By doing so one and all will get a chance to see your lovely bites of cake.

Another thing that will definitely keep in mind is to always read the label to make sure that the product you buy is gluten free. Not neglect and flour and other products must be carefully checked, and remember to follow this step, because it will probably help you to have a perfect score.

Another, before heading to the grocery store, it would be really necessary to write in the ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you can see if you've forgotten a single ingredient. Christmas cake recipe you need to look good too. You can try to find it online or in magazines.

4-you, as a customer, it is necessary to be prepared with all of the budget. To be able to have a thought, if you just have to calculate how much is your budget estimated prices of the ingredient will help a lot. In case you don't know each ingredient cost, it would be the best idea to look it up online. It may be best to have an additional budget too, so you won't run out of money in the store.

With the holiday season approaching, the constant prospect of visiting extended family can be tough. It pays to prepare early and opt for this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid awkward dietary restrictions on your relatives less known and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes-you would also look very trendy!

Christmas cake is a cake, usually for a Christmas party. They can be regarded as fruit cakes because of the fruit it contains. It also has a flour and nuts. This tasty cake is widely available in the United Kingdom, and the United States. t may be conventional in Japan and in the Philippines. If it can be unfortunate to have a gluten intolerance, then this dessert is just not for you. Though a good thing, certainly there are already gluten-free baking, which will allow you to create a gluten free Christmas cakes and Christmas make your way far better than last year. But do not forget the fact that it is also important to follow a guide where to make one. Read below.

First it may be crucial to have a plan the amount of people who will most likely be eating gluten free Christmas cakes so you won't think it's hard to quantify components measurements. If your Christmas will be celebrated with the whole family and relatives, this is definitely a great idea to bake a bigger cake. By doing so one and all will get a chance to see your lovely bites of cake.

Another thing that will definitely keep in mind is to always read the label to make sure that the product you buy is gluten free. Not neglect and flour and other products must be carefully checked, and remember to follow this step, because it will probably help you to have a perfect score.

Another, before heading to the grocery store, it would be really necessary to write in the ingredients that you will buy. Carefully check your list first so you can see if you've forgotten a single ingredient. Christmas cake recipe you need to look good too. You can try to find it online or in magazines.

4-you, as a customer, it is necessary to be prepared with all of the budget. To be able to have a thought, if you just have to calculate how much is your budget estimated prices of the ingredient will help a lot. In case you don't know each ingredient cost, it would be the best idea to look it up online. It may be best to have an additional budget too, so you won't run out of money in the store.

With the holiday season approaching, the constant prospect of visiting extended family can be tough. It pays to prepare early and opt for this years Christmas cake recipe. Avoid awkward dietary restrictions on your relatives less known and opt for gluten free Christmas cakes-you would also look very trendy!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Time To Say Hello With Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

Christmas cupcakes for the occasion is a lovely sojourn with appetizing creams and caramels. It's like celebrating with taste, and making the occasion best with several cake making tips and ways. Making a snowman Christmas cupcake is all so very easy. You just need to know the ingredients required for the purpose. To give shape to the particular cake the things that you need include icing sugar, apricot jam, white marshmallows, eatable silver baubles, strawberry belts of the red candy variety, dried coconut and to add you also need to arrange for hot water.

Making of the Snowman

To prepare snowmen Christmas cupcakes, you first require heating the oven to a temperature of 180°C, 350°F. You need to fit the cake papers well on the holes, or else there can be problems when the cake starts settling down. Take a mixing bowl and start mixing sugar and butter. Beat well till the batter is light and creamy.

Then it is time for you to beat the eggs well after you have completed stirring the flour. Remember to add vanilla extracts and baking powder and continue hitting the batter until it turns absolutely smooth. After you have well applied the mixture into the cup holes, you should allow them to get baked for twenty to twenty five minutes. Once ready you would know as the cakes would rise and turn golden automatically. You can use the coconut, apricot jam and marshmallows for perfect garnishing of the snowmen Christmas cupcakes.

The Mood for Chocolate Mud Cupcakes

You can even make Christmas special with the chocolate mud cupcakes. These are even referred to as holiday cakes and to make them you require chopped butter and Lindt dark chocolate stuff. You should also arrange for instant coffee powder, coffee liquor, plain flour, cocoa powder, egg, brown sugar, hot water and chocolate curls for stupendous cake decoration. You would also necessitate preparing the chocolate ganache with Lindt dark chocolate accompanied by sour cream.

For the mud Christmas cupcakes you need to heat the oven at a temperature of 160°C. You can use one of those muffin pans with the paper cases placed in style. Take a medium sized saucepan to make a perfect amalgamation of butter, hot water, coffee liquor, coffee powder and chocolate, and stir the ingredients well over low heat. After the batter is completely smooth stop applying heat. Then it is time to add sugar after which you should leave the batter aside to cool for four to five minutes. Apply the blend over the already prepared pans and allow it to be baked for 15 to 20 minutes. The process is completed with the making of the chocolate ganache which should be spread well over the cupcakes.

The Other Exciting Cupcake Models

The ingredients for the Christmas cupcakes are more or less similar. The exceptions lie in the final garnishing. For instance, when you sit to prepare the Santa hat cupcakes, you should make use of frosted red buttercream to give shape to the hats. For an exciting Christmas tree cupcake decoration, you can even make use of festoons like star and silver balls to make the cake shine for the occasion. The kinds of Christmas holiday cakes are made to look pretty in all plausible manners. To make the cake appear different in its kind you can set to decorate with reindeers and penguins. In fact, the cupcakes meant for Christmas are the cutest stuffs to be served on the occasion.

Jacob Reed has worked as a renowned Christmas cupcakes maker for a period of time. He has some of the most wonderful holiday cake recipes in store to share.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Recharge and Watch for Snowballs

It's been cold and snowy here.  Just thought I'd update anyone who does not live in the northeast.

While I usually dread winter, and the cracked dry skin that accompanies it, this week I'm good.  We're home, we're lounging and we're watching the snow fall.

The kids are alternating between watching movies and bundling up and playing outside.  They're playing with Christmas toys, making snowmen and building snow forts. 

Apparently, they're also throwing snowballs.

Hope you're enjoying the same relax and recharge time wherever you are.  January and all its resolutions are just around the corner.

Watch out for snowballs.

It's been cold and snowy here.  Just thought I'd update anyone who does not live in the northeast.

While I usually dread winter, and the cracked dry skin that accompanies it, this week I'm good.  We're home, we're lounging and we're watching the snow fall.

The kids are alternating between watching movies and bundling up and playing outside.  They're playing with Christmas toys, making snowmen and building snow forts. 

Apparently, they're also throwing snowballs.

Hope you're enjoying the same relax and recharge time wherever you are.  January and all its resolutions are just around the corner.

Watch out for snowballs.

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Christmas

Today I'm lounging, still in my snowflake pajamas.  Aside from blogging, I've been stepping over toys and stepping on tiny figures.  I've been recycling boxes and crunching up wrapping paper.  I'm doing all of this in total and complete peace because all the munchkins are happily entertained with all of Santa's toys.

The true magic of Christmas.

I don't think any of them has eaten yet.  Other than Moopa I haven't seen a morsel of food cross their lips.  Unless of course I count myself and the three chocolates I had about fifteen minutes ago.

More Christmas magic.

Recovering from Christmas is a beautiful time.  The family is home, the kids are entertained, and the food is still abundant.  The wrapping is done, the craziness has subsided.

Today, we recover.  And eat chocolates for breakfast.

Happy recovery day.

Mommyhood Christmas Album

Hope yours was merry!

Today I'm lounging, still in my snowflake pajamas.  Aside from blogging, I've been stepping over toys and stepping on tiny figures.  I've been recycling boxes and crunching up wrapping paper.  I'm doing all of this in total and complete peace because all the munchkins are happily entertained with all of Santa's toys.

The true magic of Christmas.

I don't think any of them has eaten yet.  Other than Moopa I haven't seen a morsel of food cross their lips.  Unless of course I count myself and the three chocolates I had about fifteen minutes ago.

More Christmas magic.

Recovering from Christmas is a beautiful time.  The family is home, the kids are entertained, and the food is still abundant.  The wrapping is done, the craziness has subsided.

Today, we recover.  And eat chocolates for breakfast.

Happy recovery day.

Mommyhood Christmas Album

Hope yours was merry!

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Merry and Bright

Our weekend, so far, has consisted of lounging around. 

Of watching Christmas movies.

Of baking cookies. 

Of eating take out.  Or our Christmas cookies.

We've even sewed a stocking, from an old shirt, for our pup Penny.  My oldest did this, on his own, because he now knows how to sew thanks to "Family Science."

Such a fancy word for Home Economics.

Excitement is in the air.  This time of year is all about giving, about loving and about family.  In our house it's also about good behavior, because my munchkins can see the finish line.  It's in sight, and they up the amount of sharing and helping and loving by at least 50%.

It never fails.

Happy almost Christmas.  Make these days merry and bright, because Santa's packing his sleigh tonight!

Our weekend, so far, has consisted of lounging around. 

Of watching Christmas movies.

Of baking cookies. 

Of eating take out.  Or our Christmas cookies.

We've even sewed a stocking, from an old shirt, for our pup Penny.  My oldest did this, on his own, because he now knows how to sew thanks to "Family Science."

Such a fancy word for Home Economics.

Excitement is in the air.  This time of year is all about giving, about loving and about family.  In our house it's also about good behavior, because my munchkins can see the finish line.  It's in sight, and they up the amount of sharing and helping and loving by at least 50%.

It never fails.

Happy almost Christmas.  Make these days merry and bright, because Santa's packing his sleigh tonight!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Christmas Cheer

This morning I attended a "Spirit Assembly" at my kids' elementary school.  They have one of these every month, and several students are recognized for different achievements and behaviors.

Today my little guy, LLG, was recognized for his kindness.  His teacher told me how he defended a boy that was being teased, without anyone asking him to do so.  My little guy went out onto the playground, on his own, and asked his friend to leave this boy alone.

Is there any better award?

While there were police outside when I arrived at the school, and security was at an all time high, the mood inside the gym was cheerful.  Kids were wearing reindeer antlers and Santa hats, and they were chattering in excitement as usual.  These kids were unaware of the sadness and the cruelty and the trauma outside their little worlds.

It was wonderful.

I am a staunch believer that kids need to be kids.  They need time to believe in Santa, and believe in fairies.  They deserve time to imagine a world where anything is possible.  They need to play with toys and play with friends.  They don't need the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Tiny shoulders can't carry it.

My oldest is eleven.  He is aware of the tragedy in Connecticut, and he hears plenty at school.  Today he stayed home, and joined me at his old elementary school.  He needed the breather, the space away from rumors and chatter about threats and the end of the world.

He needed to be with his family, in his home.  Like so many of us, he needed to step back and take comfort in the love surrounding him.

Hug your babies.  Play your Christmas music.  Bake your cookies.  Bring your family and your friends together these next few weeks and celebrate a new year of happiness. 

We all need a little Christmas Cheer.  Wishing you plenty this weekend, and in the weeks ahead!

This morning I attended a "Spirit Assembly" at my kids' elementary school.  They have one of these every month, and several students are recognized for different achievements and behaviors.

Today my little guy, LLG, was recognized for his kindness.  His teacher told me how he defended a boy that was being teased, without anyone asking him to do so.  My little guy went out onto the playground, on his own, and asked his friend to leave this boy alone.

Is there any better award?

While there were police outside when I arrived at the school, and security was at an all time high, the mood inside the gym was cheerful.  Kids were wearing reindeer antlers and Santa hats, and they were chattering in excitement as usual.  These kids were unaware of the sadness and the cruelty and the trauma outside their little worlds.

It was wonderful.

I am a staunch believer that kids need to be kids.  They need time to believe in Santa, and believe in fairies.  They deserve time to imagine a world where anything is possible.  They need to play with toys and play with friends.  They don't need the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Tiny shoulders can't carry it.

My oldest is eleven.  He is aware of the tragedy in Connecticut, and he hears plenty at school.  Today he stayed home, and joined me at his old elementary school.  He needed the breather, the space away from rumors and chatter about threats and the end of the world.

He needed to be with his family, in his home.  Like so many of us, he needed to step back and take comfort in the love surrounding him.

Hug your babies.  Play your Christmas music.  Bake your cookies.  Bring your family and your friends together these next few weeks and celebrate a new year of happiness. 

We all need a little Christmas Cheer.  Wishing you plenty this weekend, and in the weeks ahead!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Stocking Stuffer Must: Crest Whitestrips

Several years ago, a few of my friends were using CrestWhitestrips.  I never saw the need for any tooth whitening strips, and I certainly wasn’t about to spend money on them either.  My teeth were looking plenty white to me.

My view on this changed when my mother saw one of my childhood friends, and her husband.  While telling me how wonderful they looked, she tossed in, “They MUST be using those white strip things.  Their teeth were gorgeous!”

Don’t you love motherly hints?

Like all good children, I immediately decided to try these whitening miracle workers.  I clipped my coupon and bought a box.  Every morning, I wore my strips while I dressed and made breakfast for the kids.  I wore them again when I put my babies to bed.  I was very dedicated and excited to unveil my new smile to the world. 

I am thrilled to announce to everyone, they worked.  They truly, honestly did.  I have never been a smoker, and I drink iced coffee only through a straw.  I was never a victim of coffee or cigarette stains.  I didn’t see any need for teeth whiter than the ones I had. 

Until I used Crest Whitestrips.  

I bought that first box of Crest Whitestrips six years ago.  I have only whitened once since then, and I constantly have friends and family remark how white my teeth are.  It may seem like spending twenty or thirty dollars on a tooth whitening kit is unnecessary, but these bad boys are worth every dollar.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, I highly recommend tossing a box in your Hubby’s stocking.  Even better, leave him a coupon, or the P&G site scribbled on a pad in front of his breakfast, so he can toss a box in your stocking.  These little whitening strips are the best invention since sliced bread.  They are an affordable, easy way to freshen up your beautiful smile for 2013.

I promise you will love them.  I pinky promise.

The P&G online store offers free shipping on all orders over $25, and 15% off your first purchase.  If you need to fill a stocking, consider buying a few health and wellness items from P&G and take advantage of this great offer.

Happy whitening!

Several years ago, a few of my friends were using CrestWhitestrips.  I never saw the need for any tooth whitening strips, and I certainly wasn’t about to spend money on them either.  My teeth were looking plenty white to me.

My view on this changed when my mother saw one of my childhood friends, and her husband.  While telling me how wonderful they looked, she tossed in, “They MUST be using those white strip things.  Their teeth were gorgeous!”

Don’t you love motherly hints?

Like all good children, I immediately decided to try these whitening miracle workers.  I clipped my coupon and bought a box.  Every morning, I wore my strips while I dressed and made breakfast for the kids.  I wore them again when I put my babies to bed.  I was very dedicated and excited to unveil my new smile to the world. 

I am thrilled to announce to everyone, they worked.  They truly, honestly did.  I have never been a smoker, and I drink iced coffee only through a straw.  I was never a victim of coffee or cigarette stains.  I didn’t see any need for teeth whiter than the ones I had. 

Until I used Crest Whitestrips.  

I bought that first box of Crest Whitestrips six years ago.  I have only whitened once since then, and I constantly have friends and family remark how white my teeth are.  It may seem like spending twenty or thirty dollars on a tooth whitening kit is unnecessary, but these bad boys are worth every dollar.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, I highly recommend tossing a box in your Hubby’s stocking.  Even better, leave him a coupon, or the P&G site scribbled on a pad in front of his breakfast, so he can toss a box in your stocking.  These little whitening strips are the best invention since sliced bread.  They are an affordable, easy way to freshen up your beautiful smile for 2013.

I promise you will love them.  I pinky promise.

The P&G online store offers free shipping on all orders over $25, and 15% off your first purchase.  If you need to fill a stocking, consider buying a few health and wellness items from P&G and take advantage of this great offer.

Happy whitening!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Last Minute Teacher Gift: Mason Jars

Today is my little one's last day of school with her occupational therapist before break.  I realized this when I woke up this morning.

I am nothing if not prepared.

With such little time, I grabbed my favorite easy and fun gift container: a mason jar.

I grabbed the mint fudge I mixed up last night because I was in the mood for mint fudge, and I neatly cut four squares.

Next I opened the Christmas M&M's in my pantry, and I poured in a few to fill up the spaces.

My jar, before I fancied up the lid, looked like this:

I added red tissue paper under the twist lid, and used my glue gun to secure my daughter's craft ribbon around the edges.

Since I had a few extra minutes, I really went crazy and gave Moopa a bag and Christmas stickers.  She decorated the bag, I made breakfast, and we left for school ready with a gift for her occupational therapist.

Of course, like all good families, we added a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts.

Happy Thursday!  12 days until Christmas!

Today is my little one's last day of school with her occupational therapist before break.  I realized this when I woke up this morning.

I am nothing if not prepared.

With such little time, I grabbed my favorite easy and fun gift container: a mason jar.

I grabbed the mint fudge I mixed up last night because I was in the mood for mint fudge, and I neatly cut four squares.

Next I opened the Christmas M&M's in my pantry, and I poured in a few to fill up the spaces.

My jar, before I fancied up the lid, looked like this:

I added red tissue paper under the twist lid, and used my glue gun to secure my daughter's craft ribbon around the edges.

Since I had a few extra minutes, I really went crazy and gave Moopa a bag and Christmas stickers.  She decorated the bag, I made breakfast, and we left for school ready with a gift for her occupational therapist.

Of course, like all good families, we added a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts.

Happy Thursday!  12 days until Christmas!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Christmas Milkshakes

Last Friday, after we settled in from all our running around, I was feeling "weekend-y."  It was finally time for movies and blankets and lounging around.  Our week was winding down and we were all in need of the recharging.

Since recharging is best done with ice cream, I blended up Christmas milkshakes.  By chance, I had bought peppermint whipped cream from Target, and I had a fresh container of Christmas sprinkles in my pantry.

And I always have ice cream.

While these milkshakes can easily be made with mint chocolate chip ice cream, unlike me, not everyone is a fan.  I went with cookies and cream and a few drops of green food coloring to please the entire crowd.

To blend up these bad boys, toss 3 heaping scoops of ice cream into your blender.  If you don't like mint (gasp!) use anything white.

Drop in red or green food coloring, splash in a 3/4 cup milk, and blend.

Add more milk if desired, we like a thick milkshake.

Pour into clear glassware for the ultimate experience, and add a swirl of peppermint (or regular) whipped cream.

Top with red and green sprinkles, and voila, a Christmas milkshake.

Enjoy snuggled under a blanket, surrounded by munchkins, watching a Christmas movie.
Makes 2 small milkshakes, or one supersized.

Last Friday, after we settled in from all our running around, I was feeling "weekend-y."  It was finally time for movies and blankets and lounging around.  Our week was winding down and we were all in need of the recharging.

Since recharging is best done with ice cream, I blended up Christmas milkshakes.  By chance, I had bought peppermint whipped cream from Target, and I had a fresh container of Christmas sprinkles in my pantry.

And I always have ice cream.

While these milkshakes can easily be made with mint chocolate chip ice cream, unlike me, not everyone is a fan.  I went with cookies and cream and a few drops of green food coloring to please the entire crowd.

To blend up these bad boys, toss 3 heaping scoops of ice cream into your blender.  If you don't like mint (gasp!) use anything white.

Drop in red or green food coloring, splash in a 3/4 cup milk, and blend.

Add more milk if desired, we like a thick milkshake.

Pour into clear glassware for the ultimate experience, and add a swirl of peppermint (or regular) whipped cream.

Top with red and green sprinkles, and voila, a Christmas milkshake.

Enjoy snuggled under a blanket, surrounded by munchkins, watching a Christmas movie.
Makes 2 small milkshakes, or one supersized.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Christmas Tips and Tricks (Wrapping, Shopping and Giving)

During the holiday season, I blog about Christmas often.  I blog about it because I love it dearly.  I always have.

My mother, who raised six kids, has pretty much taught me everything I know about parenting.  Some of these things I have tweaked, some I implement full force, and some just have to get done with a tighter budget.

Christmas, for us, is on a tighter budget.  But it's still big and brilliant, just like my parents always did for us.  It's about family and giving, and remembering those around us.

To efficiently pull off an over-the-top Christmas with six kids, my mom had to be organized.  She never rested.  She shopped and wrapped and had the holiday down to a stressful science.  But she loved it because nothing compared to all the "magic" of Christmas morning. 

Here, in a nutshell, is what I've learned from my parents about Christmas.

1.  Not all wrapping paper is created equal.  Not all gifts are to be wrapped the same.

Anyone who has ever sat up wrapping gifts in cheap paper knows that it pays to invest in sturdier paper for some items.  Hubby sits every Christmas Eve, wrapping away (in our house, I call this "I buy it, YOU wrap it") and curses the cheap paper as it tears and he patches and then it tears again.

I explain to him that for how much we have to wrap, cheap paper will have to do for Imaginext Castles.

I buy glossy paper to wrap adult gifts.  I buy ribbon.  I tie on bells and ornaments.  I firmly believe in extravagant wrapping just like my mother does.  Fancy wrap reminds me of how I like my candy.  The prettier the chocolate, the better it tastes.

Buy cheap paper for kid's gifts.  They tear through it too quick to notice what the paper looks like.

2.  Store gifts in large boxes or black garbage bags.

With six kids, my mother had to be crafty when it came to hiding gifts.  To keep things organized, she stored our gifts as she bought them, and they were separated according to child.  One large box would hold one child's gifts.  Or one large black plastic garbage bag.

These were lined up in the basement, or storage room, or my dad's office.  We never knew that Santa's workshop was right under our noses.  We never suspected anything, because the gifts were hidden among all the other storage.

I have implemented the same system.

3.  Save receipts in envelopes.

For every child, she had an envelope.  She wrote on top of receipts what she bought, and stored the receipts in the appropriate envelope.

She still uses this system.  Every Christmas, she hands me  an envelope full of gift receipts for the grandkids.  This makes life very, very easy when items go unused or we have duplicates.

4.  Remember everyone, from the mailman to the teachers.

My mother believes in remembering everyone at Christmas.  When I was growing up she made gift baskets for the crossing guards, left tips for the garbage men, and brought a gift for everyone who would be attending Christmas Eve.

If a second cousin or grandparent was expected to be joining us, they had a gift.  No question asked. 

Christmas is about giving.  It's about remembering the people around you, and acknowledging them.  These gifts don't have to be extravagant.  Even a $5 gift card for a cup of coffee goes a long way.

5.  Keep the magic alive.  Always.

Even after myself and my siblings knew what was really "going on" every Christmas, we still had to go to bed for Santa to arrive.  Our stockings were still full in the morning, and we never knew what was going to be under the tree.  There was no "you pick it out and I'll wrap it."

That would go over like a fart in church.

There was magic.  Always.  Every year we watched Christmas movies, made cookies, and read "The Night Before Christmas."  Table settings were festive, there was a fire in the fireplace.

There still is.

No one is ever too old to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Happy Christmas Season!  Enjoy every minute.

During the holiday season, I blog about Christmas often.  I blog about it because I love it dearly.  I always have.

My mother, who raised six kids, has pretty much taught me everything I know about parenting.  Some of these things I have tweaked, some I implement full force, and some just have to get done with a tighter budget.

Christmas, for us, is on a tighter budget.  But it's still big and brilliant, just like my parents always did for us.  It's about family and giving, and remembering those around us.

To efficiently pull off an over-the-top Christmas with six kids, my mom had to be organized.  She never rested.  She shopped and wrapped and had the holiday down to a stressful science.  But she loved it because nothing compared to all the "magic" of Christmas morning. 

Here, in a nutshell, is what I've learned from my parents about Christmas.

1.  Not all wrapping paper is created equal.  Not all gifts are to be wrapped the same.

Anyone who has ever sat up wrapping gifts in cheap paper knows that it pays to invest in sturdier paper for some items.  Hubby sits every Christmas Eve, wrapping away (in our house, I call this "I buy it, YOU wrap it") and curses the cheap paper as it tears and he patches and then it tears again.

I explain to him that for how much we have to wrap, cheap paper will have to do for Imaginext Castles.

I buy glossy paper to wrap adult gifts.  I buy ribbon.  I tie on bells and ornaments.  I firmly believe in extravagant wrapping just like my mother does.  Fancy wrap reminds me of how I like my candy.  The prettier the chocolate, the better it tastes.

Buy cheap paper for kid's gifts.  They tear through it too quick to notice what the paper looks like.

2.  Store gifts in large boxes or black garbage bags.

With six kids, my mother had to be crafty when it came to hiding gifts.  To keep things organized, she stored our gifts as she bought them, and they were separated according to child.  One large box would hold one child's gifts.  Or one large black plastic garbage bag.

These were lined up in the basement, or storage room, or my dad's office.  We never knew that Santa's workshop was right under our noses.  We never suspected anything, because the gifts were hidden among all the other storage.

I have implemented the same system.

3.  Save receipts in envelopes.

For every child, she had an envelope.  She wrote on top of receipts what she bought, and stored the receipts in the appropriate envelope.

She still uses this system.  Every Christmas, she hands me  an envelope full of gift receipts for the grandkids.  This makes life very, very easy when items go unused or we have duplicates.

4.  Remember everyone, from the mailman to the teachers.

My mother believes in remembering everyone at Christmas.  When I was growing up she made gift baskets for the crossing guards, left tips for the garbage men, and brought a gift for everyone who would be attending Christmas Eve.

If a second cousin or grandparent was expected to be joining us, they had a gift.  No question asked. 

Christmas is about giving.  It's about remembering the people around you, and acknowledging them.  These gifts don't have to be extravagant.  Even a $5 gift card for a cup of coffee goes a long way.

5.  Keep the magic alive.  Always.

Even after myself and my siblings knew what was really "going on" every Christmas, we still had to go to bed for Santa to arrive.  Our stockings were still full in the morning, and we never knew what was going to be under the tree.  There was no "you pick it out and I'll wrap it."

That would go over like a fart in church.

There was magic.  Always.  Every year we watched Christmas movies, made cookies, and read "The Night Before Christmas."  Table settings were festive, there was a fire in the fireplace.

There still is.

No one is ever too old to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Happy Christmas Season!  Enjoy every minute.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Elf on the Shelf

Today it's Wednesday.  I have few words because it's early in the morning, and I was up in the middle of the night because someone who shall remain nameless desired juice.  This nameless person is very, very small and she sleeps in a crib.

Due to 3am juice deliveries, I currently have writer's fog.

After I let the pups out, I was happy to see or beloved Elf this morning.  He jacked some of my daughter's blocks and built himself a chair.

 He also brought Christmas socks.  What a sweetie pie.

I'm rolling my eyes because as I type this, someone who shall remain nameless is up and yelling for juice.

Seriously?

Happy Wednesday.  Make it awesome.

Today it's Wednesday.  I have few words because it's early in the morning, and I was up in the middle of the night because someone who shall remain nameless desired juice.  This nameless person is very, very small and she sleeps in a crib.

Due to 3am juice deliveries, I currently have writer's fog.

After I let the pups out, I was happy to see or beloved Elf this morning.  He jacked some of my daughter's blocks and built himself a chair.

 He also brought Christmas socks.  What a sweetie pie.

I'm rolling my eyes because as I type this, someone who shall remain nameless is up and yelling for juice.

Seriously?

Happy Wednesday.  Make it awesome.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

50 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

In case you haven't noticed, I'm big on Christmas.  I grew up one of six kids, and my parents had plenty on their minds every minute of the day.  Christmas was the time for "magic" in our house.  Gifts that we never expected (but wanted!) were under our tree, and our stockings were overflowing with goodies and toys.

I remember running down the stairs Christmas morn with my siblings, youngest to oldest, turning the corner and seeing our family room.  The memories still take my breath away.  The tree was lit, the gifts glistened and our stockings hung by our chimney with care.

My parents believed in big birthdays, and big holidays.  The day to day was chaotic, and days like Christmas were for our family.  There was love, laughs and plenty of "magic."

There still is.

Here, in in particular order, are some of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas.  Men, women and children all included.  Many of these originated from my stocking many years ago.

1. Coloring books
2. Markers/crayons
3. Slippers
4. Books
5. Pre-owned video games (oldies but goodies)
6. Candy (from the North Pole Candy Co. of course)
7. Stickers
8. Costume jewelry (girls)
9. Figures (army guys, zombie guys, Trash Packs, Strawberry Shortcake, etc)
10. Chapstick
11. Lipgloss
12. Slinky
13. "Build Your Own" sets from craft stores (airplanes, boats, etc)
14.  PlayDoh
15. Gift Cards
16. Tee shirts, rolled with a bow
17. Snow hats and mittens
18. Scarf
19. Socks
20. Underwear
21. Lottery tickets
22. Soap
23. Lotion
24. Gum
24. Fogless mirror for shaving (men)
25. Yo-yo
26. Flashlight (bedtime for kids, car for adults)
27. Energy drinks (adults, of course)
28. Pajama set
29. Hair clips and bows
30. Hairbrush
31. Small Lego sets
32. Journal
33. Water bottle (for the athletes/exercisers)
34. Tableware for kids (character plastic plates and cups)
35. Calculator
36. Sunglasses
37. Nail polish
38. Nail care/grooming set (men)
39. Coin purse
40. Small stuffed animals
41. Calendar
42. Magnets for fridge
43. Kitchen sponges, towels
44. Kitchen utensils (ice cream scoops, spatulas)
45. Deck of cards/small games
46. Coffee/Tea
47. Beef Jerkey
48. Kids Coupon Book (stay up late, extra dessert, trip to dollar store)
49. Animal Crackers (Barnum's of course)
50. Air freshener's/candles

Any other ideas?  Share them!  Happy shopping!

In case you haven't noticed, I'm big on Christmas.  I grew up one of six kids, and my parents had plenty on their minds every minute of the day.  Christmas was the time for "magic" in our house.  Gifts that we never expected (but wanted!) were under our tree, and our stockings were overflowing with goodies and toys.

I remember running down the stairs Christmas morn with my siblings, youngest to oldest, turning the corner and seeing our family room.  The memories still take my breath away.  The tree was lit, the gifts glistened and our stockings hung by our chimney with care.

My parents believed in big birthdays, and big holidays.  The day to day was chaotic, and days like Christmas were for our family.  There was love, laughs and plenty of "magic."

There still is.

Here, in in particular order, are some of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas.  Men, women and children all included.  Many of these originated from my stocking many years ago.

1. Coloring books
2. Markers/crayons
3. Slippers
4. Books
5. Pre-owned video games (oldies but goodies)
6. Candy (from the North Pole Candy Co. of course)
7. Stickers
8. Costume jewelry (girls)
9. Figures (army guys, zombie guys, Trash Packs, Strawberry Shortcake, etc)
10. Chapstick
11. Lipgloss
12. Slinky
13. "Build Your Own" sets from craft stores (airplanes, boats, etc)
14.  PlayDoh
15. Gift Cards
16. Tee shirts, rolled with a bow
17. Snow hats and mittens
18. Scarf
19. Socks
20. Underwear
21. Lottery tickets
22. Soap
23. Lotion
24. Gum
24. Fogless mirror for shaving (men)
25. Yo-yo
26. Flashlight (bedtime for kids, car for adults)
27. Energy drinks (adults, of course)
28. Pajama set
29. Hair clips and bows
30. Hairbrush
31. Small Lego sets
32. Journal
33. Water bottle (for the athletes/exercisers)
34. Tableware for kids (character plastic plates and cups)
35. Calculator
36. Sunglasses
37. Nail polish
38. Nail care/grooming set (men)
39. Coin purse
40. Small stuffed animals
41. Calendar
42. Magnets for fridge
43. Kitchen sponges, towels
44. Kitchen utensils (ice cream scoops, spatulas)
45. Deck of cards/small games
46. Coffee/Tea
47. Beef Jerkey
48. Kids Coupon Book (stay up late, extra dessert, trip to dollar store)
49. Animal Crackers (Barnum's of course)
50. Air freshener's/candles

Any other ideas?  Share them!  Happy shopping!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Christmas List Making with Kids: 5 Tips for Every Family

In case you aren't aware, November is here.   Pretty soon we’ll be hearing those sleigh bells ringing “ding ding” just about all day on the radio.  The “wish books” have been stuffed into your mailbox, and just about every commercial is currently trying to convince your kids they just have to own something.   

With all the Christmas craziness, kids can lose sight of what they want and need.  They start asking for just about everything and anything regardless of whether it's a carrot slicer or a container of Oxyclean.

To help cure the madness, or at least organize the madness, I've developed a go-to system for Christmas wishing.

It all begins with our elf, and "the list."  

Here is my step by step Christmas List making survival guide.

1. Adopt an Elf

We have an Elf, Stanley.  He arrives every Thanksgiving to watch over the my munchkins and fly reports back to Santa.  Stanley is a fabulous helper during the Christmas season.  He can carry all correspondance back and forth, such as good behavior news and Christmas lists tweaks.

No more  "How will Santa know!  I already sent my list! Waaaaaaaa!"

If you don't have your very own "Elf on the Shelf," and you are a big Christmas family like we are, I would recommend adopting one pronto.  Our Elf brings little surprises like stickers and candies every few days, and the kids leave letters for him to bring to Santa.  They ask about the reindeer, the present making and all other happenings in the North Pole.

Yes, I'm aware some of my kids may need therapy to come to terms with the inevitable news that is to come when they are about ten.  Or eleven.  Or maybe never with how this house operates. 

Regardless, Christmas is magic.  Kids are kids.  And only when we are kids do we get to believe in magic.  

2. Save Magazines for "Wishing"

In our house, Christmas wishes all go on a Christmas list.  We make them the week before Thanksgiving, and we leave all of them for Stanley to bring back to Santa.

Every one of my munchkins combs all the "wish books" that come in the mail.  I stash the Target , Toys R Us Big Book, NFL Shop and Justice magazines in a basket in the family room.  My kids looks through them, marking what they like with their initials.  They wish and wish and wish.  

When I'm in the middle of dinner, and I need quiet, and tell them to "go wish."  Literally.  It's used as often as "play outside" and "go read your books."  Wishing is as serious as a heart attack in our house.

When it's time to look through the magazines, there are so many marks and circles it's tough to know who wanted the Green Machine and who wanted the Barbie dollhouse.

3.  Make Lists as a Family

When we sit down to make the lists the kids look through each magazine and pick twenty things they marked.  Of those twenty, they have to star their "top five."

We star gifts because I explain to them that Santa has to bring presents to millions of kids.  We have to remember that we are not the only children with big wishes on Christmas.  If Santa looks at your list quick, and decides to bring you ten gifts, you want him to know what you want the most.  

4. When Needed, Cut and Paste Lists

When my first born was just about three, I started our list making tradition.  Trying to help him write each letter was just about as enjoyable as sticking needles in my eyes.  I quickly solved the problem with the cut and paste Christmas list.  We clipped what he wanted, and pasted it on his list.

Viola.  A detailed list in half the time, maybe a quarter of the time it would have taken to help him write one.  Another bonus?  Fun, easy practice cutting and pasting.

5.  Remember Charity, and Stress the Importance of Giving 

Most importantly, talk about charity, and how to give at Christmas.  The "I want, I want, I want" is normal, but it's important to balance the "I want's" with "What can we do to help_____?"

Volunteer at a soup kitchen.  Sponsor a family.  Have your kids donate a few new toys to Toys for Tots.  If you are religious, discuss the true meaning of Christmas.  Read books about the birth of Jesus.  

We have our cherished Nativity Scene, and every year the kids can't wait to put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve.

Remember to make giving a focus of your holiday, while letting your kids "wish" til' their little hearts are content.  There is not only magic in Christmas, but valuable lessons about life as well.

Happy weekend everyone - time to grab an elf and make some Christmas lists!!

 

In case you aren't aware, November is here.   Pretty soon we’ll be hearing those sleigh bells ringing “ding ding” just about all day on the radio.  The “wish books” have been stuffed into your mailbox, and just about every commercial is currently trying to convince your kids they just have to own something.   

With all the Christmas craziness, kids can lose sight of what they want and need.  They start asking for just about everything and anything regardless of whether it's a carrot slicer or a container of Oxyclean.

To help cure the madness, or at least organize the madness, I've developed a go-to system for Christmas wishing.

It all begins with our elf, and "the list."  

Here is my step by step Christmas List making survival guide.

1. Adopt an Elf

We have an Elf, Stanley.  He arrives every Thanksgiving to watch over the my munchkins and fly reports back to Santa.  Stanley is a fabulous helper during the Christmas season.  He can carry all correspondance back and forth, such as good behavior news and Christmas lists tweaks.

No more  "How will Santa know!  I already sent my list! Waaaaaaaa!"

If you don't have your very own "Elf on the Shelf," and you are a big Christmas family like we are, I would recommend adopting one pronto.  Our Elf brings little surprises like stickers and candies every few days, and the kids leave letters for him to bring to Santa.  They ask about the reindeer, the present making and all other happenings in the North Pole.

Yes, I'm aware some of my kids may need therapy to come to terms with the inevitable news that is to come when they are about ten.  Or eleven.  Or maybe never with how this house operates. 

Regardless, Christmas is magic.  Kids are kids.  And only when we are kids do we get to believe in magic.  

2. Save Magazines for "Wishing"

In our house, Christmas wishes all go on a Christmas list.  We make them the week before Thanksgiving, and we leave all of them for Stanley to bring back to Santa.

Every one of my munchkins combs all the "wish books" that come in the mail.  I stash the Target , Toys R Us Big Book, NFL Shop and Justice magazines in a basket in the family room.  My kids looks through them, marking what they like with their initials.  They wish and wish and wish.  

When I'm in the middle of dinner, and I need quiet, and tell them to "go wish."  Literally.  It's used as often as "play outside" and "go read your books."  Wishing is as serious as a heart attack in our house.

When it's time to look through the magazines, there are so many marks and circles it's tough to know who wanted the Green Machine and who wanted the Barbie dollhouse.

3.  Make Lists as a Family

When we sit down to make the lists the kids look through each magazine and pick twenty things they marked.  Of those twenty, they have to star their "top five."

We star gifts because I explain to them that Santa has to bring presents to millions of kids.  We have to remember that we are not the only children with big wishes on Christmas.  If Santa looks at your list quick, and decides to bring you ten gifts, you want him to know what you want the most.  

4. When Needed, Cut and Paste Lists

When my first born was just about three, I started our list making tradition.  Trying to help him write each letter was just about as enjoyable as sticking needles in my eyes.  I quickly solved the problem with the cut and paste Christmas list.  We clipped what he wanted, and pasted it on his list.

Viola.  A detailed list in half the time, maybe a quarter of the time it would have taken to help him write one.  Another bonus?  Fun, easy practice cutting and pasting.

5.  Remember Charity, and Stress the Importance of Giving 

Most importantly, talk about charity, and how to give at Christmas.  The "I want, I want, I want" is normal, but it's important to balance the "I want's" with "What can we do to help_____?"

Volunteer at a soup kitchen.  Sponsor a family.  Have your kids donate a few new toys to Toys for Tots.  If you are religious, discuss the true meaning of Christmas.  Read books about the birth of Jesus.  

We have our cherished Nativity Scene, and every year the kids can't wait to put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve.

Remember to make giving a focus of your holiday, while letting your kids "wish" til' their little hearts are content.  There is not only magic in Christmas, but valuable lessons about life as well.

Happy weekend everyone - time to grab an elf and make some Christmas lists!!

 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad