12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 6

So, today, I have gone back to that ornament punch and stamp! I can't help it - they are both new, and obviously, on the short list of my faves this year!

Now, isn't this card just fantastic?! It is a card that packs a lot of pizazz for the effort in my view - it is basically just a 5 1/4" square layers of red & white.  I used a pretty swirl stamp and Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White card-stock to create the background - it makes the reds pop, and emphasizes the layering. For extra oomph, I added a little rhinestone at the centre of the ornament.

We are half-way through our 12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration.... I hope you have gotten some ideas and will share your creations too!

Until tomorrow!

12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 5

As promised, today's card is another simple & quick idea:

This is a standard 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" card, however, it opens in the centre as opposed to at the side or bottom (score an 8.5" X 5.5" piece of card-stock at 2 1/8" from either end along the long side, and fold in to meet each other). A narrow piece of designer paper in cream and red is then placed on each front panel. The tree is stamped on cream-coloured card-stock, and layered onto green and red card-stock pieces. This layered piece is then attached to one panel only, allowing the card to open (i.e.: only use adhesive on 1/2 the layered piece). To take this card up a notch, you could use glitter for the tree ornaments.

See you tomorrow - 7 Christmas Cards left!

8 Weeks 'Til Christmas

Gift ideas for the boys on your list:

• Tonka Chuck & Friends Chuck's Stunt Park Playset - This toy made the "Woman's Day Top Toys for 2010" and the "Today's Parent Top Toys for 2010" lists. It is an interactive, truck stunt set with lights, sounds, moveable track pieces and a hand-crank elevator. Chuck the Dump Truck stunts include rolling over; driving on two wheels & even taking off across the floor! For ages 3+, about $50.
• Lego Lava Dragon - Part of a new selection of Lego games where the child actually builds the game first out of Lego pieces, then plays a "board-game". In this case, the objective is to be the first knight to get to the top of the volcano to summon the dragon. During your climb, you must avoid the lava and block the other knights. For ages 7-12, about $20.
• Speaking of Lego - Star Wars themed Lego toys are always in vogue. Especially popular with the kids running through our house are the following: Motorized Walking AT-AT (14+; $160); and the X-wing Fighter plane (ages 8-12; $80)
• Bakugan - pocket-sized orbs that pop open when placed on metal to reveal dragons ready to battle. Each one folds back up differently so they are like little miniature 3-D puzzles. They can be bought separately or in sets. The child can simply collect them or use them to play strategic games where they determine which Bakugan to play against their opponent based on strength and attributes. Fun in so many ways! Start at $5.
• Wind Up Workshop Robots - For boys who love to build or who are mechanically inclined, these cute Robot kits include wind-up motors; robot parts & stickers and instructions! For ages 7+, about $15.
• Star Wars - The Clone Wars - General Grievous - Spinning Electronic Lightsaber - Star Wars Lightsabers are always popular, and this year's new version has a twist: it is the spinning one belonging to the villain General Grievous. For ages 7+, about $40.
• And, of course, games for the ever-popular DS & Wii systems:
• DS games: Toy Story 3 ($30); Kung Zhu (Battle Hamsters) ($35); Bakugan Defenders of the Core ($30); Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes
• Wii games: Club Penguin Game Day ($50); NHL Slapshot ($70); Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels ($50)

Have fun shopping! Next week, I'll feature some gifts for girls :-)

12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 4

Today's card is another simple, back-to-basics card. I used all Stampin' Up products on this one. The colours are Real Red, Brocade Blue and Whisper White for the card-stocks and Real Red and Night of Navy for the inks. I put the blue card-stock through the Top Note die twice, rotating it 180 degrees the second time, to create the fancy background for my snowflake squares. The snowflakes I used are no longer available, but any snowflakes will work.... you could even use a snowflake punch with a dimensional underneath to pop it out... now that would be really pretty!

Tomorrow I have another quick & simple idea for you. Enjoy!

What I LOVE about Halloween!

Isn't Halloween wonderful? Imp #1 had his Halloween Concert last night, and both boys are gone off with their costumes in their backpacks today for this afternoon's Halloween festivities at school. I was just thinking of all the other things I LOVE about Halloween and thought I would share them with you:

• The children's excitement!
• Seeing the orange glow from all lights on our street at night! 
• All the spooky, creepy-crawly decorations people come up with.
• Halloween specials on TV - Garfield, Charlie Brown, etc.
• Hearing "The Monster Mash" on the radio.
• Ghosties with the Mosties ;-)
• Candy, Chocolate... any holiday that brings chocolate to the forefront is a good one in my books!
• Cats....any holiday that brings cats to the forefront is a good one in my books;-)
• Costumes.
• Another excuse for oranges, reds & yellows....
• Apples, pumpkins, corn....
• Spooky moons.
• Cobwebs. (Imp #2 tells me that I don't have to decorate for Halloween because I already have cobwebs on my chandeliers. Thanks Dude.)
• Tombstones.
• Halloween Parties!
• Seeing the neighbourhood kids dressed up when they ring our doorbell!
• Trick -or-Treating with my boys!
• Memories of my Nan and Great-Aunt and the Haunted House parties they used to stage for us as children. I would be SO scared to enter... and SO excited. I would get freaked out when I had to eat their Eyeball Soup and Slimy Brains! Love you Ladies and think of you both often - especially at Halloween, XXOO.

12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 3

Here it is - I promised a snowflake!

Again, this card is made with mostly Stampin' Up products (LOVE them!) - Bashful Blue and Whisper White cardstock; Bashful Blue and Night of Navy inks; scallop circle die; small polka dot Sizzix texture plate; oval and scallop oval punches. Only the glitter, silver ribbon and the navy cardstock are from my "other" pile.

The base of the card is an 8 1/2 X 4 1/4 piece of cardstock folded over to make a 4 1/4" square, then I layered on the white and navy squares, followed by the white circle, which was placed off centre and extends beyond the square base.

I have to say: I LOVE this card :-) Hope you do too!

What To Do This Weekend

It's Halloween Weekend - woot! Tons of fun to be had:

• Head to Michael's Friday evening - the kids can make their very own treat bags while you browse the store and plan your Christmas decorations. Details in sidebar.
• Kid-free? Go to the Mardi-Gras on George Street. Don't forget your costume!
• Carve a pumpkin! Or paint one, dress one up or decorate it using Mr. Potato Head pieces (easy AND cute!).
• Sunday afternoon's Family Fun at The Rooms theme is "Skeletons in our Closet". They'll feature some items for their natural history collection and will also have a "weird" craft! Details in sidebar.
• Prepare a spooky meal, like these Rats in Blood
• 

• Last but not least: Dress up & go Trick-or-Treating with your kids!

For details on events in & around town, check my calendar regularly! It is on the bottom of every page, or click Events Calendar in the navigation bar :-)

12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 2

Well, today's card features the ornament punch and stamp from Stampin' Up again. This time I have combined the Cherry Cobbler card stock with their Old Olive card stock and some designer paper that I picked up randomly - despite the fact that it is not Stampin' Up though, the colours match wonderfully:

The paper kind of reminds me of a Candy Cane :-). And, as you can see, I punched out an extra ornament in the Cherry Cobbler - I think it gives a shadow effect to my stamped image.

Tomorrow, I have a fabulous card - with snowflakes!!!!! Fun!!

What I Found on the Internet

I just had to share some great sites and items I found online!

http://www.organicbug.com/ - This site aims to promote healthy living lifestyles and an awareness of our impact on the Earth by offering sustainable products for sale. They have gorgeous handmade, natural and recycled items for sale, and they ship internationally. If your child is a fan of Dr. Suess, The Cat in the Hat movie or the new TV show, you'll have to consider the cat below for Christmas - too cute!

http://www.qvc.com/ - The US equivalent of the Shopping Channel. They DO ship to Canada. Do a search for "carousel organizer" (I could not copy the image or URL to show you, but it is a must if you like an organized closet!) It not only spins, it has shelves for your sweaters!

http://www.fredflare.com/ - Website for the Brooklyn store FredFlare, and again, they do ship to Canada. It has a ton of funky and fun items. You are sure to find a treat for everyone on your list... or for yourself. This enamel elephant necklace is sure to bring good luck to someone you know :-)

12 Days of Christmas Card Inspiration - Day 1

Starting today, I'll post one of my Christmas Card Creations everyday for the next 12 days. I hope you enjoy!

This card is about 4 1/4 square. I used Stampin' Up inks, papers and stamps. I just love the ornament and how it fits perfectly with the punch, don't you? The colours are Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler - a beautiful combination. Of course, that new red just seems to go well with everything - I am using it a lot this year!

The white die cut piece opens up on mine for a personal message, however, this design doesn't really stand well on its own - it needs something to lean on. For the same look, you could use the layout above as the card front on a 4 1/4 X 8 1/2 piece of cardstock folded over to make a 4 1/4 square that opens.

Hope to see you back tomorrow for card #2!

A Meal So Simple .....Even I Can Make It!

Way, way, way back, I said I would try to cook from time to time..... truth is, I NEVER cook. The times I have can be counted on one hand. DH has me spoiled that way!

Last night however, DH and I switched up our roles a bit: HE did the homework and I MADE SUPPER!

Basically, it wasn't going to get on the table unless it was simple. So I used a recipe my Dad brought home one time - a dish a colleague of his made for a potluck. It seemed easy enough and I hung onto it.

I'm glad I did - it was yum! In fact, Autobot #1 says he is going to feed it to his family when he grows up - you can't ask for a better reaction than that, now can you?

Chicken Divan

1 head fresh broccoli, cut & steamed until just done
4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, baked & chopped up
1 can cream of chicken soup (I used cream of broccoli)
3/4 c. skim milk
1/4 c. mayo
1 tbl sp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp curry powder
1 c. shredded cheddar
1 c. whole wheat bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp melted butter

1. Arrange broccoli & chicken in casserole dish
2. In saucepan, gradually combine soup, milk, mayo, lemon juice & curry powder. Stir until blended & hot.
3. Pour milk mixture over chicken. Top with cheese.
4. Mix bread crumbs with butter & spread on top.
5. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Quick Hit Projects

Remember my To-Do List where I was going to find some quick-hit projects around the house to get it more presentable for Christmas? Well, this has been a real fixer-upper weekend for me!

On Friday, I got out the belt sander and sanded down our old kitchen table, the one DH had when we met. The finish was always troublesome so I abandoned it years ago. Lately though, I have been wanting to add a little oomph to my kitchen. We found some fab chairs at Templeton's for only $49 each, and so I am in the process of refinishing the table (I think I will paint it white to tie in with my hutch)....

Then on Saturday, DH helped my Father winterize some stuff in the garage, and we spent the day at my parents' place. That night DH put together the chairs for the kitchen. Man, do they ever look nice! Even without the table painted. On Sunday, I got out the belt sander again and roughed up the finish on the verandah - easier than scraping, and it needed a good scraping! 

So today, I painted the verandah - it seems like I have been waiting for eons to get a half decent day! The posts could use another coat, but even if I don't get another coat on before winter sets in, it will still be alright. 

I also got out the metal paint and touched up the back splash and drawer on my stove. It always amazes me what a little tub of semi-gloss white Tremclad can do to prolong the life of a stove - I feel like it is new again! Somewhere in there I also re-scotch-guarded (I may be making that word up, LOL!) my dining room chairs, and put together a table I had gotten my Dad to cut down for me on Saturday (for the boys' room as a spot for their hamsters).

And now, I think the burst of energy is gone... but it was worth it!

Sunday Snippets

Tidbits of information I picked up this week:

• The Avalon Peninsula rated tops in National Geographic's rating of 99 Coastal Destinations - woot! travel.nationalgeographic.com
• Did you know you can replace eggs with flax seeds to bind a recipe? For each egg, use 1 tablespoon ground flax seed  combined with 3 tablespoons hot water (let stand 10 minutes). For a complete list of other substitutes, click here.
• Note to Self: after use, the rollers on a belt sander will be hot - don't touch, duh! (This seems so obvious, that I hesitate to admit: learnt the hard way!)

9 Weeks 'Till Christmas

Spreading Peace & Good Cheer 


It is easy to get caught up in the chaos of shopping and Christmas preparation, to forget, momentarily, the essential meaning of the Season. It is a time for family and friends, of food, gifts and revelry, yes, but also a time to focus on peace between Nations and Peoples, a time to remember those less fortunate, a time to give of ourselves. Here are some ideas to help spread the "Peace & Good Cheer" as we head into the Holidays:

• Share your hobby where it would be useful and /or appreciated - For the past few years, I have made Christmas cards with the residents at a local Seniors' Home. It is rewarding to chat with them of their youth and families and to help them create handmade cards for their loved ones! Other possibilities could be:
• Perform a small Christmas concert at a Seniors Home.
• Make ornaments for a Church Craft Fair.
• Decorate a tree on a hospital ward.
• Visit children at a hospital to perform a magic tricks for them. 
• Visit a hospital or Home to read aloud to someone.
• Bake up a special holiday treat for the residents of a home (be sure to provide complete ingredients as some may have special diets)
• Volunteer with a youth organization or a community group to show them how to make your craft as gifts or fundraisers.
• Local churches and schools are good resources to help find a fit for your talents!

• Help provide clothing/toys/gifts/Christmas Dinner for a family in need:
• donate to the local food bank
• support your school's food collection
• donate to VOCM's "Coats for Kids"
• contact a local guidance counsellor or minister to ask if they know of a family in need and see if you can anonymously provide one of the gifts for the children, pick up some essential winter clothing or help them with their Christmas groceries, etc.

• Think Global:
• Use the power and convenience of the Internet to teach your children how very fortunate they are to live in Canada, away from the diseases and famine that strike so many other countries in this world.
• Help them envision their donation and the good it will do through specific gifting options available through UNICEF, the Red Cross or the World Wildlife Federation. (Last year our boys chose to vaccinate infants in Africa against measles because they didn't want babies to be sick. Another time they purchased mosquito netting to help prevent malaria. This year they are thinking of protecting polar bear and penguin habitats!)

• Make your Christmas Shopping count by shopping via the websites of Charitable Organizations. For example:
• For a wide selection of beautiful homemade gifts, accessories, collectibles, cards and so much more, visit www.unicef.ca. Proceeds support children in need. 
• Visit www.redcross.ca and click on their link to the Amazon website to donate 5% of your Amazon purchase total to the Red Cross!
• To support their continued research and cultural sustainability initiatives, shop items from around the world on www.nationalgeographic.com..  
• Help fight cancer by shopping the clothing, purses, jewelry and other items at www.shopcancer.ca. 

• Last but not Least - let's not forget that charity begins at home: 
• Help an elderly relative with their Christmas Shopping.
• Help an elderly neighbour to decorate their tree, put up their lights, etc.
• Local churches, food banks, schools are sure to know of families suffering form the effects of Hurricane Igor. Contact them to find out what you can do. 
• Donate through the Red Cross and support their relief efforts here. 

Have fun!

Breakfast Bread

When the mood strikes, Autobot #2 can be an extremely picky eater. Which is funny, because normally he is the one who will try the weird sandwich meats his father eats or even the moose sausages my uncle served at a BBQ. But, when it comes to breakfast... holy cow, is it ever hard to feed that child!

As such, I am constantly trying to find a go-to, no fail option for school mornings - something that he will eat and that will give him the energy he needs to make it through his day.

So a while back, when I stumbled upon this recipe for breakfast bread, I jumped on it (he loves bread)! And, I am happy to report that DS gladly eats a slice or two of this bread, buttered or not, whenever it is served to him. With milk and some apple slices, it makes a nice, quick breakfast and both boys have taken it for lunches as well. Whew!

Unfortunately, I have no recollection who or where I got this recipe from, so if it is yours, please comment and we'll make sure to give credit where credit is due. The recipe calls for a loaf pan or a muffin pan - I used an 8" square stone, and it was great (but I didn't write down the cooking time so you will have to play it by ear if you take that route!).

Oatmeal Breakfast Bread

Topping:
  1/4 c. packed brown sugar
  1/4 c. pecans
  1/4 tsp cinnamon

Bread:
  2 large eggs
  1/4 c. applesauce
  1/3 c. canola oil
  1/4 c. buttermilk (tip: 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and then top up to 1/4 cup w/ skim milk)
  1 1/4 c. flour (healthier: 3/4 c. white flour + 1/2 c. whole wheat flour)
  3/4 c. sugar
  1/2 tsp baking soda
  1/2 tsp salt
  1/4 tsp nutmeg
  pinch of cloves
  1/2 c. dried apples, figs, apricots or raisins
  1 c. old-fashioned oats

Method:

1. Mix topping ingredients, set aside.
2. Mix wet ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.
4. Coat fruit with 1/3 c dry ingredients.
5. Mix all ingredients from step 2-4 together.
6. Sprinkle with topping (from step 1).

Oven at 350 degrees: Bake in buttered/floured loaf pan (9X5) for 55 to 65 min or until knife comes out clean OR divide batter between 20 muffin -tins and bake 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

WhatTo Do This Weekend!

Well, first of all, if you haven't already been there, get thee to the Glacier for the 18th annual Christmas at the Glacier Craft Show! I don't think I would be lying if I said it is the biggest - and best - craft fair that the island has to offer. Hours are in my sidebar. It's on now through Sunday; for complete details visit here.

And, another big event for families: Pumpkinfest at Lester's Farms! This was postponed from last week due to that heavy rain we had. Complete details in the poster below, or visit them online at www.lestersfarmmarket.com:

Ghosties with the Mosties!

Some easy ghost ideas.


I figured that after yesterday's Christmas-inspired post, I had better give you a bit of Halloween! The Imps and I have made a few ghosts lately. They are S-I-M-P-L-E - easy enough for young children, yet fun for the older ones as well!

First up are these little glowing ghosts. Now, they are covering LED lights but I exercise caution just the same and only have them lit when I am in the room. They surround the window next to our kitchen table and lend a spooky glow to our supper-hour!

As you can see in the last picture, my lights were dragonflies (I had them up for the summer), and they are simply covered by a coffee filter, which the boys then decorated!

Here is another coffee filter idea - these ones hang from the light fixture above the table:

To make these little guys, just put a couple of cotton balls in the centre of a filter, and fold it over and twist slightly to give a neck. Then draw on a face, tie white thread around the neck and hang anywhere.

Last but not least, our twirly-whirlly ghosts. These ones spin when you walk by, so I have them hanging in the stairwell:

It's the twirly part that makes them flutter and spin. And it is so easy to do! These are just made out of construction paper and we traced our hands:

Next, draw a continuous circle where you want the "tail" of the ghost to be like this:

You can do multiple "tails" if you wish:

Cut it out like so:

Draw on faces:

And voila:

(hand upside down, fingers open)

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

1 Month Old!

Woot! My blog is one month old today - that's a pretty decent commitment for a full-time Mom, don't ya think? I admit, I was a little worried it would be difficult to figure out blogger, or to find something to share, or just to find the time ('cause ya know how it is - kids/homework/dishes/laundry/floors/etc. are always calling!). But, it is working out alright!

Thank you to everyone who has emailed me or commented on posts - I really appreciate it and it brightens my day every time to hear your thoughts on the blog and on my little crafts & things:-) Please continue - it keeps things fun... and lets me know who is out there contributing to those page views, lol!

One week, one month... next milestone is one year - wish me luck!

Cute Christmas Finds For Kids

Okay, so I know that it is not Saturday, and that Saturdays have been the day I've been sharing my slight Christmas obsession with you, but, I just had to share the following gifts for children that you can find on Etsy.

What is Etsy you say? I always describe it as e-bay for crafters... without the auction part. I have two shops there - you can link in on the bottom of this page - check back next week when I'll be posting my Christmas Card packages!

I digress.... children's items. These are just too cute to wait until next Saturday to show them to you!

This too, too, TOO cute Fox Coat from Littlegoodall:

Pre-schoolers will love "Your Name in Crayons" from LilDoodler:

This Crazy Frog Hat from KNITnova will look amazing on your little imp:

Coal Soap from sunbasilgarden  ... for your husband? ;-)

Now, if you are like me, you can easily spend hours browsing Etsy (like when I search for "crochet" items.... the night is gone!), but, the easiest way to stay on top of some of their coolest items is to sign up for their daily "Finds" newsletter (which I think saves me some time... after all, that's how I found all these great items!).

Upcoming Events - Igor Relief Benefit Concert

If you haven't heard, there is a concert tomorrow night at Mile One to benefit the victims of Hurricane Igor.

Called We Stand On Guard, the concert will also be broadcast across the province to raise funds for the Red Cross Hurricane Igor Relief Efforts. Artists participating in the event include: Hey Rosetta, Damhnait Doyle, Tara Oram, Kim Stockwood, Billy and the Bruisers, and many, many more!

The intent of the organizers is to raise funds for the Red Cross to use to assist devastated areas of the province.

I have concert information listed in the events sidebar at your right, or you can visit  K-Rock 97.5.

Show your support!

Easy Recycling Organization

WOW! It is FINALLY here - curbside recycling in St. John's! I am so excited for our environment and our community!

Now, you too may be excited like me, but a little concerned about how you are going to sort all those recyclables.... DH and I have been recycling for quite a while, and struggled with this for years. At one point, if you lit a match in our basement, I'm sure the place would have gone up in smoke, we had so many old newspapers and boxes there! And even the thought of sifting through it... uggh. But how we got out of that mess is another story... I won't bore you with it :-) Just share the end result, which is this little cubbie in our kitchen:

So, this is the bottom shelf of a white hutch we have, located on a small wall between the hall and the kitchen fridge (this keeps it easy to access - kind of a central location). And, you can see just how very simple we kept it for ourselves - we have been storing the recyclables in the re-usable grocery bags. One for cardboard, one for paper/magazines. And the one on the far end is for bottles. Everyone knows that when a magazine is read, or a new toy unboxed, or a juice bottle is empty, to put the item in the appropriate bag. We then take those very bags with us when we drop off the recyclables (they are nice & sturdy for a heavy pile of magazines!).

Of course, the good news is, with the new St. John's curbside recycling program, we won't have to make those trips around town, or wait in line to drop off our paper/cardboard anymore - woot! We plan to continue with the same cubbie-system, and on recycling day we will just pour the sorted paper & cardboard items into their blue bags and put on the curb. LOVE it!

As for the bottles, I think we will continue to save those and drop them off ourselves - since the Autobots were Autobabies, every time we cash in recyclables, we divvy the funds up between the two of them and deposit the money into their savings accounts. They have more in cash savings now than I do!

For more information on the curbside recycling, as well as information on what can/cannot be included, click here.

Happy Recycling!!

Sunday Snippets

Tidbits of information I picked up this week:

• To remove marker stains from walls, use rubbing alcohol
•  Having friends prolongs your life an average of 3.7 yrs, lowers your blood pressure, keeps your brain active, and can keep you fitter!  Make time for your friends  - and do you both some good :-) (Whole Living, Sept. 2010)
• Homemade squash risotto ROCKS! DH made it last night for the first time and we LOVED it. I think it would be perfect on a cold winter's night - it really warms you up! Here is the recipe he used - it makes at least enough for 2 meals.
• Want to get in the Christmas Spirit? House to Home on Commonwealth Ave, Mt. Pearl, has a HUGE shipment of Christmas goodies out on display. In fact, if you haven't discovered this little jewel, it is about time you made a visit. Beautiful stuff! The west end/Mt. Pearl area is long overdue for a store like this!

10 Weeks 'Til Christmas!

Planning Christmas 2010

Are you singing Christmas Carols yet? Playing your holiday Cd's?

I'm not... but only because DH and I have a deal - not until after Halloween! So just 2 more weeks and one day, people, and I can pop in my A Very Special Christmas Cd's and torture the family singing along to them (horrible singing voice ;-).

This week, my plan is to get everything in order, the final, official plan for the holidays so that I'll get everything done on time. Yes, I know - a bit obsessive perhaps, but it helps me, so why not share?

Without further adieu then, this is my "To-Do" List for the upcoming week:

• Finalize gift list:
• every single person, 
• my ideas for their gift 
• the budget for each one

• Set budget for overall Holiday expenses:
• DH/kids
• other gifts
• wrapping supplies
• decorations
• craft supplies
• pet gifts (yes, you read it right!)
• cards/stamps

• Determine which gifts will be homemade:
• figure out which projects I will use/give to each person
• ensure have supplies, if not, buy them

• Decide what project to make/give for Teacher's Gifts (I'll post some ideas on that another week!)

• Christmas Card List
• Make sure have addresses, if not, get them

• Design Christmas Cards & get supplies

• Get children to show me what they are hoping Santa will bring 

•  Finalize baking list for the year
• check pantry & determine the grocery list for the holiday treats!

• Double check who is hosting what over the Season, and times, to ensure we know where we are going when

•  Send out e-vite reminder for my fete on New Year's Eve! Wouldn't want anyone to forget!!

• Determine anything critical and/or quick that can be polished up around the house - in particular, I'm thinking of painting the boys' bathroom. 

• Book the following:
• carpet cleaners
• upholstery cleaners
• house cleaners
• hair appointment for December
• hair appointments for boys
• family photos (undecided)

Busy week... but an exciting one!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly.....hm, hm, hm, hm, hm, hm, hm, hmmmm

Upcoming Events - another Gymboree Sale here in the City

Hi - I wanted to quickly let you know about another Gymboree Sale - on Monday coming!

Here is the information I received:

SALE IS MONDAY!!

Monday, October 18th


Lions Park Chalet, Mayor Ave
11am-7pm

There will be Halloween jammies, and some Christmas/winter items as well! For contact info, see previous post.

Have a great weekend!

What To Do This Weekend

Well, I was going to suggest checking out PumpkinFest at Lester's Farm this weekend... however, due to the poor weather forecast, it is postponed until October 23rd (yippee for me, as I am at a Convention this weekend!). We are forecasted rain, rain & more rain this weekend (90% probability), but you don't live here for the weather now do you?

Now, if you have a day free from the kiddies, or a sweet grandparent/aunt/uncle handy, get yourself to the Delta for the Wine Fest Luncheon on Saturday! Tickets are still available... and it should be a lovely meal accompanied by some great wines.

But, if you are like my DH and will be looking for some indoor entertainment for your little imps, here are some of my favourite rainy day activities:

• Chapters can NOT be beat on a rainy afternoon! Have a coffee, pull up a seat, enjoy their relaxed atmosphere while you read to your children, or, flip through a magazine while you are watching them browse the books! My boys and I can literally spend hours there.... they love it when we take a break for juice and one of those big cookies ;-) And, a Grande Non-fat Latte, please!

• Visit the Geo Centre - fun anytime, but I can't wait to check out their new 3D theatre! Sea Monsters, U2 and Forces of Nature are all playing this weekend! Visit their site for show times: Geo Centre Theatre Show Times.

• Sunday's Family Fun at the Rooms is all about leaves.... why they are so important to trees, to ladybugs, to moose and to us. Timely not only for the season, but ties in with Autobot #1's science unit on plant life... so we'll be there 2-4 PM. http://www.therooms.ca/family_fun.asp

Simple Snowglobe Card

A friend of mine asked for some help to create a card for her daughter's school. The school is having an auction and hoped to have the children make a set of holiday cards that could be offered for sale there. We needed something that was non-denominational, so we went with a snowglobe and snowflake theme in blues and white. The card is simple but beautiful and I really hope the children have fun reproducing it! Here it is:

 An easy way to add extra oomph: add glitter to the snowflakes, and use a dimensional sticker to pop-out a round cut-out of the globe! And, we even decorated the envelopes. Sweeeetttt!

Lunch-box Inspiration!

Looking for lunch ideas? I stumbled upon a FAB-U-LOUS site today! You & your kids need never be bored with the same'ol-same'ol again! (Note to self: buy a cute bento-style lunch box).

The site is: http://www.anotherlunch.com/

Here are some of their Halloween & Harvest inspired ideas:

 

Don't know about you, but I have a sudden craving for candy corn and pasta ;-) Guess we know what's for supper!

Lessons in Life

I just wanted  to quickly share this quote with you this AM:

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

So true, don't you think?

I am inspired by my children everyday! They teach me to stop and smell the roses, to slow down and enjoy the moment, to express my feelings and to have fun and do what makes me happy.

That & how to do an armpit fart...

Fall Favourites

Well, it is another beautiful, crisp, clear Fall day out there today and it has got me thinking of all the things I LOVE about Fall. So, I thought I would share some of them with you. Here goes:

1. The beautiful changing colours - reds, oranges, yellows.... so pretty!
2. Fallen Leaves.
3. Pumpkins on door steps.
4. Apples everywhere.
5. Scarf & Sweater weather.
6. Time to wear boots again (kinda makes up for not being able to wear sandals!).
7. Homemade soup.
8. Rosy-red cheeks to kiss.
9. Hot Chocolate.
10. Walking on fallen leaves through Bowring Park.
11. Craft Fairs.
12. Countdown to Christmas at the Glacier!
13. Halloween decorations.
14. Corn Maze at Lesters' Farm.
15. 3-day Weekends with the kids home from school. 
16. Snuggling up on the couch in a blanket with my boys watching a movie on a chilly night!
17. Birthdays! (Both of my boys and DH!).
18. Getting to use my pumpkin stamps and fallish coloured inks to make cards like this one (I gotta say, I think it is one of my all-time favourite cards that I have made: I love the colours and the pumpkins...)

 Happy Fall!

Guilty Pleasure :-)

Walking by my boys' room last night, I was struck, once again, by how cute and adorable they are. I am utterly amazed how much I love them, the joy I get just from watching them sleep, how proud I am of them. My heart feels as though it could burst with the emotion they inspire. It is such an awesome feeling to love them so much... and I think that as they get older, that it gets stronger and stronger. They are now 6 & 8 and I am still as much, if not more, in awe of their very existence and the peace, happiness, comfort and excitement it gives me as I was in the minutes and days after they were born. This is what it is all about - caring for them, helping them, nurturing them, watching them grow...
...And watching them sleep is still my guilty little pleasure!

Mojo Card Sketch #159

For some reason, this week's Mojo Monday contest was a REAL challenge for me. I've been thinking of it all week! And now, just mere hours before the deadline, this is what I have come up with:

I tried forever using a different colour combo but it wasn't working. Then I tried an old stand-by combination, and voila - it worked in no time! The right colours can make ALL the difference! To check out the other entries, and the original sketch, visit: Mojo Monday 159

Sunday Snippets

Tidbits of information I picked up this week:

• Halloween is fast approaching! There are all sorts of decorating tips, costume ideas and spooky recipes on the following sites: yahoo - 25 Decorating Ideas; Family Fun - Halloween; Betty Crocker - Halloween Recipes & Pumpkin Templates and Halloween Tips. Check them out and share your creations with us!
• The Vatican was built on a swamp site where Etruscan soothsayers called vaticinia lived, hence the name. In Roman times, as it was mosquito-ridden (swamp!), a pagan graveyard sprouted up there. After St. Peter died, his followers cut down his body in the dark of night and buried him in the pagan graveyard and when Constantine converted he ordered a basilica built over the grave.
• Doctors say being thankful and taking the time to recognise the positive things in your life is not only good for your mind, its good for the body as well: University of California at Davis researchers found that practicing gratitude can lower your blood pressure and make you feel less aggravated. Thankful people are less angry, less negative and usually look for the cup half full rather than half-empty. Other studies show that those who are grateful have lower risks of developing phobias, alcohol/drug abuse issues and are less likely to be depressed. They even have stronger immune systems! (CNN)
• The smaller the squash, the more flavourful it is.... (Viva magazine)
• Have you even heard about Fatherhood.about.com? Me neither. But it looks useful, even for a Mom ;-) Check out this article on Teaching Children to be Grateful

Hope you are enjoying the long weekend!

Thankful for....

It being Thanksgiving Weekend and all, I was thinking about all the things I’m thankful for. Really, to list everything I am thankful for would be impossible - I feel so blessed, so grateful for "my life that is". But, lets at least scratch the surface: Since Thanksgiving is on the 11th this year, here are 11 things I’m thankful for:

In no particular order...

Well, except maybe the first two...

No, scratch that, they would have to be equal... though the second would be impossible without the first.... oh, never mind.

1. My amazing husband!
2. Two beautiful, healthy, caring, adorable boys!
3. Family who love us (& vice versa) living nearby to chat & visit with.
4. Old friends - the kind where their kids remind you of them, or their brother at that age; the ones who know ev-er-y-thing.
5. Living in a country where we can speak our minds and come & go as we please; where we don't suffer from famine; where our children are safe; where joining the army is a choice not something your 12-yr old is forced into; where natural disasters are infrequent; where you can trust your neighbour.
6. To have the means to provide a roof over our heads and food in the pantry.
7. To live in a neighbourhood where my boys have friends all around and I can hear the laughter coming from the gang of little boy voices frequently and watch them running and playing to and fro.
8. Grandparents who take boys for "over-sleeps".
9. Mother-in-laws who babysit (gladly!) even with only 2-hours notice.
10. A cute 11-yr old cat to warm my lap on those crisp Fall nights.
11. Flowers, trees, snow, lightning.... all of nature's expressions. 

What are you thankful for this year? 

11 Weeks 'Til Christmas!

Crafty Christmas Inspirations!

Well, today marks the 11-week mark in the countdown to Christmas! If you are planning to do any holiday crafting, it is high time to get started :-). Now, for several years, I have made my Christmas Cards... but, so far this year I haven't quite yet decided yet what the design will be for 2010 (and I have a cousin requesting I make hers as well!).  Here are some ideas that I may update (stay-tuned!).

Hmmmm... I seem to use a lot of blues (my favourite colour!); maybe I should try a different colour this year! Do you make cards? I would love to see your ideas - leave me a link in the comments!

As well this year, I am hoping to make some Christmas gifts. I like the personal touch and hope others appreciate it too. My mother-in-law admired a wrap I crocheted (like the one below, but in all white), so I am planning to do one for her in a different colour.

And her sister liked the scarf I made for MIL last year, so I am planning to do her a similar one this year:

I am REALLY excited to have found a pattern for fingerless gloves that I think a certain hard-to-shop for friend will just love: 

The last pattern is from the current issue of Crochet Today, while the others are from older issues (this fall and last Christmas). I LOVE their patterns, if you didn't realize that already ;-). You can browse/purchase their patterns at: Crochet Today

Curious George... and The Town

So, on our way back from the movie tonight (more about that later), we passed by Chapters and I noticed their sign.....for all you parents of Curious George fans out there, he will be at Chapters Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 - 4:30.

DHand I had a bit of a date night tonight. The Imps are at my parents for a sleepover, and we figured it was a prime opportunity for dinner & a movie (like ya would)! The movie we decided to see was The Town. OMG - I had read in Entertainment Weekly that is was good, and boy, were they ever right! Ben Affleck can direct! There was not one slow moment - I was utterly captivated the entire time. It was one of those films where you are rooting for the "bad guy" - who knew a crook could be so lovable? You'll see what I mean.

Jokes For Kids

Some G-rated riddles your children might enjoy:

What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bull-dozer.


Why did the man run around his bed?
He wanted to catch up on some sleep!


What kind of story does a ship captain read to his kids?
Ferry-tales.


Why would Snow White make a good judge? 
Because she's the "fairest in the land".


What was Ben Franklin's reaction when he discovered electricity?
He was shocked!


When they meet, what does one ocean say to the other?
Nothing - they just wave!


What do you call a dog that has the flu?
A germy-shepard.


Where do bunnies live?
In a rabbitat.


What's a frog's favourite song?
"Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Toads"

What To Do This Weekend

There are tons of choices for this Thanksgiving Weekend, People! I'll be enjoying Salmonier Nature Park with the boys and some friends of ours, taking in a movie, attending family dinners, and just plain enjoying hanging out with DH & the Autobots!

On Friday, Bulldog Interactive Fitness is having another one of their Fitness & A Movie Nights. This week's film is Alice in Wonderland. Complete details are in the new sidebar to your right (cool, huh?).

Also on Friday, there is a new exhibition opening at The Rooms, and a comedy/folk music show on Saturday evening at The Arts & Culture Centre featuring John Sheehan & The Once. If you are like me though, you'll be most excited about the Oktoberfest Craft Fair at The Reid Centre on Monday.... the first of the Season! Bring it ON!

And, if you are just hangin' with the fam' on this holiday weekend, I thought I would share the following link with you - I think the kids would just love to make these cute "Turkey Cake Pops" (Turkey Time)!

Enjoy!

PS: Don't forget to check out the sidebar for upcoming event listing - AND please let me know of any events I can add for you - leave a comment or email me at "happystamper AT bellaliant DOT net"

ColorLab Challenge

What I like about the ColorLab challenges is that there are no restrictions on the card layout/design as it is based on colour combination, AND sometimes you'll be alerted to some great combinations you had never thought of before!

As soon as I saw this weeks combo, I knew exactly what I would use for it. I made this card last week, but the colours fit the challenge perfectly (berry, pumpkin and black):

For other entries in the challenge, visit: ColorLab Challenge 12

Books We're Reading This Month

Books are everywhere, everywhere in our house! I find the greatest escape in their pages, and even just looking at their spines on my bookshelf makes me happy. Its the simple things, isn't it?

I love historical biographies, particularly those pertaining to Edward I, Edward III, & Victoria of England, Eleanor of Acquitaine, Louis XIV and Louis XVI of France and Isabella of Castile, plus anything on the Beauforts and the Tudors of England. My favourite period would be from about 1000AD - 1600 (I find the Hundred Years War and the Crusades fascinating, but I LOVE the 16th century!). I also like novels based on life & relationships - the kind that get inside the characters' heads... The Stone Angel, or The Secret Book of Grazia dei Rossi.

My latest read is Mistress of the Vatican (Eleanor Herman) and is about "the female pope". No, not the mythical Pope Joan: It is about the woman behind Pope Innocent X, his sister-in-law, Olimpia Maidalchini. She was born the daughter of a taxman, who wanted ALL his daughters to become nuns (to avoid the expense of a dowry and save the family money for his only son). However, she had other plans, defied him, and married for money and power. Her second husband was of the minor nobility, and she became close to his brother, Gianibattista Pamphili. Once she was widowed for the second time, she used her money to support his endeavors in the Church, helping him maintain the lifestyle expected of a Bishop or Cardinal. When Pope Urban VIII died, Olimpia even made promises with the families of other Cardinals to ensure that Pamphili would be elected Pope. And then, as his most trusted advisor, she was able to work behind the scenes to influence all of Catholic Europe in the 17th century! It is a very interesting biography, filled with details on everyday life and the culture of the Catholic Church.

While I LOVE  a good illustrated children's book (I even have my own collection of faves!), I enjoy reading novels to my boys instead of shorter storybooks as their "bedtime story". It keeps everyone interested - including me (you know what it is like to read the same book three times every night for 4 weeks straight, right?). While I say I'll read one chapter, I admit, most nights I give in to the plea of "just one more" and read two or three instead! Right now, we are reading Schooling Around: Treasure Fever (Andy Griffiths). It is the story of Henry McTrottle and his friends who are looking for a buried treasure on the school grounds that went missing way back when the Principal was a student. Of course, it was supposed to be a secret between Henry and his friends, but everyone is getting in on the action - we are hoping Henry and his friends find it first! The boys adore the book and find it hilarious and captivating.

Have you read anything good lately?

Free Mommy & Baby ZUMBA class!

Do you have a babe-in-arms? Need to exercise? Want to party and have fun? I just found out about ZUMBA BABIES at Bulldog Interactive Fitness. All you need is an infant carrier or sling and you're all set. It's a 30-minute work out of Latin-inspired aerobics - all the rage at the gyms around town right now! If only my boys were younger....

Bulldog is having a FREE demo class this Thursday, October 7th at 10:30am, hosted by Sandra Estevez. Check it out, then let me know if it is as fun as it sounds!

For more information you can contact the gym at 739-5437.

Lootbags

Our boys both celebrated their birthdays recently, which got me thinking about lootbags for obvious reasons ;-).  I just updated my "Birthday Party Central" with these ideas:

- If your party or invitations had a theme, you might want to fill a loot bag along the same theme (i.e.: A hockey party could have loot bags with hockey cards, hockey stick key chains, and hockey puck gum. An October party could have Halloween treats, Halloween themed pencils/erasers/notepads or stickers and Halloween safety items such as a glow in the dark badge or a glow bracelet).

- You don't have to use a lootbag - fill a pencil case with craft essentials, a re-usable lunch bag with a water bottle and fun snacks, a metal tin with knick-knacks or a make-up bag with girly stuff for a personal touch.

- Fillers:

• snack foods (granola bars, 100-calorie snack packs, juice box, snack sized bars or chips, etc)
• notepad & pencil/pen
• coloring book & crayons
• wooden model kits (Michaels - $1.50 each)
• fill-in craft calendars (Michaels)
• fake teeth, pirate eye patch, pirate hat or bandanna
• balloons (if age appropriate)
• stickers & sticker album
• hair accessories/jewelry
• paint by numbers kit
• wooden 3D puzzle (Michaels)
• glow bracelets or glow sticks
• badges
• water bottle (with a character to fit the theme; or one that represents the party location, etc).
• craft items (glitter, foam sheets, glue, craft sticks, stickers, etc)
• flashlight
• trading cards
• gum
• key chain
• coin purse
• decorate your own flower pots & seeds
• decorate your own cups, mugs or water bottles
• clay painting kits

I hope that gets you started on your party planning! What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions?

Upcoming Events This Week - Big Fun, Storytime & more!

Here's what's on the go around town this week:

• Tuesday - check out   Big Fun for Little People at The Rooms 10:30 - 11:30.This weekly program, featuring stories, puppet shows, games and crafts, is designed especially for tots aged 2-4 and includes a complimentary coffee or tea for Mom or Dad!

• Friday - Giving Thanks Storytime at the Michael Donovan Library 3:30-4:30. A timely subject! And a nice way to start the children's long weekend - take them to the park afterwards and then to Tim's for hot chocolate to chat about all the things you are thankful for in your family :-)

• Also, on a slightly different note: Tomorrow, October 5th is World Teacher's Day - celebrate the teachers in your family's life and how they have helped guide your children, impacted their lives and enabled you to help your child with academics or social issues. Let them know they are a valuable member of your team in working to shape your child's future, or better yet, remind your child to say "thank you for helping me learn"!

If you know of any other activities, please feel free to share them in the comments :-)

I Must Be Crazy!

So, DS #1 has been wanting a hamster for a very long time. We suggested he might get one for his birthday thinking that perhaps some other obsession would take over by then. But, alas, it did not. Leading up to his birthday, it was all about the hamster... so we did get him a starter kit and brought him to pick out a hamster on his birthday. He was so proud, telling his father as we left for the store that "the next time you see me, I'll have a hamster for a pet!"

So, here he is - Devil-eye Snowball:

Cutie, huh? He's really curious- always checking out an open door, fine with being in your hand - and he is ALWAYS busy - constantly moving the pine shavings around!

Now, DS #2 had decided he did not want a hamster for his birthday. However, when we went out to get #1's hamster, he decided that THAT was exactly what he should spend his birthday money on! And so, he bought another mini "room" to the habitat to give the little guys some more space, and picked out this little fella for himself:

True to his usual naming fashion, DS #2 called this little guy "Fluffy Chestnut". Now, Fluffy loves the running wheel, which is good because he also likes to eat. He is a Nervous Nellie when he is picked up, poor little guy, and he runs away from the doors when they are opened!

This is all new to me, I grew up in a cat/dog/fish household, though DH had hamsters as a child and is impressing me with his vast knowledge (mmm, sexy! LOL!). I am really taken by the little guys though! And I am not the only one.... as you can see:

I think the hamsters will have a much better day tomorrow if I remind the boys NOT to leave their cage on the floor!

'Til next time!
Ciao!

Sunday Snippets

Tidbits of information I picked up this week:

• Compared to those who eat bigger, fewer meals, "grazers" are less likely to get colon cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other ailments; have steadier moods and lower levels of stress hormones; have a healthier immune system and better cholesterol levels and tend to be leaner and live longer! Dr. Sears recommends the "Rule of Twos": Eat twice as often, half as much and chew twice as long. (Prevention, September 2010)
• When it comes to building strong bones, we all know calcium is essential, but vitamin D is another key nutrient -calcium supports the bone growth, while vitamin D improves calcium absorption. So, in addition to milk, yogurt and cheese, eggs, salmon and spinach also help improve your bones. Build them up now to avoid problems when you are older! (Health.com)
• Halloween Costumes? Try "Static Cling" (stray socks, underwear, etc pinned to black clothes) or a "Deviled Egg" (make fried egg from Styrofoam with a yellow circle for the yolk, put on over devil costume)...too cute! (Today's Parent, October 2010)
• All out of make-up remover? Try olive oil! There are a ton of other "homemade beauty" recipes on beautylish

Hope you are having a good weekend!

12 Weeks 'Til Christmas!

Woot! There are only 12 weeks left until Christmas! Have you started shopping yet? I have one thing bought for DH and not a thing for the children yet. Uh-oh. I have NO idea what to get this year...

While I am sure they will help me out with that, I started to do a bit of snooping for the Hot Toys of 2010. Thought you might find this link useful too: Top Toys List 2010

Be sure to check back every Saturday until Christmas for more Holiday ideas!

Happy Day!

It is just impossible to wake up on a Friday morning and NOT be excited, don't you think? I'm not quite sure if it is due to the elation of a homework-free night, or the anticipation of being with DH and the Imps for two whole days! Or it could be the fact that there is no reason to rush out of bed the next morning! No need to make lunches! A mini-break - woot!

Today in particular, I have a very specific reason to be gleeful: we are having a birthday party for our boys. They have been counting down all week and the day is finally here! I am happy for them, and looking forward to meeting the "new" kids and parents from their classes.

Yesterday, a poem fell off my fridge when one of the boys was moving his calendar. It is one my grandmother found who-knows-when. She carried it around, photocopied extra copies to give out, and had one tucked in with her special things. It is simple, and is a nice one to share with children, to spark conversations on kindness and attitude. To me, and perhaps to Nan as well, it is the essence of a kind, cheerful life. I want to share it with you, I hope you enjoy:

Have you made someone happy, or made someone sad?

What have you done with the day that you had?

It was given to you to do just as you would,

Did you do what was wicked, or do what was good?

Did you lift someone up or push someone down,

Did you wear a smile instead of a frown?

Did you lighten some load or some progress impede,

Did you look for a rose or just gather a weed?

What did you do with your beautiful day...

It was given to you, did you throw it away?

                  ~Anon.