Monday, December 31, 2012

Ringing in the New Year


 
Tonight is the last night of 2012.

2012 was a pretty good year for us. Filled with love, laughs and a few tears. All things that we have learned from and grown from. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

But I have to admit, I am pretty excited to see what 2013 brings.

We will be ringing in the New Year with family fondue dinner and dessert night! 

Along with watching the annual fireworks show from the Seattle Space Needle from the comfort of our own home. 

Perfect way to start 2013 if you ask me.

~ Sam


Stay tuned this week for a list (yes list!) of my New Year's resolutions!

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Weekend in Pictures


Its the end of the year so while I was at work I told my husband to sort our son's clothing for what to save for a one day child, donate to charity or needs to be recycled. Apparently they have a lot more fun during organizing time than I do lol.


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Friday, December 28, 2012

Frugal Friday - Coupons!



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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Day after Christmas


Christmas was great around our house!!

We are busy playing, eating and cleaning up all things Christmas!

As much as I love Christmas, I also love looking forward to the New Year.

I am working on my list of resolutions big and small.

How about you? Do you have any New Years resolutions?

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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Paper? Bows? Tape? Scissors? Check!

When wrapping gifts this year, embrace the look of fabric! More ideas: http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/paper-fabric-christmas-crafts-decorations/
Picture via Better Homes and Gardens



Christmas will be here in just a few days!!! Are you ready for it? We are almost ready...

I don't know about you but tomorrow I will be locking myself in the bedroom where I will be spending the morning wrapping gifts.With coffee in hand, I will be as busy as a bee!

Growing up my Santa didn't wrap gifts, they were out for display, each of us children able to see our gifts but not touch them until everyone was awake. We sat and stared at them dying to open the package. I loved our Christmas mornings.

Growing up my husband's Santa wrapped all of the gifts. They unwrapped each gift with anticipation not knowing what treasure was inside. They waited and wondered if they had been naughty or nice. He loved his Christmas mornings.

After much deliberation and because I tend to win on most parenting decisions, I let him have this one. 

Our Santa wraps all of the presents for our children. We have done it since our oldest celebrated his first Christmas six years ago. I am happy we started this tradition and it is carrying on through the years. 

How about you? Does your Santa wrap or not?
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Don't Let a Greedy Grinch Ruin Your Holidays



Over the years I have heard many stories of greedy Grinch trying to steal someones Christmas. It makes me so sad! Well we can all thwart the Grinch with being aware of our own home security. We all get busy in the rush of holiday shopping, friends and family visiting and taking road trips. A few simple but often forgettable things can help decrease your odds of Grinch deciding your home will be his next target.

Remembering to lock doors and windows before you go out shopping, even if its for a quick trip to the store. Leaving a light on while your out to let it appear someone is there. Turn off your Christmas tree lights and be sure to close the blinds. Open blinds letting your Christmas tree be seen is beautiful but also a lure to a greedy Grinch. 

Leaving the porch light on is another small but sometimes forgettable thing that can help keep your home less of a target. Having motion activated exterior lights is also a good idea. If you are planning to go on a trip have your neighbors gather your mail and newspaper. Don't forget to lock the doors that lead to your home from the garage. I often have forgotten that one myself. A garage can be easier to get into and if your home door is lock often the Grinch can't get further than your garage. 

In the delight of the Holiday season just be sure to be take a few extra steps to make sure you have a bit more home security.

Here is a cute article about how Santa can perhaps be the slickest break in artist of them all! (but we don't mind him, he leaves presents in exchange for cookies and milk!)

Santa Claus: Holiday's Biggest Ho-Ho-Home Security Threat


*This is a sponsored post
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Friday, December 21, 2012

Frugal Friday - Coupons For The Apocalypse!!



Coupons For The Apocalypse
Fighting Zombies all day can be a real headache:
You're gonna want something to do on those long cold nights:
Don't forget the kiddos, they're our only hope at repopulating the earth:
When your husband is out slaying the walking dead, he needs to smell good:
I hear blood stains are hard to get out of clothes:
And you certainly need to wash off the Zombie guts before dinner:
Snacks. Snacks. And More Snacks. Fighting Zombies is hard work!
Keep the putrid smell of Zombies out of your house (or what's left of it):
Fido and Fluffy can defend the homestead while you're scavenging for food:
Leaves and berries can be bland, sweeten them:
If you take to the seas to escape the Zombie herd, you'll need this:
Doesn't this stuff last forever?
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:
Where else are you going to store the food you scavenge?!
You do have one of those camp coffee makers right?
And last but not least, you gotta look and smell good in the new world!
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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Holiday in the Park




Have you heard about the Holiday events going on at Six Flags?? I had no clue that there was winter activities at Discovery Kingdom! They have snow sledding, cookie decorating, some of the rides are still open, a winter wonderland and a tree forest. Sounds super fun! Plus all great food and the shows with a holiday theme. We went for the Halloween event and loved it, I am sure this Holiday in the Park event will be amazing. I can't wait to see the huge Christmas Tree and the park lit up.


 Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom!
A winter wonderland experience at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom





From Now Dec. 20th  to January 6, Holiday in the Park turns Six Flags Discovery Kingdom into a magical holiday adventure. The best holiday festival in Northern California features beautiful décor, charming family activities, delicious treats, enchanting shows, dreamy rides, and lots of holiday cheer.

Stunning Decorations At Holiday in the Park, Six Flags gets lit up with over a million colorful twinkling lights wrapped around trees, buildings, and rides. The highlight of our seasonal décor is the large 65-foot-tall Christmas tree that towers over the main plaza and ignites the park.

Joyful Activities Our playful Holiday in the Park activities will trigger your imagination and bring out the kid at heart. Take a slippery slide down the snowy Blitzen’s Wonderland Mountain, brighten your mood with a stroll through the Main Street Festival of Lights, toast up by the Holiday Fire Pits, drift into dreamland on Candy Cane Lane, meet your favorite gifts in Toy Land, wander through the inspirational Christmas Tree Forest for an elegant display of holiday spirit, and embrace the season in Winter Wonderland. You can also make a visit to Santa's Workshop and the Reindeer Village to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, a few friendly elves, and the nine magical reindeer. Don't forget, you can also create your own sweet treat in the Cookie Decorating Room.

Holiday Shopping Make your list and check it twice, because Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is also a great place to complete your holiday shopping. You can find unique holiday gifts, including apparel, decorations, and park souvenirs, at the Kingdom Market, Sea Riggin’, Land Fitters, or Sky Supply.

Festive Foods Mrs. Claus and the elves have been working hard in the kitchen to concoct lots of delicious goodies. In addition to your traditional favorites, like funnel cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, barbeque, and pizza, Holiday in the Park will feature some of your favorite seasonal treats. Warm up with flavored coffees, hot chocolate, cider, or soup and chili in sourdough bread bowls. Indulge in sweet snacks like caramel apples, candy canes, kettle corn, and cinnamon-roasted nuts. Other holiday food favorites include roasted corn on the cob, smoked turkey legs, creamy eggnog, jumbo soft pretzels, chowder, and churros.

Seasonal Shows You can also sing and dance to your favorite Christmas carols in our delightful holiday shows. Enjoy a joyful dinner theater presentation in Happy Holidays, party with pop versions of classic holiday hits in Jingle Bell Rock, dance with the characters in Looney Tunes Christmas, watch our Dickens-style Discovery Kingdom Carolers, taunt with the E. Ben Geezer Puppet Show, or end the day rocking with Cool Yule. You can also catch our exciting animal shows as they celebrate the season in A Dolphin Holiday and the Sea Lion Express shows. When it gets dark, don’t forget to dazzle the night with the electrifying Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony or stunning pyrotechnic spectacular on New Year’s Eve.

Chilling Rides And of course, don’t forget to fly like Santa and take a cruise through the sky on Kong, Medusa, SUPERMAN Ultimate Flight, or V2: Vertical Velocity. You can also feel the chill of the night like you are on a magical sleigh ride and soar 15 stories up on the SkyScreamer. The adrenaline rush is sure to warm your heart and pump you up for a day of winter fun.

What’s your favorite part of Holiday in the Park?


You can buy your Tickets or find info on tickets here


Holiday in the Park Schedule:


THU, DEC 20
Open 2p to 8p

FRI, DEC 21
Open 2p to 9p
SAT, DEC 22
Open 2p to 9p
SUN, DEC 23
Open 2p to 9p
WED, DEC 26
Open 11a to 6p
THU, DEC 27
Open 11a to 6p
FRI, DEC 28
Open 11a to 6p
SAT, DEC 29
Open 11a to 6p
SUN, DEC 30
Open 11a to 6p
MON, DEC 31
Open 4p to 12a
TUE, JAN 1
Open 11a to 6p
WED, JAN 2
Open 11a to 6p
THU, JAN 3
Open 11a to 6p
FRI, JAN 4
Open 11a to 6p
SAT, JAN 5
Open 11a to 6p
SUN, JAN 6
Open 11a to 6p





* I was not paid for this post. We will be guest of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for Holiday in the Park.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Coffee Mate for Holiday Coffee and Dessert #UltimateCup



For the last two months I have had an obsession with Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice coffee drinks. I had a Pumpkin Spice drink at a coffee house and was hooked. I knew I could make it at home for much less. When it became December my husband told me it was time to move on from Pumpkin Spice to a new flavor that was more Christmas season. I decided I would try the Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha and also make a coffee house style creation for my everyday creamer flavor, Hazelnut.




My son and I headed to Walmart for Coffee Mate creamer, items for my recipe and to look at a few items on my Christmas list. After gathering all the stuff we needed and more I headed home to make two drinks. One is a coffee house style coffee drink and the other a dessert.

Hazelnut White Chocolate Coffee #UltimateCup

Hazelnut White Chocolate Coffee

2 cups low fat Milk
1 cup Coffee Mate Halzelnut Creamer
1 cup White Chocolate Morsels
2 single serve packs of instant coffee
Whipped Cream for topping

In sauce pan heat milk, creamer and white chocolate morsels. Slowly stir until chocolate is melted. Add instant coffee, stir until incorporated. Pour into your cup top with whipped cream and enjoy!



I was inspired to make this coffee house style creation from the drinks I see people enjoying at my work from the coffee house that is next door. I see people relaxing and enjoying a white chocolate mocha and I knew I could make one at home even better since I would be adding hazelnut to mine. It turned out delicious and very affordable to enjoy any time I want!

Peppermint Mocha Coffee Chocolate Ice Cream

Living in California I am lucky enough to have sunny days that are even warm during the holidays. This means we still get to enjoy ice cream treats! To make a regular chocolate milk shake appealing to the adults that will be coming over for the holidays I added coffee, Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha and  candy cane pieces. I blended chocolate ice cream, Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha, instant coffee that I dissolved in the creamer and candy canes. After a blending I let the mixture set in the freezer in individual serving cups for 20 minutes. Topped with crushed candy cane, a little bit of whipped cream and inserted a candy cane for the perfect peppermint sweet treat for dessert.

Before you make your own Coffee Mate Coffee House Inspired Creation be sure to print the Coffee Mate Coupon on Walmart's website. 

For more Coffee Creation Inspiration you can check out my Google+ story. Be sure to see what other families are creating by visiting Coffee Mate on Facebook and Twitter


*I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®  and Nestle Coffee Mate #CBias #SocialFabric #ad All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
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Monday, December 17, 2012

Handmade Christmas - Knitted Coffee Sleeve Cozy

You guys have seen them all around Pinterest and what not right? You know the Knitted Coffee Sleeve Cozies that look so stinkin' cute and make you want to drink coffee or tea 24/7? Or is that just me?

Years ago my Mom, sister and I decided to teach ourselves to knit. We looked it up on line and just like that we were "knitters." Well kind of. We learned the basics and never pursed it much. My Mom does knit scarves on a regular basis and Meg recently learned to crochet. I hadn't done it in years. But after seeing all of the inspiration out there, I decided to pick up my knitting needles and make these beauties!!!

 

They are super simple, inexpensive and to-die-for cute right? I have been whipping these babies out left and right! I can't lie, I didn't knit the flowers, just the base. I picked those up at a craft store, not too pricey though really. The button I also bought for cheap and hand sewed it on.

I don't know about you but there is something so great about a Handmade gift, giving them and receiving them. So if you are a special women in my life, you may or may not be getting one of these for Christmas this year :)

How about you? Do you do Handmade or Homemade gifts for Christmas?
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Wet Ones Sticky Situation Facebook Contest




Eating in the car, we all say we don't do it or won't allow it with our kids. Well I was one of those Moms too. But as time passed and now my son is 3 I have on occasion allowed him a little snack when we are on a long trip. Not anymore! Last time we did this is ended in a sticky and chocolaty situation!

When I go to the mall its family tradition to stop at See's Candies for a lolly pop and some chocolates. This is something my Grandma and my Mom did for me. (I know my Mom and Sisters still do this with the grandkids) well when you go to See's Candies you are also given some chocolates as a sample. This time my son managed to get two but I did not know that until we were in the car. I thought we had finished our treats and wiped up all the chocolate on my sons hands and face with our Wet Ones Wipes. We were about half way home and my son tells me I need to wash my hands. I was in the passenger seat and looked back to see he had his face, hands, coat and part of his car seat covered in chocolate!! My first thought was another sort of mess but when I asked him what is it he told me candy. The majority of it on his coat was coming out of his pocket, he had placed his extra chocolate in his pocket for later. Thankfully that reassured me it was indeed candy lol.

When I told him to hang on we gonna be home soon he panicked that he needed to wash his hands and started to flail his hands around and wiping them more on his car seat. We had to pull over to get out the Wet Ones Wipes and clean him, the car seat and take off his coat. Thankfully I had enough wipes to clean up this sticky situation. ( we keep a stash of them in the trunk and diaper bag) Next  time I will be doing a pocket sweep for hidden treasures!


What has been a Sticky Situation for you? Consider entering the Facebook Contest for Wet Ones like I have.


Wet Ones is giving us the opportunity to share all of the Sticky Situations we have found ourselves in and tips on how to deal with them through their Facebook Contest! Simply log on and share your story and tips, and you can be entered to win an iPad Mini or Six Flags Tickets! I just entered, it doesn’t take long at all, here’s the link to enter:

Sticky Situations Wet Ones Facebook Contest







Winning prizes; a brand new iPad mini and 3 sets of prize packs with tickets for 4 people to go to Six Flags. 




*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.
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Weekend In Pictures - Homemade Gingerbread Houses








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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Toddler Bowling


We recently went to John's Incredible Pizza where my son has discovered toddler bowling lol. Its the cutest thing ever! They have little kid mini bowling alleys with tiny bowling balls. He is really good at it too! He asks everyday now if we can go bowling. I get the puppy dog look of head tilted,  big blue eyes, a smile and a please Mom. I am hoping we can take him back again soon.


Do you have a John's Incredible Pizza near you? Have your kids tried the mini bowling?
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Friday, December 14, 2012

Frugal Friday Coupons!



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Ideas for Christmas Gifts






I love shopping for gifts and Christmas is a wonderful time to shop for your friends and family. There is so much joy in gift giving. First the excitement of searching either in the store or on line for the perfect gift, then wrapping it and finally presenting the gift to them. Watching someone unwrap the "perfect gift" is so much fun. Seeing their eyes light up, the smile that comes across their face is priceless. In my family gift giving varies over the years. It seems as our family grows more and more drawing names for gift giving is the best way to go. Every year on Thanksgiving, when we are all together to celebrate and being thankful for the things in our lives, we put all of our names in a bowl and everyone gets to draw a name out of the "hat". Included on the paper is three of your top choices for gifts. It gives whomever drew your name an idea of what to get you! It works out great and everyone gets a really great gift. It is a win win!

Sometimes finding that perfect gift can be tough. Especially shopping for kids these days! There are so many ideas for Christmas toys out there that narrowing it down can be tough. Not to mention with all of the electronic gifts that kids want, deciding what the best one for their age and level is it can be overwhelming. I have found that checking and comparing prices on line is a great way to go. For me a sale, great deal and customer service are very important factors. When I buy something not only do I want the person who is receiving the gift to love it, I want to know that I got the best price at the time.

My boys are 6 and 2.5, electronics are already on their list of wants. My 6 year old wants a Nintendo DS and my 2.5 year old wants whatever his brother wants. I am looking for something age appropriate for him but still in a handheld fashion, so he feels like he is getting the same thing as his older brother. Whether you are looking for a Nintendo game system, a Furby, Barbies, or a fun board game on that special someones Christmas list I suggest you narrow it down and hurry because Christmas is right around the corner!!   




*This post is brought to you by Tesco. All opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.
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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Funkins Review and Giveaway - Holiday Gift Guide

Funkins 
You might be saying what is Funkins? Let me tell you...
Funkins are bright, reusable cloth napkins made especially for kids. They are ideal for lunch boxes, and perfect for meal and snack time at home, and on the go. Funkins are a smart alternative to throwaway napkins and tablecloths, and they are the perfect complement to environmentally-conscious families and schools that practice waste-free lunch programs.






Funkins have double-sided patterns and are made from 100% cotton fabric using low impact dyes. They are a fun and cute way to spice up a kids meal or bring happiness to the table while also being eco-friendly. We use ours for almost every meal, they can be used as both a napkin and a placemat. Not only do the boys like to have "their" placemat at their own spot, but it keeps some of the mess on the Funkin, not on the table. I folded the top down so that both patterns were visible, I liked being able to see both sides.


Liam and his Funkin. We call him monkey so this was a great pattern choice for him!
JJ is using one of the holiday patterns, not to mention he LOVES penguins!



The choices and patterns Funkins has to offer is great. They have some especially for Boys, Girls, and Holidays! Another great thing Funkins offers is if you start a waste-free lunch program and promote Funkins in your school, they will give back to your school’s activities and programs. Check it out here.


Enter to win a Set of 5 Funkins (winners choice)




a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Dec. 13 2012 and ends on Dec. 22, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent a product to review for this post.

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