Celebrate Birthdays With Hallmark Cards From Walmart #birthdaysmiles #shop #cbias

When you have a large family like I do, there are always lots of birthdays to celebrate. Some of those birthdays fall around the holidays, and I love giving Hallmark cards to send happy birthday wishes to the ones I love.

I really try to make an extra special effort for these holiday time birthdays, because they can so easily get overlooked in the rush and busyness of the season. My son-in-laws' birthday is on Christmas Eve, and he always remembered never feeling like his birthday was special when he was growing up.
Since he married into our family, we always have a party for him on Christmas Eve.

Mini Blueberry Muffins

I don't know about you but I love anything that comes in a mini form and mini muffins are no exception. They are perfect for a quick little snack for you or your little ones. Put them in a Christmas cupcake liner and you can call it a holiday treat!

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, at room temp

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk

2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries or 2 1/2 cups frozen blueberries

Ergobaby Doll Carrier Review and Giveaway

I love ergobaby, they are a quality company that carries beautiful items to help with all of your baby wearing needs. Ergobaby's ergonomic design is what gives you the ability to wear your baby longer. Not only do they have great carriers for you little one, but they have carriers for your little one to carry his or her "baby", how cute is that! The child-sized Ergobaby Doll Carrier is perfect for toting beloved dolls and other toy friends and is a great gift for a new big sister or brother. Kids are always wanting to be like mom or dad, what a great gift. The Doll Carrier can be worn in the front or back position and is made of 100% cotton.

The power to Choose Energy #sponsored

 

It’s the season of savings and everyone is surfing the internet to find the hottest deals. I bet you never thought that you save big by shopping for your energy provider! At this time of year saving money on your energy bills is a must. There are so many extra expenses, from your heating bill that seems to skyrocket in the winter, all of the extra energy it takes for things like your Christmas tree and outdoor lights, to all of your holiday shopping expenses. I don't know about you but I would like to spend my money elsewhere, paying high prices on for your energy source when you don't have to seems like a waste.

Christmas Cranberry Walnut Bread

I'm always looking for easy recipes for quick breads, especially this time of year. A loaf of a yummy quick bread makes a wonderful homemade gift, or as a treat for yourself at home with a cup of tea or coffee.

This recipe for Cranberry Walnut Bread is a favorite of mine. The cranberries have a delicious tarty taste, and the orange zest in it gives it a hint of citrus.

Now Open: Elinor Friend Playground at the San Francisco Zoo

For my son's 4th birthday we were looking for something special to do. For his first birthday we took him to the Sacramento Zoo and his love of giraffes began there. We wanted to experience a large zoo with more animals and attractions to see. The San Francisco Zoo was the perfect answer for us. We had a wonderful time at the Zoo and we were able to have a preview of the new Elinor Friend Playground. The new playground has 3 different themed playgrounds that are each unique and offer different play experiences.

Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies

The holidays for us are about treats, treats and more treats! But not everybody likes things that are typically given at this time of year like fudge, hard candy or peppermint. Sometimes some good old fashion peanut butter cookies can make someone's day. Dressed up with some twine and a sweet container they can be the perfect gift. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda                     
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt                     

Hotter Slippers Review and Giveaway #sponsored

This holiday season shoes and slippers are on the top of our Christmas lists. Not only do my children need new slippers (their feet are growing so fast) but my husband and I seem to need them too. My husband is a huge fan of slippers, he wears them anytime we are at home, especially as the weather turns cold. We don't have a "no shoe" policy at our house but as soon as we walk in the door all of the shoes come off and slippers on. Are shoes or slippers something you will be adding to your list? If so Hotter is the place to shop, they have a wide selection of quality shoes and slippers for men and women.

 

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Thanksgiving is gone, and so is our lovely turkey. I had every intention of making turkey soup, but that didn't happen.

After giving some to departing relatives, making turkey sandwiches, and a yummy turkey stir-fry, there was none left. But it was yummy.

So, I'm back to making chicken soup, which I really do love. And I need some too, so that I can hopefully get over this nasty cold that has been lingering.

This is a super delicious soup that comes together pretty quickly, perfect for a main dish along side some crusty bread, or even cornbread.
You can also change up the veggies if you don't have all of these on hand.


Recipe for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:

Ingredients:

32 ounce box of chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen green beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream

Shop For Gorgeous Holiday Gifts At Mothology

It's all about shopping this weekend, I know. The stores and malls around here have been a little crazy, that's for sure.

It's so nice to shop from home, where you can avoid the crowds, and have a warm drink by your side, right?