Christmas Activity Advent Calendar

With Christmas quickly approaching ( Along with Halloween and Thanksgiving ;) its time to start getting things in order. I am a list junky!! So add that with my love for Christmas and you have a crazed, Christmas obsessed woman! Even as a kid Ive never been a fan of the little advent calenders you get from the store with the stale, plastic tasting chocolates in them, so of course i never got them for my kids. but i do believe in celebrating and taking advantage of this (what seems to be too short) Christmas Holiday! Ive seen a few activity advent calenders online, but just like this one...they were made to suit their own family. So i put together this one of activities our family does during this time of the year, along with other activities that might inspire you :)

 

 

 

North Pole Breakfast:

Every year we start the month of December off with a North Pole Breakfast. We pretty much decorate our table with Christmas plates and cups..drink egg nog or hot cocoa and just enjoy a nice family breakfast

 PJ and Christmas Movie Day

Write letters to Santa

Decorate your own Christmas plate or hot cocoa mug:

use sharpies or ceramic markers to decorate plates or mugs from the dollar store. Bake at 350 for 30 mins!

Make Paper chain (great to decorate kids rooms or guest rooms)

make popcorn garland

Hot Cocoa bar:

Get out the hot cocoa mugs, hot chocolate and all the works! let everyone mix up their own cocoa and top with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, sprinkles..or your own family favorite topping.

Secret Santa Drawing:

Have everyone draw names for secret Santa and take a trip to the mall or dollar store. If you dont do secret Santa, Take a trip to the store and have everyone pick out a toy to donate to the toy drive.

Christmas Cleaning:

Time to clean out the closet to make room for new toys. Have your kids (or you) go through toys and decide what they want, dont want, dont play with or toys that are broken. "Pay" them for whatever toys they decide to donate and go dollar store shopping! let them pick out gifts for their favorite family member, a friend or for the toy drive. Moms also take this time to prepare for out of town Christmas guests.

Drive or walk around looking at Christmas lights in your neighborhood

Make Christmas treats:

chocolate dipped pretzels, cookies, fudge, cake pops...need i say more??

Gift your Christmas treats:

use this time to teach your kids to give back to people. package up to treats(and/or) hot cocoa and give to neighbors, drop some off at a firehouse or police station, bring some to a person who works in the cold.

Christmas Coloring/ Activity pages

Read Christmas stories

Make Christmas cards for family and friends

family game night

Go to see Santa

have a special Mommy and Me lunch

Make your own egg nog or apple cider

Make paper snow flakes

Decorate Gingerbread houses:

We decorated our 1st ginger bread house last year and it was a HUGE waste of money. No one ate it! So this year we will be decorating rice krispy houses.

Christmas Movie Night- Christmas movies with Christmas Treats

Christmas potluck/Christmas party

Make cookies for Santa

Christmas PJ shopping

Homemade Gift party:

Gather your friends or kids, and all your craft supplies and make Christmas presents this year! Pintrest has TONS of homemade gifts from body scrubs, cookies in a jar, homemade candles...ect. also shop around the dollar section at the craft store. an unfinished frame, piece of scrapbook paper and modge pog makes a cute frame :)

"Everybodies" family dinner

everyone picks someone to make for dinner and enjoy all the options! Mom will enjoy the relief of not having to cook a whole dinner alone, and the  kids will love helping to make their fav. foods. i already know my son will be wanting to make Mac and Cheese...and im sure my husband will whip up some pb&j!

Help in your community:

help pass snacks or feed at a nursing home, shovel your neighbors snow, ring the bell for the guy outside of the store, play for someone lunch, play games or craft with children in the hospital...theirs so many things to do for people in need, and your kids will love doing something they dont normally do. i already know my son is going to go crazy when he gets to ring the bell at the store!

Community Events:

Im sure your town has something special to celebrate Christmas. Whether its a Christmas program at the church, a craft fair, Christmas parade. Whatever it is, get out and enjoy it!

Christmas Cookie Exchange:

Ive always wanted to have one of these parties! Everyone brings their favorite Christmas cookie (or treat), they recipe of what they brought, and an empty container to take cookies home in.

 

I hope this gives you and your family some inspiration on new family traditions!



Stocking stuffer iteas for everyone!

I know its not even Halloween..but i do believe i was born with tinsel in my blood! I love Christmas all year around...so once i start seeing Christmas in stores i kick my Christmas planning into over drive! Now that I'm grown with kids of my own, my favorite part of Christmas was...and still is... getting a stocking! such a little treat STUFFED with all kinds of unexpected goodies :) I put together a little list of stocking stuffers to suit everybody! Hopefully this will give some inspiration and please comment with any new ideas!

Stocking Stuffer/Gift basket fillers

Women :
Jewelry( earrings, rings, toe rings)
Candles
Book marks
Nail polish/nail files/nail clippers
make up: lip stick, eye shadow, mascara
Make up brushes
Travel size lotions/shampoos
Shower puff
Shaving cream/razors
Massage oils
Bath salts
Tea bags
Hand sanitizers/hand soaps (I love stocking up at B&Bs 4/$15)
Hot coca/instant coffee packets
Chocolates (DUUUHHHH!!!)
Tea Lights/Wax tarts
Memory card (for all those Christmas photos!)
pretty undies
Address book
Pens
Wallet/coin purse
Check book cover
Personalized address labels
Wooden cooking spoons
Cooking spices/infused oils
Body sprays
Recipe cards
Note pads ( I love the magnetic ones for the fridge)
Wallet/coin purse
Mini bottles of wine
Hair clips/bobby pins/rubber bands
Magnets
Packet of seeds
Gardening gloves
scrap booking supplies
Magazine subscriptions
Gift card to salon
Cupcake wrappers
Wreath hanger
Buttons/needles/thread
Crochet hooks
Hair rollers
Blank note cards & stamps

 

Men:
shoe wipes/shoe polish
Shoe laces
Wallet/ money clip
Bandana or sweat bands
Weight lifting/sports gloves (baseball, golf, football)
Beef jerky/trail mix
Energy/protein bars
Golf balls/tees
Gift certificate for PPV movies/sports events
Drill bits/nails screws
Tire gage
Cigars
Tide to go.
Jumper cables
Lighter
Car Air fresheners
Undies/socks
Batteries
Body wash/scrubber
Razor
Gift cards for breakfast or coffee before work
Swiss army knife/pocket knife
pocket flash light
Universal remote
Car charger
Screwdrivers/ wrenches ..ect
Bbq sauce/basting brush/ grill seasonings, ect
Gift card for a hair cut or shave
After shave
Juice packets for bottled water
Fishing hooks/wire/bait, ect
Neck tie
Pens
Upholstery/window wipes for the car
Chap stick
Heating packs for gloves and shoes
Ice pack (for lunch box)

 

College Students:
Ink cartridge/ink refill kits
Memory cards
Air in a can (for flat tires)
Jumper cables
Flash drive
Blank cds
GIFT CARDS (movies, gas, groceries, restaurant/coffee shop, itunes, book store, ect)
Quarters for laundry & vending machines
Batteries
Command strips & hook
Pens, pencils, highlighters, ect.
Pepper spray
Pre-paid phone card/ cell phone minuets
Dryer sheets
Shampoo/body wash/toothpaste/toothbrush/razors…ect
Shower puff
Candy
Recipe cards with simple meals on it
Juice packets for bottled water
Hot coca/instant coffee
Spare keys/key chains
Candles
Air fresheners
Dust wipes
batteries
Rubber bands/paper clips/tacks
Bobby pins/clips/hair wraps
Head phones/chargers
Magazine subscriptions
Wall plug air fresheners
Hand sanitizers
Tide to go
pocket dictionary
5 hour energy shots
Vitamins/cough drops/ Vicks
Laptop/cellphone/ipod (ect.) skins
Sports team memorabilia
Blank note cards & postal stamps

 

Teens:
Head phones/phone charger
Phone case
gift card (movies, online stores, shoes/clothing store, itunes, book store, salon, gas..ect)
Gum/ candy
Cds (if people still use those things! )
Shoe laces
Earrings/rings
Wallet
Make up/nail polish
Pencils/pens/post its
Sunglasses
Video game/controller
Belts
Dvds
Tanning lotion
Air in a can (for flat tires)
Jumper cables
Press on nails
Nail decals
Body sprays/body wash
Brush/comb, ect
Money!!!!
Photo paper for the printer
Contact case
Guitar picks/ guitar strings/ drum sticks
Key chains
Weight lifting/ sports gloves (baseball, golf, football)
Bumper sticker/ car magnets
Paint brushes/paints
Laptop, cell phone, ipod skins

 

Kids:
Play doh
Flash cards
Crayons/markets/water colors, ect.
Bows and clips
Stickers
Gift cards to get a happy meal.
Tooth brushes
Silly bands
Dvds
Bubble bath
Bath crayons/ paints
Bath toys
kites
Bouncy balls
Nail polish ( I love the Bon Bons brand..little bottles for little hands! They also have special children’s nail polishes)
Lip gloss
Yoyos
A cd of their favorite kiddy songs
Glow sticks
Temporary tattoos
Winter gloves
Hot wheels
Trading cards
Sunglasses
Bracelets/ necklaces/ stick on earrings (or real earrings)
Bubbles
Character socks/legwarmers ( hello kitty, Disney princess, Spongebob, Lightning McQueen…ect)
Character eating utensils
Gummy vitamins
Play money
Pocket electronic game (uno, scrabble..ect)
Beads
Action figures
Barbie/ doll clothes
Disposable camera (my kids love taking pictures, but theirs no way they’re using my camera!)
Band aids 

"Chicken Alfredo Roll-Ups" Review.

You would all be lying if you told me you weren't addicted to pintrest! I started off being addicted to the DIY/ Crafts. now....my focus has shifted...FOOD!

Ive tried more of the food recipes on Pintrest, than i have the DIY's. And some Ive added to our family favorites and some pins i deleted automatically and have to wonder who the heck wrote that "THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING MEAL IVE EVER HAD IN MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE" caption. So instead of leaving a caption on how i REALLY feel..Ive decided to start trying and reviewing them here!

 

Im sure you've probably seen this pin floating around. I knew the moment i saw it, it was MINE and i would be making it for dinner THAT night!...and i did...and i loved it...and i want more.

5 STARS

* * * * *

 

So this is my photo of the roll up..i took it with my cell phone so its not as fancy-smancy as the original, but whatever! I loved these, and so did my picky kids and my "will eat anything" husband!

i followed the directions as stated, but instead;  we used a rotisserie chicken and i also made my own Alfredo sauce. They were so easy to put together, but it is a little time consuming. so id plan to make these maybe an hour or so before you actually plan to eat.

After trying these i came up with a billion other things to put inside these little roll ups! mushrooms, spinach, bacon....how good would these taste with left over turkey and gravy instead of chicken and Alfredo sauce!! so give them a try..put your own spin on them!

The Bucket List for 20 Year Olds.

WOW!!

I cant remember the last time Ive blogged. Ive always been meaning to.

*Doing a craft with the kids: "Oh i should blog this"

*Making a new recipe: "Oh i should blog this"

*Trying a new project: "Oh i should blog this"

*Planning a party: "Oh i should blog this"

.......you get the idea.

But after getting back from my morning workout, sitting alone in a quite home with nothing but the cool fall air blowing in, i cant help but get lost in my thoughts.

 

There's quit a few changes our family is wanting to make right now, and along with thinking about those i also think about all the changes that have already been made...especially those in the last 5 years or my life. I'm only 25, and although i may not have done all these things on this list, and probably never will get, Ive also experienced blessings that many other 20-somethings may never get to.

These are just my own personal opinions, so you may or may not agree with all...

 

~ Own a designer hand bag

~Do something drastic to your appearance ( tattoo, new hair style, cosmetic surgery..ect)

~ Travel

~GO TO COLLEGE

~Own a designer pair of shoes

~Live on your own

~Volunteer

~Be hung over (its proof of a good night *hehe*)

~ Fall in love

~Own a little black dress and Red lip stick

~Go to a concert

~Start a savings account

~Own a piece of real jewelry ( diamonds, gold..ect)

~Buy a used car

~Pay off a credit card

 

I'm sure there are many, many more things that could be added to list. But for the sake of time and my creative thinking..this is where we'll end.

 



Things to do with bakers twine

Bakers Twine has come a looooong way from its intended use of being wrapped around a box of donuts! AND its become one of my new and favorite obsessions! So, for those of you who have hopped on the bakers twine band wagon...heres a few ideas to help you get creative with this new craze.

Wrap up and decorate party favors.

 Dress up invitations and gift cards

 wrap around baked goods and treats to be gifted

 dress up your jars and vases.

 add some spice to a simple package

 make bunting banners for cakes

 attach to gift tags or labels

  Have any other uses for bakers twine??? Comment below and share with us!

To get youself some bakers twine, click to visit my Etsy shop! Lace & Cupcakes

Summer Activies

Summer is quickly approaching! Along with that…my kids are growing! Im so excited about this time in our lives because my kids are at an age where they are able to get involved in activities and express their interests! In a few quick months ill have BOTH of my babies in school! So ive made up a list of fun ways to celebrate summer before the school year starts up again!

Go to the pool

Dollar Movies

Most craft stores offer “Kids Clubs” that allow them to do free crafts

Bowling

Make a pizza
Get involed in church activites
Visit ww.education.com for TONS of activity sheets for any grade level

Decorate cupcakes or cookies

Picnic
Have a dance party

Sidewalk chalk
Decorate aprons

Beach/Lake

Movie night

Try out new parks

Have your own craft day

Let the kids plan and make a meal

Mini golf
Read books to them, then let them read the same book to you..hear their spin on what they think is going on. Great for letting young kids use their imagination...and for older kids to sound out words.

Play in the sprinklers

Zoo or aquarium
Have a "Just Because" Party. decorate with whatever theme..get some treats and drinks. Pop in a movie or have a few activities.

Visit family

Camping

Paint rocks

Library

Take silly pictures of you kids and let them make their own scarpbook

Lemonade stand

Pen pal

Fly kites

Go for walks

Fishing

Feed ducks

Make jewelry

Tea party
Water Bead table

Wash the car (be sure no one gets wet!......JK!!)

Play place at the mall

Chuck E. Cheese

Have a photo shoot

Have a Chore Day--give them chores to do around the house to earn money for…..

Dollar Store shopping

Balloon characters (draw silly faces on balloons)

Build a fort

Make greeting cards

Nature walks
Help Dad BBQ

Star gazing
Farmers Market
Draw pictures & write letters to send to family.
Decorate their own tote bags

Living room camping

Visit a farm to pet/feed animal or pick season fruits and veggies

Have a themed day to learn about new things: “Under the sea” have fish sticks for lunch and decorate with blue streamers. Learn about ocean life.

Roller skating/ ice skating rink
paint and decorate unfinished picture frames (can be found at Michaels or Walmart for $1)

Check your cities website/newspaper for current events

More Graduation Crafts!

These are a little something I threw together. They are super cheap and easy for a preschool/ kindergarten graduation. I bought a pad of children's writing paper ( for $1.00!!!) and just ran it through my printer! I also plan to use this paper for a quick bunting banner (I'll post it later!) you can put in any frame you have around. I got these pedestal frames from Ikea for 99 cents and i finally found the perfect use for them! Sorry the picture quality isn't so good. i took it on my phone.

Enjoy :)

Cooking On a Budget

Its that time of year! Summer is almost here!! We use summer as a time to cut costs and save money to spend on other activities…but using these basic rules will help put (AND KEEP) more money into your pockets year around!

Know Your Staples: My kitchen staples may not be “Politically Correct” But these are items that are either inexpensive, used to “dress up” a simple meal, or can be used for more than one meal. The 1^st part of knowing your stapels is knowing whats on sale. Shop your store ads…also get to know the items your local stores carry. If an item is $2.00 less at another store that 10 miles away, is it really $2.00 cheaper once you figuer in the gas your spending to get there?
Heres a few staples we always keep stocked in our house:

Bagged Chicken/meat

Pasta

Canned goods

Milk, Butter, Eggs

Veggies

Easy right. Also…when your able too….buy in bulk!! It’ll help save on your next shopping trip!

Make A Menu: This is something I learned in high school! ALWAYS make a menu and never shop on an empty stomach. Making a menu lets you see what you need to buy before you enter the store so your not wondering grabbing anything you see that sounds good. The 1^st step to making your menu is seeing what you already have! And work around that. Have your meals include items you already have. Making a menu also lets you see where you can cut back. Instead of having steak and potatoes 3 times, have it once…make it a special family meal you have on Sundays. And use the other two nights as “fillers” which is making something basic and easy.

Make it Yourself: DON’T EAT OUT! We eat out for 2 reasons…because its convenient and because we like the food. But lets have an “AHA” moment…..we can make the foods ourselves!!!!! Don’t spend $20.00 for rib eye when you can buy it at the store for $2.00 a lb!

Have a “Casual” Night: Usually theres always one main person who prepares the meal. So this step will not only help cut costs…but give you a night off from cooking! Cook something easy! I found that the easiest meals are also the cheapest. Mac and cheese, Tuna Sandwiches, Hot dogs…even Top Roman! With these staples being so cheap feel free to dress them up! Add some mixed frozen veggies to your mac and cheese…toast your bread and use shredded cheese and lettuce on your tuna sandwich…get a can of chili for your hot dogs!

Eat Breakfast For Dinner: Breakfast foods are usually inexpensive and need little ingredients (which also help cut the cost of the meal)..here’s a couple ideas…

Pancakes

French Toast

Omelets

Sausage and bacon

Fresh fruit…….ect.

Another benefit of cooking breakfast for dinner is making extra and having breakfast for the next day!

Go Italian for a night: PASTA PASTA PASTA!!! Is always cheap and on sale at a grocery store! Not only that…ingredients used to dress it up are also inexpensive! Such as canned pasta sauces, Italian sausage and cheese. Don't forget the French Bread!!

Free Money?!?!?: You heard right!! Theres free money floating around in the form of coupons! If your local newspaper doesn't offer them tons of websites do! so USE THEM!! Also take advantage of store Loyalty Cards.

Good luck! and please feel free to comment and share your own money saving tips!

Alphabet Cupcake Topper

Another reason for me to cry!! Preschool Graduation!!! Jayden is graduation preschool next month, so that means im in party planning mode!! while browsing a dollar bin at a local drug store, i got a great idea that will go perfect with Jayden's Rainbow Graduation Party.....

I love these little toppers!! They were so cheap and easy!!

All you need is some toothpicks and a foam alphabet puzzle which you can find at a dollar store

Then simple insert your toothpick into a letter! See how easy!! 



Enjoy :)



New Etsy Shop Open!

Finally!!! I finally opened my Etsy shop! Now i just need some buyers!

Just a couple goodies! Adding more and more everyday! Please take time to check out my shop and maybe add me to your favorites!

Lace & Cupcakes

 Thanks people!!



Party Planning On A Budget

WARNING: PARTY PLANNING ON A BUDGET MAY NEED EXTRA CREATIVITY

The 1^st part of planning the party, is…..

The Party Itself: RESEARCH! Research a party?? YES when planning a party use Google, use Pintrest, go through old magazines…anything to give you ideas and bring our your creative side! You may find a theme you like…recipes…decorations you can make.

Give yourself enough time to plan: But not too much time!!! I have learned that planning a party too far in advanced not only leads to OVER planning…but OVER spending! Picking up a few things here and there in advanced is wise….but when your doing it over a span of 4 months, you have $100.00 of “here and there” items..most of which you find you wont even use!

Have a Themed Party: This will help limit you to a specific food and drink palate. It also gives your guest a chance to get involved! Let them dress up, request that each guest brings a specific item (weather it be a wine, or a certain type of appetizer)

What will you eat? Giving yourself enough time to plan allows you to shop your store ads! Also, take advantage of seasonal items. But, first things first….Check what you already have in your cupboards!

Decorations: Giving yourself a theme will also make it fun and easy to decorate. But for extra convenience …give yourself a “seasonal theme” What month is your celebration in? what upcoming holidays are there? What will the weather be like? My birthday is in May…and so is Cino De Mayo and Mothers Day. May is also around the time stores start setting out their Summer decorations, pool and beach items and back yard decorations. So naturally im choosing to have a Backyard BBQ party. And once again!……what items do you also ready have that can be utilized?

Homemade decorations also help cut down on cost and 99.9% of the time…they are better looking!

*Paper Pom poms

*candle holders+ a dollar plate = a custom cake stand

*scrapbook paper and ribbon to make a banner

*use picture frames to display a menu

Desserts and Drinks: In both cases its always cheaper to make your own! In the store 24 cupcakes will cost your 5x as much as it would to make your own! And you also have the added benefit of customizing them to match your theme! Same goes with drinks. Make your own drink packets and dress it up by adding fresh fruit, freezing fruit in your ice cubes.

Guests: When celebrating we sometimes over do it and tent to invite EVERYONE we know! But when it comes to planning on a budget this can be risky. Try to only invite those you KNOW will come like your closest friends and family. Try to add an RSVP deadline.

Enjoy :)