tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74898431171025461872024-02-07T04:00:18.925-08:00A Homemade ChristmasFrom homemade Christmas goodies to homemade Christmas presents, here you will find tips and resources for making your family a Homemade Christmas to remember!Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-19792519049054554832009-08-18T17:43:00.000-07:002009-08-18T17:54:37.179-07:00Children's Christmas Craft : Easy Reindeer Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazingmoms.com/images/hands_feet_reindeer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 109px;" src="http://www.amazingmoms.com/images/hands_feet_reindeer.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of the easiest and cutest Christmas crafts I have come across for children...especially little ones about 2-4 years of age.<br /><br />1. Using brown construction paper, trace your child's shoe and cut out (this will be the reindeer's face)<br /><br />2. Trace your child's hands on paper, and cut out (these will be the antlers)<br /><br />3. Draw and cut out two ears for the reindeer.<br /><br />4. Glue the antlers together at a slight angle, then glue on the ears. Glue the head onto the antlers, then glue on eyes and nose.<br /><br />In the picture shown here, plastic eyes were used, and red pom poms for the nose. However, you can easily have crayons for the kids to draw their reindeer faces, or cut out eyes from black construction paper, and the nose from red paper.<br /><br />This Christmas Craft idea for kids comes from <span style="font-style: italic;">amazingmoms.com</span>Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-78177885721126821592007-12-07T14:42:00.001-08:002007-12-07T14:43:07.684-08:00Quick Christmas Cash<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J0gMR4lWPG-2mQlK4Nv7_Wd0DhHJorkEj_FvtQe5dG41aJoBzMt_KKn2x699MOnGe2P56AUft5atxtDInqJ2esVpc0VOmA3Ub-Ib8mx50qNBg_AGHntLZ9jCfujsr_sktzUY7EX59pI/s1600-h/76331_crowded_christmas_mall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J0gMR4lWPG-2mQlK4Nv7_Wd0DhHJorkEj_FvtQe5dG41aJoBzMt_KKn2x699MOnGe2P56AUft5atxtDInqJ2esVpc0VOmA3Ub-Ib8mx50qNBg_AGHntLZ9jCfujsr_sktzUY7EX59pI/s320/76331_crowded_christmas_mall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141365223482497538" /></a><br />Christmas is a wonderful season, but finances and shopping can mean lots of stress too.<br />here's an idea for making some quick extra cash for a present or too--<br /><br />Gather up clothes and baby items and sell them to a consignment store. If you have baby clothes, toys in good condition, stroller/car seat/ high chair, etc.that are in good condition and meet safety regulations, find a local consignment/resale store and take them in. You might get more cash than you think. The best part about consignment/resale stores is that if they buy your stuff--you get money on the spot.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-84980616545220794422007-12-07T14:37:00.001-08:002007-12-07T14:40:20.412-08:00Christmas Gift Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYRlqPJCAovCICJnp5y_PDrGk3ZdO_vSDuTy9NmM8ZpkLVXxhIm2NccRp4VFeMwJwiSPSjdoW1j0HMFYg23sIWP5BQ4w7X6rsK6bqrBH2jiyNynB0V2yY7LOXwP-VW9_E0ZsuY3trcpA/s1600-h/912547_dear_santa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYRlqPJCAovCICJnp5y_PDrGk3ZdO_vSDuTy9NmM8ZpkLVXxhIm2NccRp4VFeMwJwiSPSjdoW1j0HMFYg23sIWP5BQ4w7X6rsK6bqrBH2jiyNynB0V2yY7LOXwP-VW9_E0ZsuY3trcpA/s320/912547_dear_santa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141364527697795570" /></a><br />Running out of ideas for Christmas Gifts?<br />Check <a href="http://christmasgifts.com">here</a> for some more shopping and gift possibilities.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-55690474783179905532007-12-07T14:33:00.000-08:002007-12-07T14:36:33.245-08:00Handmade "Cranberry" Wreath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWYRVUIn9i7_remkCIRXhv9miebBF78EELrMY5fjPeDo-faxeMonUYZuD3YPxin_fgMewPhrLHcYgyQHrOWw5IUAzOmhBh-tTH1kYxJ4j9d8HsBbJa1_Xu5lnTcl99kZFkoSrS9B1e9M/s1600-h/915017_snowflake_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWYRVUIn9i7_remkCIRXhv9miebBF78EELrMY5fjPeDo-faxeMonUYZuD3YPxin_fgMewPhrLHcYgyQHrOWw5IUAzOmhBh-tTH1kYxJ4j9d8HsBbJa1_Xu5lnTcl99kZFkoSrS9B1e9M/s320/915017_snowflake_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141363569920088546" /></a><br />You will need:<br /><br />Styrofoam wreath form (craft stores will have these)<br /><br />Red Nail Polish<br /><br />Red Material That Can Be Glued or Pinned On Wreath To cover<br /><br />Red Beads (can be all the same size or different sizes you will need around 200 or so for an 8 inch wreath)<br /><br />Glue<br /><br />Flathead pins (one for each bead)<br /><br />Cover the Styrofoam wreath shape with the red material. You will want to wrap the material around the form and overlap it slightly so that the form is completely covered. Red yarn can also work; just make sure the wreath is completely covered. Use pins to secure material to wreath.<br /><br />Use the red nail polish to coat the top of the pins so they will blend in on the wreath. Let dry.<br /><br />Slip a bead onto a pin, and pin it onto the wreath. Continue until the wreath is fully covered in beads. It will look even better if you cluster the beads so they do not look evenly spaced out; keep an image of cranberries in your head as you decorate the wreath so as to try and create that image on your wreath.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-988223210557739712007-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:002007-12-07T14:32:35.339-08:00Handmade Christmas Tree Ornaments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjtewuwvk1sNbLGBgN2ZQ6luRJWIPB51Rswjh72XpPTSeGnS9zVYl-em6pn9xrov_jPY8OEMx-Osp_S0PhOThCwu6_baplzO6IV_aCsSpxmMJr9UBth-vQcYwXEvjCeMjEdWvfYtnZjY/s1600-h/915411_grahams_2007_christmas_tree_4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjtewuwvk1sNbLGBgN2ZQ6luRJWIPB51Rswjh72XpPTSeGnS9zVYl-em6pn9xrov_jPY8OEMx-Osp_S0PhOThCwu6_baplzO6IV_aCsSpxmMJr9UBth-vQcYwXEvjCeMjEdWvfYtnZjY/s320/915411_grahams_2007_christmas_tree_4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141362521948068306" /></a><br /><br />You can use patterned christmas wrapping paper, christmas cards that you have cut the cute front pictures out of, or even family pictures for these decorations. Put a silver Christmas-Shaped Cookie Cutter on top of the wrapping paper, or christmas card picture, or family picture ( use a copy of the family photo for the decoration, not the original photo), and trace the shape. Cut out the shape from the paper, and glue the paper design or picture onto the cookie cutter's edge. It should now look like the cookie cutter has a pretty christmas picture/scene inside it. Thread a ribbon through thetop of the cookie cutter by using a needle to go inbetween the picture and the cutter at the top. Slip a bead over ribbon's ends; knot.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-47775011830474228922007-12-07T14:07:00.000-08:002007-12-07T14:20:55.244-08:00Christmas Crafts and Fun For Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplkWrcKOevMj8Zdi_-vs9WyaD2ru4qrN7JTm55iaKFi9jiCoHQeDdLdWcOQRih52q5dWrv_Mj5dFQrYzguZR1sVWFg8aXAg0nhH7_vTHZB2gXxBXNUHz6pFADghqmj0oF024S5PNzcso/s1600-h/917011_xmas_design.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplkWrcKOevMj8Zdi_-vs9WyaD2ru4qrN7JTm55iaKFi9jiCoHQeDdLdWcOQRih52q5dWrv_Mj5dFQrYzguZR1sVWFg8aXAg0nhH7_vTHZB2gXxBXNUHz6pFADghqmj0oF024S5PNzcso/s320/917011_xmas_design.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141357428116855234" /></a><br />Here is a <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/christmas">place</a> to find all kinds of fun activities and crafts for your kids! Angel crafts to Gingerbread Houses and a lot more!Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-83539294950424576822007-11-21T11:05:00.000-08:002007-11-21T11:21:12.706-08:00Pumpkin Cheese PiePumpkin Cheese Pie<br /><br /><br /> 1. 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese<br /> 2. 2 cups pumpkin puree<br /> 3. 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk<br /> 4. 3 eggs<br /> 5. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice<br /> 6. 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie<br /><br /><br />2. Cooking Directions<br /><br /> 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).<br /> 2. Mix cream cheese and condensed milk together until smooth. Stir in the pureed pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and eggs. Mix until well combined. Pour batter into the pie shell.<br /> 3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. Serve warm.<br /><br />Yield: 8 servings<br /><br />This recipe comes from <a href="http://food.yahoo.com/recipes/allrecipes/9185/pumpkin-cheese-pie">Allrecipes<br /></a>Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-79934930555185842382007-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:002007-11-21T11:00:57.092-08:00Tips For Savvy Christmas Shopping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdgXZeQ9ZSKI79SshODokfditX7td37WtE7Jc0c76L1N5v11xV-2PPr67M4aSJuXlZVJONX6UkjVnaJTTefnPKggXPe3LgLQTUWf6vlzNM7o20z_bJhmjoZjvK6GhAiAYyqfHJMDYkNM/s1600-h/76331_crowded_christmas_mall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdgXZeQ9ZSKI79SshODokfditX7td37WtE7Jc0c76L1N5v11xV-2PPr67M4aSJuXlZVJONX6UkjVnaJTTefnPKggXPe3LgLQTUWf6vlzNM7o20z_bJhmjoZjvK6GhAiAYyqfHJMDYkNM/s320/76331_crowded_christmas_mall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135370632152476882" /></a><br />Getting ready to do some serious Christmas shopping? Before you make up your list and head out the door, check out some tips for savvy shopping---you might find some better values online, and some other helpful information about shopping deals in this <a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/59/8-tips-for-the-savvy-shopper">article.</a><br /><br />Happy Shopping!!Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-19816163476521770142007-11-09T18:15:00.000-08:002007-11-12T16:04:22.712-08:00Target 's American Made Toy Listhere is <a href="http://www.target.com/gp/search/601-0654102-6935305?ie=UTF8&LID=1291587&ref=tgt%5FXSGT0559&AFID=googlr&field-keywords=american%20toys&LMN=american%5Fmade%5Ftoys">Target's List</a>Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-59473098742457720802007-11-09T17:56:00.000-08:002007-11-12T16:00:55.257-08:00List Of 500 Toys "Not Made In China"With all the recalls lately, and Christmas fast approaching, I thought this might be a useful list for parents!<br /><a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/500-not-made-in-china-50110507?click=pp"><br />500 Toy List</a>Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-28898576144865174612007-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:002007-11-09T09:50:01.439-08:00Dips For Thanksgiving and Holiday PartiesLet's start with a yummy <span style="font-weight:bold;">SPINACH DIP</span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">warm spinach-parmesan dip<br /></span><br /><br />Servings: Makes about 3 cups.<br /><br />Ingredients<br />2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter<br />2 tablespoons olive oil<br />1 3/4 cups chopped onion<br />6 large garlic cloves, minced<br />2 tablespoons all purpose flour<br />1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth<br />1/2 cup whipping cream<br />1 10-ounce package ready-to-use fresh spinach leaves<br />1 cup (packed) grated Parmesan cheese<br />1/4 cup sour cream<br />1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />Baguette slices, toasted<br /><br />Preparation<br /> Melt butter with oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is tender, about 6 minutes. Add flour; stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in stock and cream; bring to boil, whisking constantly. Cook until mixture thickens, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, cheese, sour cream and cayenne (spinach will wilt). Season with salt and pepper. Transfer dip to serving bowl. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.<br /><br />This recipe is from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/bonappetit">Bon Appetit</a>, 1999Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-1648319164531615712007-10-26T13:11:00.000-07:002007-10-26T13:12:34.459-07:00Christmas Traditions...Do You Need To Start Some?Simple Christmas Tradition Ideas for Moms<br />By: Amanda Compton<br /><br />Christmas traditions are something that we all cherish and remember throughout our lives. Take some time this year and make some new Christmas traditions with your family. I have put together a list of twelve simple Christmas tradition ideas for moms.<br /><br />1.) Use the 12 days of Christmas theme and give out inexpensive gifts to your kids for each of the twelve days of Christmas.<br />2.) Put together a family photo Christmas book for each Christmas<br />3.) Have a special Christmas movie night with Christmas food<br />4.) Put together Christmas goody bags for your family and friends. Include candy, stickers, and a small craft for each child in the family.<br />5.) Make a gingerbread house together. Let each person pick out a pack of their favorite candy to decorate the gingerbread house with.<br />6.) Make your own holiday greeting cards<br />7.) Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood at a family member’s home.<br />8.) Volunteer, sponsor a soldier overseas, or donate good used toys and clothes to less fortunate families.<br />9.) Make at least one new ornament per person in the family each year to place on the Christmas tree.<br />10.) Let your child pick out and purchase an inexpensive gift for a child in need.<br />11.) Make your own garland out of nuts, fruit, greeting cards, popcorn, or candy and hang them on your tree.<br />12.) Make a favorite Christmas recipe together. Splurge on ingredients for the recipe. Choose something extra tasty even if it is expensive or full of fat.<br /><br />I hope these twelve simple Christmas tradition ideas bring joy to your family each and every year to come.<br /><br />Article by:<br /><br />Amanda Compton is a work at home mom to two young boys, Greyson and Gage. Amanda spends her days raising her two boys and creating mom websites at home in her pajamas. Visit her at www.ContestForMoms.com, a Mom Resource and Contest site featuring a Free Baby Photo Contest, contest and sweepstakes listings exclusively for moms, mommy forums, mom blog and more to support moms.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-61144560451092279382007-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:002007-10-25T20:21:43.225-07:00Easy and Fun Christmas Craft For Kids<span style="font-weight:bold;">Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes</span><br /><br />Twist together red and white pipe cleansers to make neatly spaced stripes.<br />Curl the top into a hook. It should now look like a candy cane!<br />Take a small piece of ribbon and slip a bead or small ornament on it and tie to candy cane.<br />Try different colors for candy canes such as Yellow and White, Blue and White, and Green and White.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-58462775790511077782007-10-25T20:18:00.000-07:002007-10-25T20:19:39.398-07:00Christmas Centerpiece Idea<span style="font-weight:bold;">Bleached Pinecones </span><br /><br /><br />You Will Need:<br /><br />Basket<br />Pinecones<br />Bleach<br />Water<br />Leaves, berries, twigs, etc. for basket<br /><br />Fill a large container with one part bleach to 4 parts water.<br />Add pinecones<br />Place a container of some sort on top of pinecones to keep them submerged in the water /bleach solution.<br />Let the pinecones sit in the solution for 24 hours.<br />Remove pinecones and let them drain on paper towels. Let them completely dry.<br />Soaking in the water and bleach solution may have caused the pinecones to dry up; they’ll open up again as they are drying.<br /><br />Decorate the basket edge with leaves, garland, cedar sprigs, or whatever you like. Use glue or double sided tape to decorate the edges of the basket.<br /><br />Place the bleached pinecones inside.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-49781830576112110012007-10-16T17:18:00.000-07:002007-10-16T17:20:59.796-07:00Elliot YaminElliot Yamin has a new Christams CD, 'Sounds Of The Season', a cllection of Christmas classics. It is available exclusively at Target.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-89959085376413822092007-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:002007-10-16T14:39:11.964-07:00Kids Christmas Party GamesA couple of ideas if you are having a christmas party for kids this year.<br /> <br /><br />Gift Wrap Relay<br /><br />For this game, you will need two boxes of the same size already wrapped with the same amount of wrapping paper.<br /><br />Extra wrapping paper in sheets.. You will need a sheet of wrapping paper for each child.<br /><br />Scotch Tape. You will need two rolls.<br /><br /><br /><br />Divide the kids into teams of two.<br />Have each team form a line.<br />Place the two wrapped boxes on a table at the far end of the room<br />Team members must each run quickly, or skip quickly, to the table.<br />Each team member must unwrap the box, and then rewrap it again using a sheet of wrapping paper and tape. Note* It will not be a good idea for the children to use scissors in this game as they will be rushing to wrap their box, and that will make it likely for an accident with scissors to occur. This is why I recommend using precut sheets of wrapping paper.<br />When a child is done wrapping the box again, they can run back to their team and tag the next person in line. <br />The first team to have all members complete the relay wins.<br /><br /><br />Snowball Race<br /><br />Teams.<br />Each player puts on mittens and balances a snowball in a spoon while racing to other side of room. Drop snowball in bucket, return to team and pass mittens and spoon to next person and go to back of the line. First team to complete the race wins.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-39974221878071915592007-10-16T12:08:00.000-07:002007-10-16T12:13:22.451-07:00Handmade Christmas GiftsMaking homemade Christmas gifts is fun and can save money! It is best to get started early in making handmade presents. To get started,look at your Christmas list and see who you think would enjoy something handmade, and who wouldn’t. Someone who likes to shop at the expensive department stores and pays attention to labels, may not be a good choice for a homemade gift. Decide which friends and family members would really appreciate a handmade gift, and then start listing ideas you think would match their interests and hobbies.<br /><br />Some suggestions :<br /><br />Crochet potholders<br />Crochet scarves, afghans, baby blamnkets<br />Knit sweaters, gloves, hats<br />Quilts<br /><br /><br />Frame special pictures you have taken of family members/friends <br />Scrapbooks showcasing special occasions and activities that were shared during the year<br />Collages on a board of favorite bands, artists, pets, etc… ( especially good for teens )<br />Handmade paintings and drawings<br /><br />Handmade Christmas ornaments<br />Beaded jewelry<br />Stained glass items<br /><br />Baked bread, cookies, cakes<br />Jams, jellies, salsa<br />Gift baskets with packaged baking and seasonings that are made in your kitchen<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mason Jar Recipes </span>( there is no limit to the creative ideas you can come up with here! )<br /><br />Cookies: put all dry ingredients in layers ( works best if there is cocoa or other colored ingredients to add flare )<br />Seal up mason jar and decorate top with ribbons, lace, or whatever you choose.<br />Add a tag with recipe instructions.<br /><br />Bean Soup: Use same idea as for cookies, just add dry ingredients for the soup instead.<br />Favorite Holiday beverage<br />Bath Salts<br /> Crafts :Put all materials needed for special craft project<br />Puzzle: Put all pieces inside, add a picture of completed puzzle to the outside of the jarIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-46713412792065069442007-10-14T23:28:00.000-07:002007-10-14T23:30:58.576-07:00Christmas Gifts To Have on Hand ...Just In Case!I have seen many great ideas that people have used as emergency type gifts to have on hand. Some of these are good all year long, not just at Christmas, for those occasions where you forgot a birthday or other special occasion.<br /><br />Boxes of chocolate already wrapped.<br /><br />Mugs…. fill with anything from teas to candy canes (or buy a couple already packaged and ready to give)<br /><br />Picture Frames<br /><br />Cookies (home baked and in a Christmas type container are especially nice; stores also sell these in seasonal cans and gift sets)<br /><br />Wine<br /><br />Candles<br /><br />Movie Certificates<br /><br />Cookbooks<br /><br />Gift Cards to music stores, coffee shops, bookstores, etc<br /><br />Christmas OrnamentIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-7830053524870977362007-10-14T11:13:00.000-07:002007-10-14T11:19:00.761-07:00Kids Christmas PartiesHere are a few easy decorating ideas for kids christmas parties. Create a large fireplace scene on a wall. Using red art paper or butcher paper, design the background of bricks. On top of that use black art paper in the middle area to create the fireplace center. Shape red wrapping tissue into the shape of tongs to have the illusion of the flames. Roll brown construction paper into logs for the fireplace. Complete the setting with small stockings taped on with each child’s name on them.<br /><br /><br />Make snowflakes using white cardstock or any construction type paper. Hang from the ceiling at different lengths.<br /><br /><br />Have Frosty the “balloon” Snowman greet the children at the door. Using white balloons of three different sizes, you can form the snowman shape. Use markers, gently, to draw facial features on the balloon face, and buttons on the body. Place a black hat on the top balloon.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-56676355099024072392007-10-13T17:49:00.000-07:002007-10-13T17:51:20.789-07:00What A Work At Home Mom Wants For ChristmasThe Work at Home Mom’s Christmas Wish List<br />By: Barbara Ryan<br /><br />Every year in the late fall it happens to me. Family and friends ask the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” I am usually asked for a list and I always struggle to come up with things. There are things I want and need, but they are not always things other people can get for me.<br /><br />This year though, I am thinking outside the box and am going a different route. I am going to ask for business related things, or at least, money for them. Much better than just random things I don’t really need. Ask for products or services that will help you take your business to the next level.<br /><br />Think about all the all the services out there that a mom entrepreneur could use.<br /><br />· Money towards big ticket items like a new laptop<br />· Media or publicity services<br />· Business books<br />· Ebooks related to your business<br />· Coaching services<br />· Business software<br />· Mentoring or Mastermind group<br />· Monthly PLR membership<br />· Ghostwriting, copywriting, or press release writing services<br />· Menu Planning subscription service (because who has time to think of what to make for dinner!<br /><br />Do you want to write a book? Ask for Book School. Planning on creating an information product? Ask for Information Product Sweetie Course. Looking into becoming a podcaster? Ask for Shoestring Radio or Podcasting Intensive.<br /><br />Come up with a list of business products and services that you would love to have, but just are not quite ready to spend the money on and put them on the list. That way, in the new year, instead of adding to the bath products and kitchen gadgets in your drawers, you can grow your business and reach your goals.<br /><br />Article by:<br /><br />Barbara Ryan is publisher and co-editor of Mom2Mom Magazine , an online magazine written by moms for moms. Barbara is also owner and designer of Cherish Collages, a custom Photo Collage Design business developed from the love of a digital photography hobby.Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-78582633681061812182007-10-13T15:42:00.000-07:002007-10-13T15:55:17.781-07:00Christmas PrintablesHere is a link to lots and lots of <a href="http://www.familyfun.go.com/printables/season/specialfeature/christmas-printables-ms/">Christmas Printables</a>that everyone will enjoy!Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7489843117102546187.post-69037028334408192282007-10-12T14:15:00.000-07:002007-10-12T14:18:32.447-07:00A Merry Welcome To All!Welcome to The Christmas Place! This is the place for Everything Christmas! I will be adding lots of fun and useful Christmas stuff everyday, so check back frequently!Irenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11518163276688146544noreply@blogger.com0