Author: thefamilyo

Slow Down and Enjoy this Holiday Season
10 Holiday Survival Tips

This time of year brings so many emotions. Reveling in family time together, enjoying evenings by the fire; attending Christmas concerts and plays, and strolling through the stores hoping to find the perfect gift for that someone special. Christmas can bring joy, peace and happiness but it can also bring stress, and depression.

Take this time to cherish friends and family. Don’t get bogged in what Christmas is not about. It is not about worrying. It is not about overspending. It is not about getting stuff, so to speak.

Christmas is about the birth of a Savior, about coming together and being thankful for all the wonderful gifts we have been given by God, family being at the top of the list. Slow down and relax. I know it is easier said then done. Try these tips to help ease the season and truly appreciate this time of year.
1. Take time each morning to pray and read the Bible or a Devotional. Ask for peace. Ask for direction and reminders of the reason for the season
2. Volunteer, be on the lookout to help someone. Know a family affected by unemployment, tragedy? Send them gift cards or deliver a care package to them anonymously. It feels good to help out, especially someone we know.
3. Treat yourself to a mid-day coffee or tea while you are out and about.
4. Don’t stress about sending out Christmas cards, go the easy route. Walgreens prints the CUTEST, custom cards around. They are colorful and unique. No more boring Christmas cards.
5. Don’t worry if you think you don’t have enough money to go around. Homemade gifts are making a comeback. Think jars from the Dollar Tree, add nuts or chocolates or mints, add a pretty ribbon. Everyone loves snacks!
6. Take in a Christmas concert and play. What a great to lose yourself in a live performance whether it is a choir singing carols or eclectic actors performing Christmas classics. A perfect way to unwind.
7. Host a few simplified events. Don’t get all fancy and involved. A cookie exchange is easy and a great way to enjoy friends and family around the holidays. Also, hold an Open House on a weekend. Invite people to stop in as they go about their holiday shopping. Finger foods can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. Serve cider, cocoa and tea.
8. Take a nap!! Or Two!
9. If you have children, create an Advent calendar. Each night gather the family for a Christmas story and a surprise from the Calendar. A nice way to top off each December evening.
10. Get a mani/pedi and if possible a message. NOTHING says peace and relaxation like being pampered! Look out for deals on Groupon or Mamapedia Sweet Deals.
December 10, 2010
2 Ways We are Celebrating Advent

Our "Stocking" Advent Calendar

I have been looking around the web for ideas to celebrate Advent. In addition to a cute book we purchased a couple of years ago, I wanted another way to add some more fun.

The book is the Usbourne Advent Nativity Book. It features 24 really detailed cardboard cutouts and a story. You read a page a day and take out the corresponding days cutout and add it to the 3-D.

Days 1-4

Our 3-D Display

Christmas Advent Calendar idea from The Rusted Chain blog, she got it from this adorable blog, that has many more ideas from other sites that are way too cute. All the ideas are fantastic and a great way to count down to Christmas. Each day, remembering and focusing on the true reason for the season. The birth of our Savior!

I loved this the moment I saw it! Since we do not have a mantel or bureau I decided to use our white board. I picked up 8 pairs of socks and a pack of 9 suction hooks from the Dollar Tree. I had an extra hook so I added a Paper Treat Cone to the first day we will start counting down with the socks. I think I will add some chocolates, some gold dollars, and some other little items from Target Dollar Spot.

Our "Stocking" Advent Calendar

December 9, 2010
An Easy, Fun, Adorable way to do Christmas Cards

One of my cards

Every year I look forward to the holiday season, so many plans, places to go, people to see. Then, just like that, it is all over. One way I have found that really saves me time is personalized Christmas cards.

Every year during the holidays I always have big plans for my cards. Then in a rush, I grab whatever cards I can find and zip thru them scribbling our family name on the bottom. I have never been satisfied with this method. It is so impersonal. I wanted a better solution but I also wanted to be realistic and not choose something that would take a lot of time. Last year, I went with Shutterfly personalized Christmas cards. They are ADORABLE. They have a huge selection you really can’t beat it.

Besides being able to add our pictures for personalization another feature I love – You can personalize the greeting too! I love this feature because cards have hardly ever said exactly what I have wanted them to say.

I also use Shutterfly for Photo Books and prints so all of my pictures are already loaded when I log in. It is simple and easy. I highly recommend. Don’t get caught up in a lengthy process with your cards, personalized them AND have more time for other holiday stuff – like seeing people, serving people and spreading joy.

The cost is very reasonable too. Another cool thing about Shutterfly is that they always have sales going on. If you sign up for their email list you will get coupon codes almost daily. I have received photo books for up tp 50% off, prints for .09/each. I have used Kodak and Walgreens before but it seems there is a certain quality to Shutterfly’s products.

My cards took me about 30 minutes to personlize then it will take another 30 to stamp on addresses and mail. 1 hour, not bad!

November 29, 2010
Birthday Cake, a Delicious “Doctored Up” Cake Mix Cake
My husband loves chocolate and I love my husband. Wasn’t it only natural that I would set out to find the most chocolatey cake ever? I started out on my search and eventually found the one I had to try.

It was amazing, delicious, moist, a chocolate lovers dream come true… on a plate… with sprinkles and pretty candles.

The recipe is called Too Much Chocolate Cake and it has 5 stars from almost 2500 people. It called for a bundt cake pan too which I really liked the idea of making, they are so pretty, and I like the way they slice up too.

Daddys Cake

Ingredients
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
- 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable oil (I used 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup applesauce)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 cups semisweet mini chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.
And just in case you were wondering about the name of the cake – NO there is not too much chocolate. Enjoy!
November 24, 2010
Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – Ahh the Comforts of Fall

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Moist, spicy, warming, chocolaty, the perfect Fall recipe. Great to have around, give out and include them when sending care packages to loved ones. I headed over to allrecipes.com, this recipe has 5 (out of 5) stars from almost 4,000 people – you can’t beat that!

Jumbo

The recipe is called Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread it is supposed to make loafs but I wanted to use my new muffin pans. My sister couldn’t resist giving me my Christmas present early, I guess she figured I could get a lot of use out of them for the Holiday Season. I LOVE THEM!!! It came with 3 muffins pans, jumbo, regular and mini.

the regular sized muffins with cinnamon sugar butter poured on top

We added chocolate chips to the recipe as well. To keep the chips from falling to the bottom of the muffin, toss them in flour first.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

November 18, 2010
Dutch Puff Recipe

Dutch Puff with Maple Syrup

Raising Olives is a blog that I follow, she has excellent tips for Moms. I came across this recipe on her site called a Dutch Puff. Sounded good, perfect for an easy, super quick warm breakfast. Today is the 3rd time I have made it and we love it.

Toppings we have tried:
A dab of yummy fruit yogurt in the middle
Fresh cut strawberries and cantaloupe with a sprinkle of white sugar
Powdered Sugar and Maple Syrup

The possibilities are endless. One comment on her post is from someone in the UK and this is like Yorkshire Pudding except with sweet instead of savory.

fresh out of the oven

The first time I made it, I did so in a 9×13 pan however we had alot left over, and like her recipe says it is best fresh, hot out of the oven. The next 2x I have halved the recipe and used a 9″ glass pie dish.

Puffy and Yummy

You really can’t beat it for a quick, easy breakfast option. I think I might try to top it with crunchy bacon and grated cheese. We’ll see how that goes…

Thanks Raising Olives!

November 16, 2010
The Middle One

Oliver is Luigi
Oliver is my middle child, he is my tender shoot. This little guy is indescribable. He is completely, utterly unique and special. I have been thinking lately some ways that he is so special to us.

He makes an excellent little brother to his big brother, the best wingman a kid could ask for. He always cheers his older brother on at every activity, he is eager to share his latest lego creation with him and follows his oldest brothers advice to a fault. Oliver can get rambunctious and hold his own when he wrestles with the oldest. They are best pals.

Oliver wrestling around with big brother
In different ways he is the perfect big brother to our 2 year old. He is always very careful with him, is quick to let any of us know if we aren’t “being fair” to the littlest, he quickly defends the baby of the family. He is always ready to hold his hand and guide him in the right direction, he is very sweet to him.

Oliver with Samuel

Oliver and Samuel

Oliver also has a cousin that is only 3 months younger than him, Adam is his best friend. They get along great and love to play together. They have the best conversations.

Oliver with Adam

It’s great to see how he fits into the family and is something special to each of us for different reasons. He is a true gift from God, a blessing.

Oliver and his red umbrella

I love this little guy so unique, so sweet, so funny, so tender, my dearest Oliver. I love you!

November 15, 2010
Holiday Flash Mob – Fun at Macy’s

A friend from church posted this to her Facebook wall and I was left all warm and fuzzy, teary-eyed and joyous.

Shoppers needing a jump start into the Holiday season were treating to an up-close performance of Hallelujah sung by the The Opera Company of Philadelphia. I have always loved flash mobs and the spontaneous fun they bring. This is one with a twist. In fact, they are calling it a “Random Act of Culture” – what a great idea! Over 600 singers participated and were joined by a pipe organist and a massive pipe organ. Watch it, enjoy!

November 9, 2010
Homemade Almond Joy from Joy the Baker

I love Joy the Baker, she has inspired in so many ways. She comes up with such yummy, interesting recipes. A couple of weeks ago she made Homemade Almond Joy candy bars. Simple recipe, super delicious. Although they are super rich, must have coffee or milk with one. Her’s turned out looking perfect, mine did not. They were still yummy.

Freshly Toasted Almonds

Coconut with Almonds

Dab of Chocolate to hold the almond in place

Freshly dipped, this is where it gets messy!

After being chilled

I decided not to completely cover in chocolate because it is so rich, hence they do not look as pretty

Even though mine aren’t that great looking, they did taste delicious. Also, with the leftover chocolate I coated some almonds, huge hit with my boys!

On a side note: I almost didn’t post this because I don’t like the way mine looked… but then I was thinking that that is reality. I don’t want to put up any false fronts, like everything is always peachy and perfect. So here I am exposing myself… in all my chocolate messi-ness.

November 9, 2010
Homemade Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chip Muffins

I love chocolate and I love muffins, so why have I never made chocolate chip muffins? Well now I have and I found an excellent recipe on Allrecipes.com. These turned out good, with some modifications. My kids and husband gobbled them up.

Here is the recipe in it’s original form, I improvised based on some reviews I read, I will post my changes in parenthesis.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar (+ 1/4 cup brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk (1 cup of milk)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
- (2 tbsps of cocoa powder to the mix)
In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In a small bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

One other change: I made mini-muffins so I adjusted time and temp.

I cooked on 375 for 15 minutes
November 4, 2010