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Holiday Cards & Greetings to you!

December 11, 2017 by Alyson Leave a Comment

The selection from Tiny Prints is amazing! Have you seen it? Thank you Tiny Prints for sponsoring this post! Do you send out Holiday cards? Maybe New Year cards, or do you just not have the time? Creating and sending out Christmas cards is something that I’ve always loved to do, even prior to having kids. Each year it’s so fun to receive cards from friends and family, to get a glimpse of how quickly the kids are growing up and maybe read a little update on the goings on. Tiny Prints and Shutterfly have some awesome sales right now too for the last minute shoppers. 
Tiny Prints Holiday Cards

With family spread all over the country and some in Japan, a Christmas card is important to me to get out. Because let’s face it, I absolutely stink at sending current pictures to family. As in, I probably haven’t sent any since Cohen was born and he’s 9! So at least each Christmas I know that I’ll get a card out with a few photos on it. This year we even included some photos with my boyfriend Grant, he’s around all the time, the kids adore him and my parents and grandmas like him.. so why not! He’s a big part of lives and basically family!

Holiday Cards with Tiny Prints

Including a little blurb about each kid and even the adults is always a great idea. Sure everybody seems to have Facebook these days, but that doesn’t mean we read one another’s posts all the time. Tiny Prints has so many different layouts and designs for cards. The process can be as easy as you want it to be, or super detailed. I love having the ability to change the fonts, colors, layout, etc. So many options! I chose this card because I loved the layout with numerous photos and the colors went well with our photos (photos that a friend took and I LOVE). The gold foil on the cards really pops and they only use top quality cardstock, you can feel it when holding the card. 

Tiny Prints family photo cards

Now for the deal on Holiday Cards…

Right now Tiny Prints is offering 30% off EVERYTHING through December 12th! That’s a great deal, especially this late in the game. Use the code: JINGLEBELL. And if you can get your act together and order TODAY, everything is 40% off with code: 40FORU. And if you’re using Ebates, you’ll get 1% cash back. It’s not a lot but it adds up quick. If you’re not using Ebates, check it out here!

 

Filed Under: family, Holidays, kids, Shopping Tagged With: christmas, christmas cards

Gift Them Joy: Gift Ideas from Cost Plus World Market

November 13, 2017 by Alyson Leave a Comment

A great big thank you to Cost Plus World Market for sponsoring this post!

Right now you could win 1 of 7 weekly Cost Plus World Market Gift Cards worth $1000 each! Watch Cost Plus World Market’s “The Performance” holiday video and answer a question for a chance to win a weekly prize of $1000! There will be a new question every day. 

Enter now at worldmarketsweepstakes.com! 

Tis the season to do a whole bunch of Christmas shopping! My first stop, as always, will be World Market! Why? Because they’ve got gifts for everyone on my list and yours. The Christmas season is all about spreading joy and this year I can’t wait to spread some extra special joy to some of the most important people in my life. I don’t have family near me, so when sending gifts it’s important to me that the gifts have meaning in some way. 

My sister, brother in law and their two kids live in Japan so it’s rare that we ever see them. I love the idea of sending them a gorgeous advent calendar not only as a countdown to Christmas day, but maybe the kids will remember their auntie & cousins who love & miss them every day they open the little doors. My niece and nephew are both creative, fun spirited kids. Choosing a yarn crafting kit and the doodling robot kit were easy choices for them! There are loads of gifts for kids and science gifts available. Perfect gifts for her? Ladies love receiving cozy, relaxation gifts like a cute nighty. Especially when it’s so warm year round in Japan. For my brother in law I chose a pack of eight different hot sauces. He will no doubt love this. The spicier, the better!World Market Family Gifts

My dad is one of those guys who never wants or needs anything, yet he’s so extremely generous that there’s no way I could let a holiday go by without sending him something. These gorgeous metal frames filled with out most current family photos are the perfect choice. I know that he’ll love and appreciate them, seeing the kids on his walls each day.
World Market Gifts for Dad

It would be great to be able to give my mom a huge hug at Christmas this year, since that won’t be happening I’m hoping this cozy robe will make do. And, some special treats, in the form of petit fours which I know are some of her favorites. My stepdad likes to eat anything weird! If it sounds gross to us, he probably loves it. These funky peanut butters will make a great gift for him.

World Market Gifts for Mom and Dad

I’ve had a lot of help from friends and family over the past year and this season I’m all about paying it forward and spreading the joy. I know of a local mom who has been having a rough time and really struggling, so gifting her with relaxation gifts (like a comfy throw blanket, tea, a cute mug and some bath & body essentials) would bring me joy and hopefully it would bring her an amazing amount of joy as well!World Market Gifts for Comfort

I’ll be doing all of my Cost Plus World Market shopping at the store in Brookfield, WI. It’s my favorite. If you’re local, check it out! If not, check out the location finder on the Cost Plus World Market website.

Now it’s time to get shopping. All of the items above are listed below… 

Advent Calendar / Yarn Elephant Craft Kit / Global Expedition Hot Sauce Pack / Coral & Grey Sleep Tank Top / Doodling Robot Kit / Coral Paisley Robe / Nut Butter Pack of 3 / Pastel Petit Fours / Reese Wall Frames / Coral Throw BlanketChristmas Tea / Maison Lavender Bath & Body Collection / Tea Infuser Mug

Cost Plus World Market Gift Ideas

 

Filed Under: family, Holidays, Shopping Tagged With: gifts

Fall Entertaining Ideas with World Market

October 1, 2017 by Alyson Leave a Comment

Big thanks to Cost Plus World Market for sponsoring this post!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I’m so excited to share some of my favorites for Fall Entertaining, all from one of my favorite stores! If you have a Cost Plus World Market near you, get there! You won’t be disappointed in the amazing and beautiful fall inspired products they’ve got in store right now. If you’re looking for a pinterest inspired holiday or some great fall inspired ideas be sure to shop Cost Plus World Market this fall.

Fall Entertaining Ideas-2

Fall Leaf Garland // Klara Floral Napkins // Klara Serving Platter // Klara Serving Bowl Mini Felted Pumpkins // White Ceramic Pumpkin Casserole Baker // Metal Pumpkin Lanterns // Pumpkin Spice Liquer // Asian Curry & Honey Seasoning // Pumpkin Bisque Sweet Potato Bisque // Pumpkin Fudge Brownie Mix

As you might have guessed, I’m a huge pumpkin fan. So pumpkin liquer, brownies and decor had to make my list of favorites! Garlands are one of my favorite ways to add a little bit of color and seasonal decor, and who can pass up the metal pumpkin lanterns and the cute little felt pumpkins. I can’t wait to make some cocktails with the liquer or add a bit of it to my coffee or iced coffee. And if you plan to entertain, these would all be such a great assortment of fall inspired items. They all just scream “cozy fall evening with friends” to me. Who’s coming over this fall?

From October 6th through October 9th you can save 30% at Cost Plus World Market during their Friends and Family Sale! Click here, or the photo below and get your shop on! That’s such a great deal. Of course, you could always get a start on your holiday shopping as well with a discount like that. I know I’ll be shopping my local Cost Plus World Market in Brookfield, WI. To find the store nearest to you click here. If you don’t have a Cost Plus World Market near you (I’m so sorry), it’s easy to shop online and you’ll find so many great ideas for tablescapes, room design ideas and more! 

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Filed Under: dining room, fall, family, Holidays, home decorating, Shopping Tagged With: fall, home decor, world market

Candy Cane Milkshake Recipe – A Holiday Treat

December 9, 2016 by Alyson 7 Comments


When thinking about the holidays traditions immediately come to mind. I have lots of little traditions with my kids and I love that they’re at the ages that they remember, ask about them and want to continue them. Along with Christmastime comes cookies and candy and eggnog and of course, candy canes. My kids both love candy canes and are fans of special treats. Especially when it’s something that we don’t have too often. So when I proposed that we make Candy Cane Milkshakes, the kids were all over the idea. After all, is there anything better than snuggling in front of the Christmas tree with family and a tasty treat at Christmastime?CANDY CANE ICE CREAM - MILK SHAKE RECIPE

A favorite tradition in our house is Christmas pajamas. Each year on Christmas Eve the kids get to open one gift and that gift is always their new Christmas jammies. After the gift is opened and the jammies are on, we’ll pile into the car and go look at Christmas lights. It’s truly one of my favorite nights of the entire year. The sheer joy and excitement on the kids faces is everything. All of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning is wrapped in tradition. From the jammies & drive to the stockings & Christmas breakfast, it’s all about creating memories and keeping up with traditions. 
CANDY CANE ICE CREAM

CANDY CANE MILKSHAKE

Candy Cane Milkshake

2 large scoops of Kemps Candy Cane Ice Cream

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

Chocolate syrup

Toss the ice cream, milk and vanilla into the blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the glass with a bit of chocolate syrup and poor the milkshake into your glass. Top with whipped cream and serve. 

Kemps has some really delicious flavors of ice cream this time of year (and always!), not just the Candy Cane flavor. We love the Moose Tracks and Old Fashioned Chocolate as well. Although my kids will eat pretty much any ice cream, any time, any day.

MILKSHAKE CANDY CANE RECIPE

Be sure to check out the Kemps webpage to see all of the delicious treats they offer. There’s everything from ice cream, milk and eggnog to seasonal ice cream bars!

Interested in trying Kemps for yourself? Leave a comment below, telling me your favorite family tradition and you could score a $5 off coupon for a purchase on Kemps products!KEMPS EGGNOG

 

 

Filed Under: family, giveaway, Holidays, kids, recipes Tagged With: christmas, dessert

Easter Treats & Snacks for Kids with World Market

March 14, 2016 by Alyson Leave a Comment

Thank you to World Market for sponsoring this fun post about Easter Treats & Snacks!

Another holiday is already upon us! Hard to believe. With all of our family being out of state, I always try to incorporate holiday snacks, treats and activities into our lives to keep the holidays special for the kids. http://www.worldmarket.com/category/seasonal/easter.doEaster is no different and we love all of the cute, cuddly, pastel and spring themed Easter goodies that are out this time of year. Today I’m sharing with you some of my favorite ideas for Easter Treats and Snacks from World Market. My kids will be thrilled to see this in our home, in their lunches and as after school snacks in the weeks to come.Easter Treats & Snacks with World Market

Lindt Little Milk Chocolate Chicks  //  Lavender Polka Dot Cupcake Liners  //  Yogurt Pretzels  //  Nikki’s Hippity Hop Cookies  // Glass Bunny Milk Bottle  //  Jones Easter Sodas  //  Lindt Chocolate Chick  //  Spring Polka Dot Eggs  //  Cadbury Creme Egg Cookies  //  Easter Pasta  //  Carrot Cake Decorating Kit

 I love letting the kids bake something seasonal and the Carrot Cake Decorating Kit is so cute! We’ll definitely be having pasta one night with the buny pasta. Cohen will think that’s super cool. There are some really great vintage inspired bunny items like the Glass Bunny Milk Bottles with straws that are fun for the Easter season. There are even matching plates, cups and other accessories. And while soda isn’t something we typically buy, I could definitely let the kids have a treat and enjoy some Jones soda. Because how cute is that bottle? Yogurt covered pretzels and the Hippity Hop Cookies are an ok treat for school lunches, since we try to save candy and sugary snacks for at home. 

What kinds of treats do you give your kids during the holiday seasons? Do you try to incorporate the holiday into your daily lives with special snacks and treats for the kids? I definitely recommend you check out World Market’s amazing selection of Easter food, drink, decor, and more! 

Right now World Market has an awesome Be a Better Bunny Sweepstakes going on! Just click here, you’ll follow the World Market Pinterest Board, hunt for your “must have Easter item”, leave your name and email and submit! It’s that simple. And you’ll be entered to win 1 of (4) $250 World Market Gift Cards. 

Be sure to check out these lovely Easter themed posts from other World Market Bloggers. 
Toasted Coconut Pancakes –  Two Peas and Their Pod  //  Springy Moss and Egg Easter Table –  Liz Marie Blog  //  Easy Easter Cupcake Decorating – Your Cup of Cake  //  Practical Easter “Basket” Ideas – One Good Thing by Jillee

Filed Under: Holidays, kids, parenting, Shopping Tagged With: easter, lunches, spring, Treats

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