FamilyLife - December 2016 by Lawrence Ambrocio

9 delicious cookies

Our holiday gift guide

DIY Snow Globes

FamilyLife Merry & Bright

December 2016

December Contents

ADVICE

ORGANIZE

FOOD

ON THE COVER

13 The Importance of a Community and a Social Life for Single Parents

27 Home for the Holidays

83 Cookie Holidays

Photography by Roberto Caruso

43 Our 15 favourite tree ornaments

IN EVERY ISSUE

19 Making the Most of Your Maternity Leave

48 How to make a pretty snow globe in a jar

10 Editor's Letter

FEATURES

98 Last Look

53 2016 Gift Guide

Family Life ‐ December 2016

FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Pamela Hayford CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brendan Fisher MANAGING EDITOR Day Helesic FOOD DIRECTOR Annabelle Waugh FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Julia McEwen HOME & GARDEN DIRECTOR Sarah Gunn TEST KITCHEN SENIOR FOOD SPECIALIST Irene Fong FOOD SPECIALISTS Amanda Barnier, Jennifer Bartoli, Gilean Watts INTERN Rebecca Fallowield ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay ADVERTISING SALES, TORONTO GENERAL SALES MANAGER, CONSUMER PUBLICATIONS Kelly Whitelock SENIOR SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Myra Thompson NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS Andrea McBride, Anna Vecera Marto ADVERTISING COORDINATION MANAGER Janice Clarke NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Paul Cummins, Daciano da Ponte, Jillian Dann-Macerollo (Team Lead), Cathy Ellis, Gary Forshaw, Kathleen Irish, Joanne Landry, Delainie Marin, Lennie Morton, Erin Suckling, Vanessa Watson, Lindsay Weir (on leave) DIGITAL NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES Crystal Falls, Akta Sharma, Alex Vaccher SALES ASSOCIATE Patricia Mixemong

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Editor's Letter

Cheers for holidays

Ever had one of those years when you just couldn’t get excited about the holidays? Too many obligations, not enough time, frantically juggling family, friends and work functions? It happened to me a few years ago. By a trick of fate (or, more accurately, contractor delay), my house was totally gutted the entire month of December. I had to rely on the hospitality of my parents, and it made for one of the most hectic months of my life. Between social commitments and navigating the many events my mom hosts throughout the season, I was over it long before the actual day. And what a shame, since Christmas has always been a favourite time of year. I had to get the magic back. The solution? My husband and I skipped out on the next holiday season altogether. We packed our bags and escaped south . . . forgot about presents, and swapped pine trees and carolling for palms and tennis. The following year, we took back the holidays. I asked for help where needed and saved the fun, festive chores for us. We got the biggest tree that would fit (a whopping 10-footer) delivered and installed, then spent a relaxing evening stringing lights and decking that tree with every ornament in sight. And ribbon. Lots of colourful ribbon. It was spectacular (if I do say so myself) and completely me.

Pamela Hayford Editor In-Chief

Whatever you’re celebrating, make the holidays your own. Don’t like red and green? Pick your own colours. Use the season as an excuse to experiment with something fresh, or indulge in your fave traditions. Don’t care for turkey? Have lasagna with toasty garlic bread instead. Or try a rollicking FrenchCanadian habitant meal: Our editors offer everything you need to throw the coziest dinner party ever. Or maybe take a break and save these great ideas for next year. I wish you a wonderfully happy holiday — whether you sit back or kick up your heels. We’ve tried to make every choice easier and more fun. Hopefully, we’ve been able to help. And wish me luck with mine!

December 2016 - Family Life

Advice

The Importance of a Community and a Social Life for Single Parents By ERIN JONES

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Advice For the first few months after I became a single parent, I tried to keep up with my childless friends. I remember being at a dinner party shortly after my son was born, with a bunch of childless 20-somethings enjoying wine and adult conversation. I awkwardly excused myself to breastfeed, which was not as chic 14 years ago as it is now. After his feeding, the baby had a blowout diaper so I excused myself from the party for a second time. Then, he began to scream inconsolably. I was frazzled, distraught and exhausted. The childless 20-somethings were polite but clearly uncomfortable. I left hurriedly and sobbed louder than the baby for the entire drive home. This tiny, needy human had ruined my first attempt to get my social life back on track. When I walked into my empty apartment that night, loneliness rushed me like a tidal wave. I was different now. My life was different now. My needs were different now. My idea of fun was different now. Everything was different, whether I liked it or not. I continued to try to stay connected to my pre-baby friends, and a few of them made the same effort in return. But by the end of that first year, I was desperate for a community who could get into the trenches with me and know, really know, what it was like to be a single parent. I attended a large church where I mostly knew no one. Sitting there alone on Sundays made me feel like I was the only single person in the world. Still, I was certain that somewhere in the crowd, there had to be more single parents who were probably feeling as isolated as I was. I began to ask around and, sure enough, there were more of us. We were at various ages and stages, but in no time at all, we formed a group and connected through shared experiences and desperate need. We linked arms and built a community. Our merry little band of single moms eventually expanded to include single dads, as well. We formed babysitting coops, swapped clothes, met up for outings, established single parent car care days—and I even ended up with a roommate for a year, raising our sons together. Our community helped each other move, traveled together and participated in each other’s weddings. Most importantly, we showed up for one another. Showed up in real life ways. We learned how to ask for help. We learned that just because we were parenting without partners did not mean we had to do it alone.

December 2016 - Family Life

Like all groups, that one had a lifespan and, after a few years, it dissolved. However, the friendships did not. I have several forever friendships as a result of the community we created out of desperate loneliness. They are a gift and a lifeline. When it was over, I once again found myself fighting loneliness and isolation. Several of my close friends had married, and because I was still single, I was feeling back on the outside. I needed something new to fill the void. I went online. No, not to date (that came later). I went online to connect with other single moms. I joined the Community section of BabyCenter.com, where I could interact with other single moms on chat boards. We posted about our struggles and victories as single mothers, and as we shared our lives, strong ties began to form. It wasn’t long before a small group of us that had connected especially well split off to form our own private group. In private, we could interact with each other on a deeper level, without fear that the public had access to our posts. We called ourselves the SWMU: Single Working Moms UNCENSORED. It’s been six years since we first started our online group, and we have become deep, loyal, lifelong friends. We represent Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Edinburgh, Scotland, and of course, Kansas City. Most of us have met at least once in person. We’ve had weddings and babies and new jobs and new relationships, break-ups and family crises. We’ve had parenting challenges and custody challenges and, occasionally, we have even had conflict amongst ourselves. But always, no matter what, we have supported each other through major life events and the daily grind. It is a community that sustained me when I had no one else who could and helped shape who I am as a mother and as a person.

Advice Community always has been an essential piece to my makeup as a mother. I needed both the camaraderie and the counsel—two things co-parents often get from each other but single parents must intentionally seek out. I needed a village. I could not let my motherhood isolate me just because I didn’t have a partner. I found that when I surrounded myself with other single parents who could relate to my experiences, the hard times were bearable and the great times were celebrated like only single parents can celebrate. As long as I kept my tank full through relationships with other single moms, I had so much more bandwidth available to reinvest in my children.

Parenting is hard, single or otherwise, and I believe all parents can benefit from a community or support system. But single parenting can be a feast or famine endeavor, and often support and resources are in short supply. Finding and building a community might feel daunting, and perhaps you can’t even think about putting one more thing on your to-do list. I know the feeling. Start small, with a quick post on an online forum. Or check out the resources we’ve provided with this article. You need people in your life who can understand and respond to you as someone who has been there and gets it and is willing to lock arms with you.

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Advice

Making the Most of Your Maternity Leave

By KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Advice Many moms will tell you they think working a full-time job is easier than being a full-time stay-at-home mom. As a guest blogger at ScaryMommy.com so eloquently puts it, “I want to go back to work. Not because I don’t love my 1year-old but because I want to escape him.…Rather than obsess over the nutritional content on his high chair tray. Rather than watch the Wiggles for one more minute.” Allison Hahn, PsyD, shares, “When you come back from the hospital beginning maternity leave, initially it is an overwhelming experience in terms of how little you actually know—regardless of how informed you thought you were—about caring for a newborn.” She continues, “What can be particularly shocking for professional moms is how little they get done during a day. The typical thought is ‘I have the whole day at home for several weeks? I’ll get that re-fi completed, get the shed painted, write that novel and keep the house spotless.’ It is shocking to realize that you get NOTHING accomplished…” To get out of nonstop baby mode, hook up with your current mama pals or with new ones you meet through local activities calendars you can find online and in your local parenting magazine. If your sleep-deprived brain can’t figure out a place to go during cold weather with your baby, check out fast food restaurants with indoor play areas; community centers, churches, malls or gyms with set playtimes; or trade off meeting at a friend’s house. Of course we all know these playdates aren’t for your teeny new sidekick, but for you! Keep the diaper bag stocked at all times so you can bolt whenever you start feeling cooped up. Likewise, keep the stroller or sling in the car so you have one less thing to think about. Forging a routine might help when things seem out of control, especially if you have an older child at home during this time, as well. It’s nice to be able to go to bed and know that every morning you’ll be waking up to a hot pot of coffee and a cup of yogurt with your favorite granola—that no matter what the baby does, you will still be able to enjoy these things! You also might think about scheduling some time out of the house at the same time on the same day of the week EVERY week (even after you go back to work). Jill Connors, pregnant mom of four, says, “It helped me to get out of the house every day, even if it was just to walk up the street with the baby in the stroller to treat myself to a fancy coffee.”

December 2016 - Family Life

I quickly discovered that multitasking comes in just as handy at home with a new baby as it does at work. Strap the baby to your chest in a safe sling or carrier and start folding laundry while you return a phone call. And when you’ve had just about enough puke, poop and pee for any sane person to handle, realize that it’s not forever. Alyssa Ast of TheWMParentingConnection.com says, “Although you may be going stir crazy to get out of the house while on maternity leave, enjoy every moment while you can, because after you’re back at work, you’ll be wishing you were at home with your baby.” Depending on your experience and your personality, at the end of your maternity leave you may be crying, “Get me out of here!” or you may be lamenting, “I don’t want to go back to work!” Either way, know that your child will be fine in the long run. Take a look around you at all the adults you know. Can you tell who had a stay-at-home mom and who had a working mom? Probably not, so don’t waste a second on guilt during one of the most special times of your life.

Organize Home for the Holidays Peek inside a converted schoolhouse home at Christmas

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Go with fresh greenery If first impressions are everything, then it won’t take long for guests arriving at Susan Sanchez’s home in Oakville, Ontario, to discern that she is passionate about holiday decor. Greeted by a front porch festooned with lush pine boughs, fairy lights and a traditional red-ribboned wreath, family and friends know this embellishment is just a hint of what’s to come inside. “For these garlands and the wreath, we used a combination of seeded cedar, regular cedar, pine and juniper — all in very large quantities.” says Erin. Door paint, Toucan Black, Benjamin Moore.

Home for the Holidays In preparation for the holiday season, a former schoolhouse is adorned with yuletide reds, evergreen boughs, punchy plaids and luxurious touches of gold.

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Personalize with vintage treasures “I am a Christmas fanatic,” says Susan, a small-business owner who shares the 3,600-square-foot designated heritage home with her husband, their 15-year-old daughter, Lily, and their 11-year-old son, Alex. “I always decorate the whole house — even the garage door!” The placement of a pair of snowshoes becomes a unique focal point. “I grew up in Winnipeg, and my family had a set of snowshoes,” says Susan. “These ones belonged to my dad, and I love that they are a reminder of winters past. I tease my children that I wore them to school, and they believe me!”

December 2016 - Family Life

Work with the character of the space This year, Susan had a little help from Torontobased designers Erin Feasby and Cindy Bleeks of Feasby & Bleeks Design. “I love their use of colour and casual elegance,” says Susan. “I knew they could create a holiday space that was warm and family-friendly.” It’s easy to see why the duo was the right choice. “We were crazy about the character of the home,” says Cindy, referring to both the Queen Anne architecture and the modern additions. Know when to use restraint Erin and Cindy note that while every main room in Susan’s house is decorated, it’s not done with abandon. “Between the dining room’s beautiful wallpaper, silk drapes and ornate pendant light, we felt there was a fair amount of embellishment going on,” says Erin. Their one touch? A faux-magnolia wreath suspended on a gold satin ribbon. Lauren chairs, Cabinet Furniture. Wreath, HomeSense. Serena Drum light, South Hill Home. Framed mirror, Cocoon Furnishings.

December 2016 - Family Life

Use colours that complement a space To achieve the look, the designers relied on an abundance of fresh foliage that they transformed into expressive garlands and arrangements placed throughout the house. These were punched up with splashes of vigorous red and burnished gold, plus lots of ribbon. Rather than weaving a traditional red ribbon into this lush cedar swag, Erin and Cindy opted for luxurious gold. “This staircase is visible from the dining room, so we wanted to tie in the gold palette that’s happening there,” says Erin. “It’s also an unexpected departure from the more casual tartans and reds in the other rooms.” “We love to mix luxe, satiny ribbons with the natural texture of greenery,” says Erin. “It’s also easy to change the ribbons and the greens to transform your look from year to year.” This artful juxtaposition of old and new provided their aesthetic starting point. “We used classic, traditional elements — reds, golds, natural materials — but kept things simple, edited and streamlined,” says Erin. Inspired by the space’s previous incarnation as a private girls’ school in the early 1900s, they also adopted what they call an “Ivy League homestead” style. “We liked the idea of dressing up the place with tartans, natural greens and warm fires,” says Cindy. Runner, Elte. Greenery (throughout), Hofland.

December 2016 - Family Life

Channel tradition with classic tartan “The family room is where our idea of Ivy League style came into play,” says Erin. “Rather than introduce another stripe or solid, we used plaid here because it’s both preppy and casual.” The stockings, as well as the ribbons used throughout the garland and tree, integrate the look, while flattering the rosy tones of the furniture and carpet. Tip: This rug is actually two Roger Oates runners sewn together and banded. Position the tree for maximum viewing pleasure Placed in the corner, this Fraser fir tree is a delightful focal point in the family room yet can also be viewed from the kitchen. Susan says, “We always have a real tree in the family room. It’s a tradition, and as this is Santa’s drop-off, he’s come to expect it.” Update existing decorations with bell jars A classic nativity scene makes a statement when showcased under glass. “Everyone has holiday decor they use year after year,” says Cindy. “But it can be hard to highlight it without being too cliché. Erin and I liked the idea of placing these symbolic figurines under bell jars because it gave them more presence on the coffee table.” President’s choice Stockings, Real Canadian Superstore. Ribbon (throughout), Master Stroke Canada. Tree, Sweetpea's. Bell jars, West Elm. Nativity scene, Holland Park.

December 2016 - Family Life

Turn ornaments into works of art “We’ve all seen ornaments filling vases and hurricane lamps, so we thought using a terrarium would be an interesting change,” says Cindy. The mix of shapes, textures and sparkles is beautifully offset by the colourful backdrop of an abstract painting. Tip: Erin and Cindy papered the walls in grasscloth to add visual interest, texture and an air of dressed-up formality. Ornaments, garland, HomeSense. Painting, Michael Adamson.

December 2016 - Family Life

Choose tabletop accessories that function year-round This year, however, it all adds up to an enchanting backdrop to Susan’s holiday traditions, from cookie-baking parties and building gingerbread houses with Lily and Alex to turkey dinner for up to 20. “Cindy and Erin created a traditional feel, but they kept it really fun,” says Susan. A perfect mix for a family Christmas. An assortment of bowls in pale seafoam-green and burnished gold make a simple statement decorating the centre of the dining room table. Placemats, cutlery and dinnerware continue the golden theme and add festive sparkle without screaming “Christmas!” Martha Stewart table, Elte.

December 2016 - Family Life

Place Christmas accents strategically “You never want a prominent area like the kitchen to look forgotten during the holidays,” says Erin. By placing greenery and bows in out-of-reach places, they achieve a look that’s both festive and functional. Tip: These chair seats are covered in laminated fabric for easy cleanup. Repeat a Single Design Element In the eating area off the kitchen, multiple grapevine wreaths offer a uniform look. “We dressed up the wreaths with simple lengths of tartan ribbon and warm LED lights,” says Cindy. “By hanging one on each door, we were able to keep the embellishment minimal and still create impact.” Cabinetry, Bella Kitchens. Cabinetry paint, Ivory, Benjamin Moore. Reclaimed elm floors, Nostalgic Wood.

December 2016 - Family Life

If you’re thinking of revamping your Christmas décor, check out our top tree decorations. From traditional to modern, we scoured the stores to find the 15 most stylish ornaments around.

Our 15 favourite tree ornaments

Bohemian-inspired accents Bring out your inner artisan with these original and cultured pieces. Clockwise from top: Global Girl, Crate and Barrel, $27.80 (set of 4) Button-Print Ball, Homesense, $7.99 Multicolour Reindeer, Homesense, $5.99 Balloon Dog, David Youngson and Associates, $7.50 Gingerbread Man, Abbot of England, $5.00

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Rustic and wintry expressions Keep things traditional using raw materials and nature-inspired themes. Clockwise from top: Wool Robin, Crate and Barrel, $5.95 Fur Hat, Glukstein Home, The Bay, $4.99 Woodland Creature, Pottery Barn, $26.00 (set of 4) Toboggan, Write Impressions, $6.50 Metallic Wire Reindeer, Retailer: Crate and Barrel, $14.85 (set of 3)

December 2016 - Family Life

Whimsy and magical jewel tones Have a fantasy filled holiday with beautiful dreamy ornaments. Clockwise from top: Velvet Doll Shoe, Debbie Travis, Canadian Tire, $1.99 Blue ornament, Homesense, $5.99 Jewel Ball, Teatro Verde, $12.95 Glitter Pine cone, Abbot of England, $5.00 Glitter Feather, Debbie Travis, Canadian Tire, $1.99

December 2016 - Family Life

How to make a pretty snow globe in a jar Capture the whimsy of a magical wintry day with handcrafted snow globes. First, choose a plain glass jar; spray-paint the lid a pretty colour and let dry. Next, using epoxy glue, attach a figurine or ornament to the bottom of the lid and let dry. Then fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water; add a little bit of glitter and a few drops of glycerine to the water — glycerine stops the glitter from falling too quickly. Screw the lid on tightly, shake and voila! Use them to decorate your home or give them as cute hostess gifts.

December 2016 - Family Life

“Winter is coming.” – George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Family Life ‐ December 2016

2016

Gift

Guide Check out our favourite picks for everyone on your list!

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Jabberwocky: A BabyLit Nonsense Primer Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver, $12, amazon.ca

Fire station and truck Hape Toys Fire Station, $100 US, hapetoys.com Hape Toys Fire Truck, $35 US, hapetoys.com

Bleeker Jr. chewbeads necklace Chewbeads, $24, chewbeads.com

Felt fox headband Giddy Up and Grow, $26, etsy.com/ca/shop/giddyupandgrow

Air hockey table Redline Acclaim, $228, walmart.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Smartphone gloves and cover

Barbie Draw and Erase helmet Doodlez, $25, toysrus.ca

H&M, $15, hm.com/ca

Child's purse H&M, $15, hm.com/ca

Graffiti snowboard Canadian Tire, $40, canadiantire.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Re-Akt Helmet Bauer, $260, sportchek.ca

Stamp set Target, $7, target.ca

Dinosaur hoodie H&M, $10, hm.com/ca

Snowshoes H&M, $15, hm.com/ca

My Even More Wonderful World of Fashion colouring book Nina Chakrabarti, $23, thebay.com

Mini constellation map Restoration Hardware, $24, restorationhardware.com

December 2016 - Family Life

Mini eco-journals House Industries, $13, amazon.ca

Scratch map Indigo, $30, chapters.indigo.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Wireless bamboo keyboard West Elm, $89, westelm.com

Emeril XL Grill Emeril, $180, theshoppingchannel.com

Cardigan Denver Hayes Vintage Collection, $70, marks.com

Silver Menorah Crate & Barrel, $53, crateandbarrel.com

Vinyl Steve Minecraft figure Cedar and orange shower gel L'Occitane, $20, ca.loccitane.com

Spin Master, $35, toysrus.ca

Mont Blanc Legend eau de toilette Mont Blanc, $63, shoppersdrugmart.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Beats Wireless by Dr. Dre On-Ear Headphones Beats by Dr. Dre, $300, theshoppingchannel.com

Personalized coach print The Educated Owl, $15 (frame not included), etsy.com/shop/theeducatedowl

Art deco decanter set Indigo decanter, $40, chapters.indigo.ca Indigo lowball glasses, $35 (four-piece set), chapters.indigo.ca

Pocket photo printer LG, $169, bestbuy.com

Narrow stripe dress socks Express, $11, express.com

December 2016 - Family Life

T-Fal OptiGrill T-Fal, $250, canadiantire.ca

10-in-1 bartender tool Bar10der, $50, thebay.com

David Beckham cashmere hoodie David Beckham, $80, hm.com/ca

Goatskin driving gloves Banana Republic, $110, bananarepublic.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Shoes The Bay, $130, thebay.com

Herbs and spices calendar Mango lip and body butter snowman set

Rifle Paper Co., $22, drakegeneralstore.ca

The Body Shop, $12, thebodyshop.ca

L'Occitane Holiday Fragrance Trio L'Occitane, $60, theshoppingchannel.com

Charm bracelet Pandora string bracelet, $40, pandora.net Pandora hockey puck charm, $45, pandora.net Pandora dancer shoe charm, $50, pandora.net

December 2016 - Family Life

Verbena & Lavender de Provence hand cream and shower gel

Cosmetic crackers Quo, $15 (three piece set), shoppersdrugmart.ca

Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream, $8, crabtreeevelyn.ca Crabtree & Evelyn bath and shower gel, $20, crabtree-evelyn.ca

Cluster chandelier earrings RW & Co., $14, rw-co.com

Sleeveless dress Cameo, $220, mendocino.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Snowglobe PC, $12, loblaw.ca

Holiday Duo Tea Gift Set Sloane Fine Tea Merchants, $48, sloanetea.com

Booties Ezzy, $195, ninewest.ca

Nail polish gift set Instagram book

Opi Mini Take Ten Gift Set, $30, tradesecrets.ca

Blurb, starting at $19, blurb.ca

Rhinestone braided bracelet Smart Set, $16, smartset.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Guillaume DTM Faux Mink Throw Guillaume, $80, theshoppingchannel.com

Leather gloves FCUK Zipped Up, $78, frenchconnection.com

This Moment watch Swatch, $75, swatch.com

Handmade soaps

Soft scarf

Anita's La La Land, $7, etsy.ca/shop/anitaslalaland

H&M, $15, hm.com/ca

Matrioshka Swiss Army knife Victorinox Swiss Army, $26, victorinox.com

December 2016 - Family Life

Salt and pepper shakers Kate Spade, $30, thebay.com

In My Shoes: A Memoir Portfolio, $32, indigo.ca

Softest throw Portfolio, $32, indigo.ca

December 2016 - Family Life

Holiday tea towels Target, $6, target.ca

Food

Cookie treats for everyone

Candy canes and chocolate Santas are sweet, but we all know cookies rule the holidays. These ones are so good, you won’t want to swap. Photo, Roberto Caruso

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Family Lists IT’S TIME TO LEAVE COLD SYMPTOMS BEHIND DayQuil™/NyQuil™ Complete Cold & Flu Symptom Relief are formulated with effective symptom-fighting ingredients to relieve your toughest cold symptoms, day or night. vicks.ca

SIMPLY BECAUSE IT WORKS Almased® is a dietary supplement that helps you boost the fat burning process while retaining muscle mass. The unique Almased® formula is gluten-free and contains no artificial fillers or flavours, added sugars, preservatives or stimulants. almased.ca

DOUBLE SERUM Clarins Double Serum is the most complete, intensive age control skin-care essential with its exceptional 20 pure plant extracts. Its unique two-phase formula helps reduce the look of fi ne lines and wrinkles and restore a radiant complexion. clarins.com

COOKIE HOLIDAYS Chocolate Icebox Cookies

Whether you're freezing the dough or already baked morsels, these fail-proof cookie recipes will help you get a head start on the holidays. Photo, Roberto Caruso

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Hot Chocolate Whoopie Pies

December 2016 - Family Life

Chai Gingerbread Cookies

Family Life ‐ December 2016

CinnamonSugar Shortbread Balls

December 2016 - Family Life

Chocolate Crinkles

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Nutella Kiss Icebox Cookies

December 2016 - Family Life

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Italian Shortbread

December 2016 - Family Life

Peppermint Candy Meringues

Family Life ‐ December 2016

Food

Chocolate Icebox Cookies

Hot Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Chai Gingerbread Cookies

PREP TIME:10 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 30 MINS

PREP TIME:20 MINS TOTAL TIME:2 HOURS

PREP TIME:20 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ⅓ cup cocoa powder 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp each baking powder and salt 1 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 cup hot chocolate mix 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp icing sugar 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff 1 tsp vanilla

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp ground ginger 1 ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda 1 chai tea bag , cut open ½ cup unsalted butter , melted ¾ cup brown sugar 1 egg ⅓ cup fancy molasses

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; add egg and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture until just combined. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 2-in.-wide log. Wrap logs in wax paper and twist ends. Chill until firm, 1 hr. 2. Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 3. Slice logs into 1/4-in.-thick rounds and arrange 1 in. apart on prepared sheets. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven, switching halfway through, 10 to 12 min. Let cookies cool on sheets 1 min, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.

December 2016 - Family Life

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, cinnamon and baking soda. In large bowl, beat butter until smooth, then beat in sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, then milk and vanilla. Add flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Dough will be moist and sticky. 2. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spaced 1 in. apart. Bake until puffy and set around the edges, about 10 min. Cool on sheet 2 min, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 3. For the filling, beat butter until smooth, then beat in icing sugar. Beat in marshmallow fluff and vanilla until evenly mixed. Spread 1 tsp filling on flat sides of half the cookies, then top with remaining cookies. Serve the same day they’re made.

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and 1 tbsp tea leaves. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat butter with sugar for 2 min until fluffy. Beat in egg, then molasses. Make a well in centre of flour mixture, then pour in molasses mixture. Stir together until mostly absorbed. Gently knead until dough is an even colour. Divide into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten slightly into a disc. Wrap discs with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 min or up to 1 week. (Or overwrap with foil and freeze up to 1 month.) 2. Let chilled dough stand at room temperature until soft enough to roll, 5 to 10 min (defrost frozen dough overnight in the fridge). Preheat oven to 350F. Line 1 baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a disc between 2 sheets of wax paper and roll out no thicker than 1/4 in. Cut out shapes and place on baking sheet 1 in. apart. 3. Bake in centre of oven until edges begin to darken, 7 to 10 min. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

Food

Cinnamon-Sugar Shortbread Balls

Chocolate Crinkles

Nutella Kiss Icebox Cookies

PREP TIME:30 MINS TOTAL TIME:55 MINS

PREP TIME:30 MINS

PREP TIME:10 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 30 MINS

3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt 1 ½ cups unsalted butter , at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Stir flour with salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter with 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy and smooth, 1 min. Stir in half of flour mixture, until just combined. Add remaining flour mixture, kneading dough with your hands to form a ball. 3. Stir remaining 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon in a medium bowl. 4. Using your hands, roll dough into 1in. balls. Roll balls in cinnamonsugar until coated, then arrange 1 in. apart on prepared sheets. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven, switching sheets halfway through, until balls have set, 15 to 17 min. Leave on sheet for 5 min, then transfer balls to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

December 2016 - Family Life

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup canola oil 2 tsp vanilla 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup icing sugar 1. Using an electric mixer, combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, applesauce, oil and vanilla until well blended. 2. In another bowl, whisk flour with baking powder and salt. 3. Add flour mixture to cocoa mixture in 3 parts, mixing each addition well with an electric mixer for a soft, wet batter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for 2 hours. It must be well chilled to roll, so don’t skip this step! 4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 5. Sift icing sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop spoonfuls of dough and roll between your hands to make 1 1/2in. balls. Roll them in icing sugar until well coated. The more sugar on the outside, the better the effect. Place on the baking sheets about 2 in. apart. Bake for 10 min — but check at 8. They should be puffed and just set, so they’ll have a soft, brownie-like texture. Cool completely on a rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder 3/4 cup granulated sugar ½ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla Nutella 1. Position racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. 3. Roll dough into 1-in. balls and place on sheets 2 in. apart. Using your thumb, make a deep indent in the centre of each ball. Bake in top and bottom thirds of oven until golden, 12 min. Let cookies cool on sheets 1 min. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Pipe or spoon a dollop of Nutella in centre of each cookie. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Food

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:25 MINS 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup milk chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. In a medium bowl, stir flour with baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Spoon 2-tbsp portions of dough, 3 in. apart, onto prepared sheets. 2. Bake in centre of oven until edges are golden but centres are soft, 10 to 12 min. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

December 2016 - Family Life

Italian Shortbread PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:1 HOUR 10 MINS 1 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary , (plus more for garnish) or 1 tsp dried rosemary ½ tsp salt ½ tsp hot-pepper flakes , optional 1. Preheat oven to 300F. Grease two 9-in. pie plates. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar and vanilla until well mixed. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, rosemary, salt and chili flakes (if desired). Beat flour mixture into butter mixture until just combined. 2. Divide dough into 2 portions and spread each in prepared plate. Sprinkle edges with 2 tsp more fresh rosemary (dried rosemary can burn). Bake 45 to 55 min. Slice each disc into 12 wedges while still warm. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.

Peppermint Candy Meringues PREP TIME:30 MINS TOTAL TIME:2 HOURS 30 MINS 3 egg whites , at room temperature 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 2/3 cup superfine sugar 1/4 tsp peppermint extract 3/4 cup candy canes , or red-and-white peppermint candies 1/2 cup white candy melts 1. Wash your hands, bowls and any utensils you will be using for this recipe to remove any trace of oil. 2. Preheat oven to 200F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Combine egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium-high until very foamy, then add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until combined. Continue whisking, scraping down side of bowl as needed, until stiff and glossy peaks form when whisk is lifted and sugar has dissolved, 2 to 4 min. (Meringue should not feel gritty when mixture is rubbed between your fingers.) Add peppermint extract. Whisk until combined. 4. Scrape meringue into a piping bag fitted with a 3/4-in. star tip. Holding the bag with the tip close to the parchment, gently squeeze bag and pipe a 2-in.-wide meringue. Release bag and pull up to make a pointed tip. Repeat, piping meringues 1 in. apart. 5. Bake in centre of oven for 2 hours. Without opening oven door, turn off heat and leave meringues in oven until completely cool, 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight. 6. Whirl candy canes in a food processor until finely chopped. Pour into a shallow bowl. Microwave candy melts in another shallow bowl until melted, about 1 min. Dip the bottom of each cooled meringue into candy melts, then dip into candy canes. Let stand until candy melts firm up, about 15 min. Set on a platter or in cupcake liners to enjoy.

Last Look

Movies

Sing December 21 Animals from across the city gather for auditions. Those selected include: housewife and mother of 25 piglets Rosita (Reese Witherspoon); punk-rock porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson) ; gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), son of mobster Big Daddy; street musician mouse Mike; singing and dancing frog trio Ricki, Howie, and Kai; and opera singer camel Pete. Teenage elephant Meena fails her audition from stage fright, Ash's self-absorbed boyfriend Lance is dismissed from the contest, and Rosita is paired with an exuberant pig named Gunter for a dance routine. After Buster discovers the flyers advertise a prize of $100,000, he arranges a visit with his friend Eddie's grandmother, former opera singer and stage actress Nana Noodleman, who is hesitant to sponsor the prize money but agrees to attend a private preview of the show. Courtesy of Universal Pictures 98

December 2016 - Family Life