The Barrel: Blogging Reviews Dec 2010 by Melissa Bastow

DECEMBER 2010

blogging reviews

: HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS D ecember 2010 HOMEMADE GIFT GUIDE

Make it yourself.

It’s easy.

We’ve found some really great ideas to get you started.

HOLIDAY TREATS

Just the holiday essentials. For Christmas breakfast or a family party, you’ll want to try these recipes.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Find out how the locals celebrate Christmas & hear from bloggers from a few places around the globe.

ON THE COVER: Homemade Christmas - 6 Christmas Around the World - 31 Printing Christmas Cards - 41 From the Archives of Kim - 40 Essential Christmas Recipes - 19 Donate with Toys for Tots - 17 Abby’s Fave Five - 28 photo courtesy of Mandy’s Recipe Box

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS: Happy Holidays to everyone! We hope this issue will help you with some of your Christmas cheery goodness. We have included lots of crafts and gifts you can make. Home made gifts are fun and can save lots of money if you’re a frugal gift giver. We also have some really great recipes that you’re going to want to try this season. Everything we’ve included comes from bloggers world wide, so make sure to check out the blogs thoroughly for more great crafts, recipes or infomation. We’ll get back to our regular blog spotlights next month. But this whole issue is nothing but Christmas. Have a happy one!

Melissa & Michelle xoxo,

MAGAZINE CREDITS: Executive Editor: Michelle Laird Editorial Director: Melissa Bastow Professional Getter of Headaches: Michelle Laird Fashion Expert Extraordinaire: Abby Lomento Singles Section Specilaist: Barbara Managing Supreme Director of all Things Zebra Print: Michelle Laird Officially Blind in One Eye Until it Heals Already: Melissa Bastow Ultimate Quasi-Date Setup Artist: Barbara Master of the Universe: Melissa Bastow

SECTIONS 27

Great Give Aways A list of blogs you can visit to win some fab give aways. Super Singles Section - Being Single vs. Dating During the Holidays Expert advice from Barbara.

Charity of the Month - Toys for Tots Find out how you can help the kids in your community have a merry Christmas.

Tips from a Real House Wife Find out how you can save money on the Christmas budgeting this year. Crochet That - The Mini Christmas Dino That Could It really is easy. And cute. Did I mention cute?

Abbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fab Five - the Christmas List Everyone needs at least twelve pairs of shoes.

Blog Designs of the Month We found some great Christmas designs that you can use for FREE!

Potty Talk - Melissa Bastow A personal potty experience that I hope you all enjoy. From the Archives of... - Temporary Insanity Letters from Kim #4

Visit our Sponsors Because I said so. Plus, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re awesome.

The Christmas Card Dilemma - Cost vs Quality A pros and cons list on where to get your Christmas cards printed this year.

C oo k i n g, la und r y, carpet shampooing, di s h e s, wi n do ws, s c r u bbi n g be h i n d y ou r t oi le ts with a n old rat t y t oot hbrush - - s o m e t i m e s i t al l j u s t s e e m s l i ke TO O TOO MUCH.

We feel your pain, we k n o w yo u r wo e s, we s h ar e yo u r

h ou s eke e p ing frus trat ions. So t ake it easy f o r a m i n u t e an d t ake s o m e advi c e, on u s. H e re y o u have it :

TIPS FROM A REAL HOUSE WIFE by, Michelle from mylifeasarealhousewife.blogspot.com

Being a housewife gaurantees a position of holiday gift budgeting. And if you’re like 97% of the rest of the world, extra money isn’t exactly flying out of your ears. How about, when giving gifts this year, we forget about the money and just enjoy giving. Here are a few ideas to maybe help you save a penny and enjoy the holiday a bit more. • Give Family/Couple presents instead of individual gifts. • Home made gifts can save a lot of $$. • If you slept in on Black Friday you lost money right there (sorry, it’s true). • Make a coupon book for a loved one with things you will do for them through out the year whether it’s cleaning the house, or giving an extra kiss. • If your kid, or in my case husband, is dying for the coolest new toy out there but you just can’t quite afford it, here are a few options that may be cheaper: eBay, Amazon, local classifieds, pawn shops, second hand stores, layaway options or some stores have same as cash options as well. • Make Christmas candies for the neighbors instead of buying them a gift.

For after Christmas savings here are a few things you could try out for a giggle: • Buy all of your Christmas decor after the new year when it goes on super sale. • If your kid didn’t get what they wanted ,and threw a hissy fit take it back and get a refund to keep for yourself. • Save bags, bows, tissue paper, and boxes for future wrapping and gift giving.

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Homemade Holiday Gift Guide by, Melissa Bastow

Give everyone on your list something home made!

Even the uncraftiest person can make these great holiday decorations and gifts. Because if I can pull it off without completely destroying something then you know it’s easy. With so many great crafting blogs to choose from I had a hard time narrowing down which projects to include. (Make sure you check out the blogs we’ve listed for more great ideas.) And if you want even more great ideas you can check out my friend Rachel’s blog, she posted a list of fabulous crafty links here:

http://screamandhug.blogspot.com/2010/10/big-reason-i-havent-been-blogging.html

FOR THE TREE

Cinnamon Dough Ornaments from www.homemademamas.net

Here is a fun and easy recipe to make fragrant holiday decorations that look and smell like real gingerbread cookies. They make especially great ornaments, garland centerpieces or package tie-ons for gifts. (Maybe for the neighbors?) Very slowly add the applesauce to the cinnamon. It is very easy to make the dough too sticky. Make sure you don’t run out of cinnamon. If this happens you can add flour, but it will make the dough lighter in color. What you need: Dust your work space with cinnamon and roll out the dough until it is •a bottle of finely about a quarter of an inch thick. ground cinnamon have an extra bottle Cut the dough with your favorite cookie cutters or shape with your hands. on hand if your Use a bamboo skewer or straw to make holes to hang your ornaments. dough is too sticky and to dust your Now they just need to dry. You can let them air dry or bake in the oven on work space with a foil lined baking sheet at 150 degrees for an hour or so. •1/4 to 1/2 cup of There are more fun ways to use your cinnamon dough ornaments, such as applesauce the garland on the next page...

•cookie cutters

More detailed instructions here: http://www.homemademamas.net/2009/12/cinnamon-dough-for-homemade-ornaments.html

FOR THE HOUSE

Holiday Garland

from www.homemademamas.net This garland looks gorgeous (and smells even better) nestled with some greenery, looped around the tree or hanging loosely near the stockings. See how many ways you can use it in your decorating. And make sure to sniff everytime you walk by - yum. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Slice the oranges 1/4 inch thick and blot them with paper towels. Line them up on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and dry them in the oven for 6-8 hours. (We kept the oven door slightly open using a wooden What you need: •Cinnamon Dough spoon to let out the moisture.) Turn the oranges over every two hours. Ornaments Next the apples. Also slice to 1/4 inch thick. Soak them in lemon juice •oranges for 15 minutes then blot dry. Line them on a baking sheet covered in •apples aluminum foil and dry them in the oven for 6-8 hours. These will curl if •parchment paper & you don’t turn them every two hours. You want your apples to be dry but aluminum foil still pliable so that you can string them. •thread, string or red Gather your supplies and lay out your pattern on a table top. yarn •needle Alternate threading the oranges, apples, cinnamon dough ornaments and •felt circles (if you felt so that you create a pattern. Threading in and out of the apples and want to use these) oranges near the top will help everything hang nicely. More detailed instructions can be found here: http://www.homemademamas.net/2009/12/holiday-garland.html

FOR THE IN-LAWS

Cookie Sheet Calendar

from www.oopsicraftmypants.net How great is it to keep track of the month in a cute and personal way? Everything on the calendar is magnetic and can include birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. And the best . part - it can be used year after year! First, get out your cookie sheet and cut scrap paper so that you can see what layout you want before actually cutting anything permanent. And decide what you’d like your calendar to include, like quotes and pictures. Measuring your cookie sheet and playing with the scrap paper will help What you need: you determine what sizes all the pieces will need to be. Cut chipboard, •cookie sheet scrapbook paper and magentic sheets to the right sizes. (This is where •chipboard your fingers might fall off from scissor abuse.) •scrapbook paper Make sure you have squares for months, numbered days, holidays and •adhesive personalized squares for birthdays or anniversaries. •magnet sheets On the backside of the cookie sheet you will need to find a way to attach a •alphabet or number hanger or include a decorative stand with the gift so it can be displayed. stickers (optional) •a Cricut® helps and You can store your extra pieces on the backside of the cookie sheet if you’d like (that way they won’t get lost). This gift takes awhile to put can save your fingers from scissor bruises together, but is worth it in the end.

More detailed instructions can be found here: http://www.oopsicraftmypants.net/2009/07/cookie-sheet-calendar.html

FOR THE KIDS

Felt Crayon and Notepad Holder from www.homemademamas.net

This holds either crayons or small pencils and a 3 x 5 inch notebook. These are great for in the car, at restaurants, in church, etc. The flower shape and colors could easily be changed to match your child’s interest. First sew the 12 inch ribbon onto the 3” x 12” pocket. Using the pattern (found online) mark the fabric with chalk and sew the pocket to the liner. What you need: •2 - 6” x 12” pieces of felt (one will be thew cover and one the inside liner) •1 - 3” x 6” piece of felt for the pocket •3 pieces of ribbon, 12”, 15” & 9” long •8 crayons & 3” x 5” notebook •1/2 felt flower & center circle

Next sew your flower onto the 6 inch side of your cover. Sew the 15 inch piece of ribbon under the petal in the middle of your flower and the 9 inch ribbon under the center of your flower. Sew the cover to the liner. The felt stretches as you sew it so you’ll need to trim the edges a little. You can use pinking shears for this, but they might have a hard time going through all the layers. Add your crayons and notebook and you’re ready to go! These are fast, easy and cheap to make. It’s fun to embellish the holder with more felt, ribbon and buttons. (I got a little embellishing crazy with my kids’ but they’re constant doodlers so they’re going to love them!)

More detailed instructions and pattern found here: www.homemademamas.net/2009/12/felt-crayon-and-notepad-holder.html

F O R T H E FA M I LY

Checker Board

from www.lifeinthepitts.com This is easy and lots of fun to make and play. (Who doesn’t love a good game of checkers?) Giving a personalized, pretty checker board is much better than the standard red and black. Best of all, this is cheap to create and color combinations are unlimited. Mod Podged one 12”x12” paper onto the board and smooth out any air bubbles and wrinkles (use something flat to press it).

Small pictures courtesy of www.lifeinthepitts.com

Trace and cut 24 circles out of two contrasting colors. Mod Podge them What you need: onto the wooden circles. These are your little checker pieces. •12x12” piece of wood Cut 1-1/2” squares of your last piece of paper. To make sure they’re even (particle board works) on the board, lay down a solid row of squares and then carefully take off •4 12x12” matching every other one. (I recommend doing this for at least your first row.) Then scrapbook papers Mod Podge the squares permanently in place on the board. •Mod Podge® Once everything dries, paint on a few more layers of Mod Podge. (Because •1” wooden discs you can never have enough Mod Podge.) •sack for finished You can make a bag for the checker pieces out of anything you prefer. Burlap checkers pieces is easy; fabric, felt or a paper envelope will also work. Top off the sack with •ribbon (optional) a pretty bow and your checker board is ready to go under the tree!

More detailed instructions can be found here: http://www.lifeinthepitts.com/2010/01/annies-checker-board_05.html

FOR THE NEIGHBORS

Nativity Advent Calendar

from greenjellowithcarrots.blogspot.com You’ll have to hurry to get these to the neighbors before too many December days pass, but they’re worth the speed (and pretty speedy to put together anyway). And even if you don’t use the advent calendar, there are other great things in their shop to choose from. Get the file printed on matte cardstock (I always go to OfficeMax to get things printed because they’re cheap and do a good job.) What you need: •the colored file from

Trim off some of the white paper around the images. Trim the background image and put it together on a poster board or particle board. Cover everything in clear contact paper. (Cover the fronts and backs.)

greenjellowithcarrots. You can get everything laminated if you want, but I like clear contact com printed on paper better, and I think it’s a little cheaper.

cardstock •scissors

Cut all the pieces apart, trimming all the white edges & excess clear stuff.

•clear contact paper

Put all the pieces in a sack, baggy or box. Include some sticky tack or •sack, baggy, box or double sided tape so the pieces can be hung each day of the month. other container to If you know me, you’ll know I’m shamelessly promoting my own hold the pieces company. Which is actually good for you, because here’s a code to get $5 •poster board off any purchase at greenjellowithcarrots.com : B A R R E L 2 0 1 0 Detailed instructions can be found here: http://greenjellowithcarrots.blogspot.com/2010/11/nativity-advent-calendar-how-to.htmll

FOR THE WINDOWS

Giant Craft Stick Snowflakes from www.craftynest.com

These are the perfect modern accents your decor needs this holiday season. And they’re fun to make! Get creative with your craft sticks and see how many snowflake variations you can make. Start by gluing six craft sticks in an asterisk shape at 30 degree angles. Use a protractor to make sure your angles are accurate. Then add the points to the star. Depending on the pattern, add the final craft sticks to complete the snowflake. (You can find all the patterns on the craftynest blog.) Using a small paintbrush, paint two coats of paint on each side, including the edges. (Or use spray paint instead, it’s easier and faster). Let all your snowflakes dry. If you want to embellish your snowflakes you can glue rhinestones onto the tips of the snowflakes, or glue on glitter or fake snow. To hang them in the window, tie fishing line to each snowflake. Tape the fishing line to the top of the window frame. To hang them on the wall you can use holiday ribbon.

What you need: •craft sticks •protractor •hot glue gun and glue •fishing line or holiday ribbon •red and white paint •scissors •double-side foam tape •small paintbrush •drop cloth /newspaper

Much more detailed instructions can be found here: http://www.craftynest.com/2009/12/giant-craft-stick-snowflakes/

FOR THE GIRLS

Fabric Basket

from vlijtig.blogspot.com I’m too busy thinking of uses for these to even know what to say. This is the type of basket that you don’t need to hide because they are as fabulous looking as they are functional. And think about the endless fabric combinations you could use! Iron the interfacing to the back of the fabric for the inside of the basket (fabric C.). Then sew fabric A (strips) to both sides of fabric B. These together have the same size as fabric C. What you need: •3 pieces of fabric (ie. A, B & C) •fabric A. 2 pieces of 22x6 cm •fabric B. 22x20cm •fabric C. 22x28cm • iron-on interfacing 22x28cm •2 ribbons 6cm long •sewing machine •pins, scissor, you know, sewing stuff

Fold inner and outer layer in half. Right sides facing inwards. And sew along both sides. You’ll have two pockets. The bottom corners need to be sewn and cut off. Fold neatly with the seam exactly in the middle. Sew and cut of the corners. (The pictures online are super helpful.) Turn the outer basket right side out. Put the inner basket inside and fold the edges inwards about 1cm. Pin around folded edge. Insert ribbon handles between the two layers of fabric. Sew the two layers around the top (pinned) edge and you’re done! The pattern dimensions make the smallest basket shown. Once I got the concept down I made some others in different sizes. (I didn’t use the thick interfacing for the bigger baskets so they turned out more like bags.)

Much more detailed instructions can be found here: http://vlijtig.blogspot.com/2008/11/here-it-is.html

FOR THE WRAPPING

Brown Bag Gift Wrap from vlijtig.blogspot.com

This is a green solution to wrapping gifts this year. Re-use brown bags (and anything else you feel like creatively using) and impress everyone with your customized wrapping. These are easy to make and more fun to give. Take any kind of paper. Brown craft-paper, paper bags, newspaper, childrens drawings or whatever you can come up with. Cut in a rectangular shape. (No need to be precise.) Fold in half or in threes, as long as the edges line up it’s ok. (I often What you need: make another fold for the bottom, because it looks nonchalant.) Then sew •brown bag, brown paper, old sacks, etc. around thee sides, leaving the fourth open. Time to decorate. Use stamps, markers stickers, glitter (whatever you •sewing machine want) to decorate the outside. •scissors Put the present or letter inside and sew the fourth side. Or close it with just •rubber stamps, inks, a staple, sticker, punched heart- oh so many options. stickers, felt markers, staples, glitter, ribbon, These could also be made out of fabric if you feel like getting fancy. The anything you want to most important thing is that you’re showing off how incredibly creative decorate with you are...I mean, the best part is saving the earth by re-using... More detailed instructions can be found here: http://vlijtig.blogspot.com/2010/06/giftwrap-mini-tutorial.html

FOR THE GIFTS

Scrap Paper Bows

from www.coveredincrafts.com I’m usually too lazy to put bows on my gifts. Plus I’m a cheapskate. But these are so cute and incredibly cheap (what’s cheaper than using paper scraps?) that I don’t think my gifts will be bowless this year. Cut the scrapbok paper into 12 strips at 3/4 inch wide. Make them about 5 inches long. (The bigger the bow, the longer and wider your strips will have to be.) Fold a strip over on itself and adhere (double sided tape wroks great). Do this 4 times - these are your bottom pieces. Adhere them together straight •double sided, thick across from each other (makes a square-ish bottom). scrapbook paper (you Repeat for two more groups of strips, folding them in a little tighter for can use scraps) each group. Adhere the groups together so that the tightest folded group is at the top. •adhesive What you need:

Adhere one last little loop to the very middle of the bow, and you’re •gifts to put them on done. •that’s pretty much There is a great video tutorial on the Covered in Crafts blog: everything you need www.coveredincrafts.com/2009/11/how-to-paper-gift-bows-video.html HUGE amounts of thanks to Rachel at screamandhug.blogspot.com for finding most of these awesome crafts and telling me about them. Rachel you are THE BEST!! 16

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future. Finding a Toys for Tots drop-off location near you is easy. Just visit the Toys for Tots website, enter your state and city and you’ll be directed to a local website full of information.

Make Christmas merry for all the kids in your community! Toys for tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The idea came form Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane crafted a homemade doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane told Bill that he should start one. He did. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign. That year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted Toys for Tots campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located. Marines have conducted successful nationwide campaigns at Christmas each year since 1948.

w w w. t o y s f o r t o t s . o rg All information and graphics provided by the Toys for Tots website. Photos subject to copyright. Each month we will be featuring a charitable organization.

Although no one has the time/money to save the world,

please learn about those in need and the different organizations that support them, and help when you can.

Single vs. Dating During the Holidays:

It’s a Lose/Lose Situation

Being single during the holidays isn’t the greatest thing. It ranks right up there with getting the flu on your birthday and finding out you need a new contact prescription. You’re the odd number at the office Christmas party. Or any Christmas party for that matter. You don’t have someone to take you on a Christmas drive to see the lights. No one to drink hot chocolate with while you cuddle in front of the fire (does anyone really do that, though? I’ve never seen it happen in real life). Watching nostalgic Christmas movies just isn’t the same when you have to cuddle with yourself. Celine and Mariah’s cheery Christmas love songs sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. And New Year’s! That’s a nightmare just waiting to happen. Which party (or parties) do you attend? The one with good friends who don’t judge (to your face) that you don’t have a date, or the ones with a million people you don’t know in the hopes that maybe someone worthwhile is there. Do you let some random guy kiss you at mid-night just cuz you hate how pathetic it is to count down to nothing? (And maybe it’s been a month…or several, since you last kissed someone.) Or do you stick with the idea that kissing is only fun if it’s kissing someone you like, and end up just looking and feeling pathetic when that ball drops? Listen, I’m a fan of the holidays. I look forward to them all year. But I know I’d look a lot more forward to them if I wasn’t staring down the black hole that is “party for one” when December finally came. Then again, you definitely can’t start dating someone during the holidays. Every event adds pressure to an already un-established and confused almost-relationship. Can you invite the guy to a work party? Maybe you’re just doing it cuz you don’t want to go alone, but he might think you’re trying to make a statement and show off your boyfriend. And maybe he doesn’t want to be your boyfriend…yet? And don’t even think about family parties. No, if you actually like the guy-you’re mostly going to have to ignore any holiday festivity and act like you don’t know what a Christmas party is. Presents are even more difficult. Do you get him one big thing? One small thing? Maybe just make cookies? How much thought can you put into a gift for a guy you’ve only gone out with for a couple weeks? What if you get him two small things, and one medium thing and he only gets you one small thing? Or worse: nothing? Any other time of the year, you’re allowed to take your time figuring out if you like the guy well-enough to bring him around to events, or if it’s just fun for a few dates. But the holidays take the fragile would-be relationship and shatter into a million pieces sending the guy, that may have been a good boyfriend any other time of the year, running in any direction that doesn’t lead to you. So, what’s the solution? Stay home and eat all the seasonal candy in sight and drink gallons of Stephen’s hot cocoa so that when January 2nd comes around, your skinny jeans don’t fit, your face is a mess and any guy that may have liked you in November is long gone. Bring on 2011! Barbara is a native of Provo, Utah aka The Hurry-Up-And-Get-Married-Before-You’reBranded-An-Old-Maid capitol of the world. She has over 8 years professional experience as a “young” single adult and has lived through all the exciting, horrendous, embarrassing, unusual and cliché things a relationship has to offer. When she’s not busy being 100% single, she enjoys dealing with mentally unstable roommates, vainly avoiding chocolate, and sending her nieces and nephews back to their parents when they get tired and cranky. You can read Barbara’s blog at: barbalootsuit.blogspot.com

l a i t essen

we now present: O u r l i s t o f

ABSOLUTELY

HOLIDAY TREATS by, Michelle Laird

Instead of spotlighting just one blog this month we have collected our favorite yummy recipes for you to try out. Whether it’s for your Holiday Party or Christmas Breakfast, you’re sure to love these essential holiday treats! A few of these recipes are family traditions that are a must have in my household, but I always have to add a few new ones every year. Anything with chocolate, or peppermint, or chocolate (did I mention chocolate?) seems to make the holiday season even sweeter. We also have The Barrel’s creation recipe, the Magic Bar Cheesecake! You really have to try if you are a cheesecake lover!

Eat, Enjoy, Over indulge, and Go Back for Seconds! This is the only time of year you can get away with it! (Besides you are just giving yourself a few extra pounds to put on your New Year’s Resolution list. It’s a good thing...)

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL 2 (8 oz.) pkg. Philadelphia cream cheese 1/2 c. chopped green pepper 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, well drained

this recipe can be found at: www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,174,150166-231193,00.html

Let the cream cheese soften. Mix cream cheese, green pepper, pineapple, onions and seasoned salt. Stir well. Mold the mixture into a big ball or two smaller balls (this will get your hands messy, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth it). Roll the ball(s) in almonds, then place them on a platter or decorative plate. Chill until served.

2 tbsp. finely chopped onion 3/4 tbsp. seasoned salt 1 c. slivered almonds

I ALWAYS make a pineapple cheese ball during the Christmas holidays! It is a must have. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because I grew up with my Mom making this every year as well. This is a classic cheese ball recipe and goes well with any type of cracker. It is a great for your holiday parties this year!

MAGIC BAR CHEESECAKE - The Barrelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creation Ingredients for Crust: 1/2 Cup Vanilla Wafer Cookies crumbs 4 TBS Melted Butter 2 cups of milk Chocolate Chips 1 (14oz can) Sweetened Condensed Milk 3/4 cup Coconut Ingredients for Cheesecake: 4 (8 oz.) packages of Cream Cheese softened 1 cup sugar 1 tsp Vanilla 2 eggs 3 egg whites 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup coconut

recipe by Michelle Laird

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 60 minutes Preheat oven to 325 F. Crust: Lightly grease bottom of 9â&#x20AC;? springform pan. Sprinkle Vanilla Wafer crumbs and spread out on the bottom of pan. Drizzle melted butter over crumbs. Spread chocolate chips in a layer over the crumbs and butter. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate chips. Then spread Coconut in a layer on top of the Sweetened Condensed Milk. Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add eggs and egg whites one at a time mixing at a low speed. Blend until smooth. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Sprinkle Chocolate Chips over the top. Top it off with a layer of coconut. Bake for 60 minutes. Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

PUMPKIN BREAD 3 cups white sugar 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground allspice 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup raisins 1 cup vegetable oil

recipe by Denise LaPonsie from all recipes.com

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour three 7 x 3 inch loaf pans. Mix oil, sugar, and eggs together in a large bowl. Mix in pumpkin puree and water. Stir together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Add to the pumpkin mixture, and mix until just combined. Stir in nuts and raisins. Divide batter into prepared pans. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on wire racks. We added chocolate chips to our bread (everything is always a little better with chocolate). You can find this recipe and nutritional information on the All Recipes website here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Holiday-Pumpkin-Bread/Detail.aspx

SNOWFLAKE TORTILLAS 6 flour tortillas Canola or vegetable oil for baking Confectionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sugar Edible glitter (optional)

recipe from Vanessa at www.domesticdame.com

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. If the tortillas are hard warm the tortillas (about 15 seconds) in the microwave. Individually fold the tortillas in half once and then in half again, so that you end up with a shape that resembles a wedge of pie (it will be thick). Using clean scissors, cut triangle, circles, or squares out of the edges, as if you were making paper snowflakes. Unfold the tortillas. Lightly brush the tops of the snowflakes with canola or vegetable oil and place them on a cookie sheet slightly apart. Bake them until lightly browned and crisp (about 4 minutes). Sift confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar on the snowflakes while warm. For an extra sparkly effect, you can sprinkle on a bit of edible glitter. Variation: I have also made these using butter, cinnamon and sugar and they are equally as delicious.

12 23

STICKY BUNS

recipe by Marbalet from all recipes.com

2 (.25 ounce) packages dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F) 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature 2 eggs 5 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup raisins (optional)

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Combine the yeast mixture with the buttermilk, eggs, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Dough should remain soft and slightly sticky. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 12â&#x20AC;?x7â&#x20AC;? rectangle. Spread each half with 1 tablespoon softened butter and sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll up halves, beginning at wide side. Seal well by pinching the seams. Cut each roll into 12 slices. Coat two 9 inch round cake pans each with 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons raisins. Place 12 dough slices in each pan, leaving a small space between slices. Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You can find details and nutritional information about this recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sticky-Buns/Detail.aspx

PEPPERMINT ICE

recipe from Vanessa at www.domesticdame.com

10 ounces white candy coating, coarsely chopped

In a microwave, melt candy coating at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave an additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

3-4 crushed candycanes 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Stir in the candies, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread onto waxed paper to cool completely. Break into small pieces; store in an airtight container. Yield: 10 ounces.

2 drops red food coloring

Look for more great recipes from Vanessa the Domestic Dame in our January issue!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The holidays bring back memories of being a little girl and baking cookies and painting ornaments with my mother. Every year I like to relive those memories by making gift bags for our family. I have included these treats the last 3 years (provided that they last that long!) and they have been a wonderful addition and are very well liked by our family.â&#x20AC;? -Vanessa a.k.a. The Domestic Dame

‘Tis the season to “Have The Talk” with your kids. h t t p : / / w w w. i v i l l a g e . c o m / t h e t a l k ? r e f = b a r r e l b l o g r e v

Kids love Kabongo because it’s fun and challenging. But you’ll love it too, because unlike other games aimed at kids 4-7, it doesn’t just entertain them or keep them quiet – it helps them become better readers and thinkers at the same time. http://www.kabongo.com/?utm_source=barrel&utm_medium=onlinemag&utm_campaign=barrel

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Would you like to have your blog listed in next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Give Away section? Email: melissabastow@hotmail.com for details.

Abby’s Fab Five

Fashion Finds for the Ever y Day

Heavens knows my Christmas list is about a mile long and includes a fabulous selection of purses, shoes, and skin care products. As shameful as it is, I also have a pre-Christmas list: the hot items I need (ok, want) for all of the upcoming holiday festivities. I will probably have treated myself to most, if not all, of my list by the time anyone even reads this. Really, though, if I’m going to endure months of sleet, snow, and ice, I deserve a little pampering. So do you. Go ahead, enjoy your December celebrations in style. 1. A Sexy Statement Boot- We’ve all got the basic black or brown boots. Why not step outside of the norm and go for a pair of statement boots? Something in a fun color or with unique embellishments will add some spice to your winter wardrobe. I will personally be going for a gorgeous pair of gray ankle (I’m petite so I can’t wear anything higher) boots. 2. Dark Nail Polish- I’ve put the pinks and lavenders away and am getting ready for the darker shades of winter. Not up for solid black? Try gray or a sparkly navy, burgundy, or chocolate brown. These dark colors will keep you looking hip all winter long.

3. A pair (or several) of skinny cords. I’m loving these and seeing them everywhere. They are the perfect option during a season that can make any girl tired of wearing jeans day in and out. How fabulous would a pair in mustard yellow or teal be with the countless black sweaters in my closet? So fabulous.

4. Fun tights and leggings- Forget hosiery and pantyhose (ewww… who would want to wear something with such a gross name?) and bring out the tights/leggings. Use a pair of colored, patterned, or textured tights with skirts/dresses to keep your legs warm (and cute) all winter long. 5. Lip Stain- My mother never left the house without lipstick on. I don’t leave the house without lip stain on. I feel naked if my lips are colorless but I don’t have the time to reapply every hour. I’m so obsessed with lip stain, especially now that I’m a mom. Try L’Oreal Outlast and I promise you that no amount of kissing (whether you are smooching your baby’s chubby cheeks or you are under the mistletoe with your sweetie) will make it fade. Abby Lomento loves pretty things, musicals, yoga, and cooking. She is a happy and hopeful vegetarian mom of one beautiful baby girl and one spunky little shih tzu. You can read more about her at: http://beautyaisleaddict.blogspot.com

crochet THAT

he mini Christmas dino that could. pattern created by Melissa Bastow

Don’t let this project intimidate you - you can do it! It takes minimal supplies, is quick to make and fits nicely in a stocking. SUPPLIES:

Medium Weight Yarn • I Hook • Small Circles of Felt 2 Buttons • Needle and Thread • Polyfill (not much)

F O R T H E B O D Y:

•CH2 •2 SC in the front of the first stitch, then 2 SC in the back of the same stitch. •2 SC in each of the next 3 stitches (total of 6 stitches). This is what your body should look like. •1 SC in next •2 SC in each of next 3 •1 SC in each of next 2 •3 SC in next •1 SC in each of next 3 •2 SC in each of next 5 •1 SC in next 82 (After this you should be a few rows underneath where you put 2 SC in 5 stitches,. If you’re not This is what your legs should look like. in the right spot SC until you get there.) •Take 2 stitches into the next SC, then take 3 stitches in the next SC and then take another 2 stitches into the next SC (total of 3 stitches). •1 SC in next 10 (just go Zoom in & see the stitches to pull the neck. around the head once until you’re back under the nose) •Take 3 stitches into the next SC, then do one more “take 3” for the next stitch •1 SC in each of next 33 •2 SC in each of next 3 •1 SC in next 9 (once around until you’re directly under the last set of added stitches) •2 SC in each of next 6 •1 SC in each of the next 86 •Take 2 stitches in the next SC - do this a total of 3 stitches •1 SC in each of next 12 (Just go around once to be directly underneath where you were taking stitches before - - if you’re in the wrong spot your dinosaur will be formed wonky.) •Take 2 stitches in the next SC - do this a total of 3 stitches

•1 SC in each of next 9 (around once) •Take 2 stitches in the next SC - do this a total of 3 stitches •1 SC in each of next 16 •Take 3 into the next SC •1 SC in each of next 15 •Stuff the head, then body (stuff tight) stuff to the tail •1 SC in each of next 16 •Take 2 stitches in the next SC - do this a total of 3 stitches •Finish off the yarn, stuff the rest of the tail, then feed the yarn end through the opening and pull it tight. Tie if off and pull the yarn end into the body.

FOR THE LEGS:

•Leave a long yarn tail and CH 7 (start SC in the beginning of the chain to make a loop) •3 rows of SC (make sure there are 7 SC’s in each row) •Take 2 stitches in the next SC - do this a total of 3 stitches •Finish off the yarn, feed the yarn end through the small opening at the end and pull it tight. Tie it off and pull the excess yarn into the inside of the leg. •Make 4 legs, stuff with the same amount of polyfill •”Sew” the legs onto the body using the yarn tail you left when you started each leg.

T H E F I N I S H I N G TO U C H E S:

•The neck needs to be pulled so your dino isn’t tipsy. “Sew” a few stitches up on the neck to a few stitches up on the body pull tight, tie off and pull the yarn ends into the body. •Sew flannel spots onto the back. •Sew on button eyes, and add a ribbon if you like.

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Contact Melissa for prices and details: melissabastow@hotmail.com We even offer design services if you need them. I mean, just look at THIS ad! Clearly thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no lack in our designing skills.

www.scriptures4kids.com 30

Christmas Around the World I know how we celebrate at my house, but what about ever yone else? b y, M e l i s s a B a s t o w

Christmas traditions make the season memorable. When I was growing up we always celebrated with matching PJ’s and one of those big tins full of cheddar popcorn. But what about the rest of the world? Here is what some of my favorite international bloggers had to say about Christmas traditions in the countries they live. I hope you find it as interesting as I do! Lisa says:

POLAND

In Poland Christmas is called Boże Narodzenie, which means God’s Nativity/birth. People celebrate mostly on Christmas Eve with a 12 course meal (or rather 12 dishes served). In the past it was “fast” day (the Catholic church changed this a few years ago -- Poland is 95% Catholic -- more than Italy or any other country in Europe) so there was no meat and many of the courses were fish: fried, pickled, in salads etc., pierogi, borscht, delicious cabbage dishes etc. An intense(ly disgusting) poppyseed cake is the most traditional cake served at Christmas. A small amount of hay is placed under the table cloth to represent the manger. One extra place is always set and left empty in case a stranger should wander by and be in need of a meal and place to spend Christmas Eve. As in Catholic tradition, many people in Poland attend midnight mass and they say that at midnight all animals can speak (presumably to declare Christ’s birth?) Santa Claus day is December 6th and this is when Santa brings gifts to children. I do not know why. Of course most kids also get gifts on Christmas (or Christmas Eve). My favorite tradition is the wafer. Before the Christmas Eve feast each member of the family holds a wafer, which is usually embossed with a Christmas scene. Each member of the family goes to the others in turn. They break off a piece of the other person’s wafer and exchange Christmas wishes. These are heartfelt wishes for the individual. It is also a time when any arguments or feuds can and should be apologized for and forgiven. In our home we mostly do things the American way: we have stockings waiting in the morning and exchange gifts with each other then (although Santa doesn’t bring presents, he just fills stockings) We celebrate the Polish way with my inlaws.

Lisa from lawayfromitall.blogspot.com lives in Mielec Poland with her husband and 4 children. Lisa is originally from the U.S. (and one of my very favorite blogging friends).

COSTA RICA

In Costa Rica Christmas is called Navidad and Feliz Navidad is Merry Christmas in Spanish.

Since we obviously do not celebrate Thanksgiving, or even for that matter Halloween, we just skip right into Christmas around September. That would be when the decorations hit the stores. If you are like me and you wait until too long and end up with a really ugly little white tree and hideous decorations. (By now though we are going on our fifth Christmas here with the pathetic little tree and it is actually yellow now. Try decorating around that.)

The real celebration of Christmas is actually Christmas Eve here. In fact all the stores are closed from about noon on Christmas Eve and open on Christmas day. The places that sell alcohol are all closed and taped with yellow tape on Christmas Eve (as well as Easter and any other Holy days according to Catholicism). But boy do they load up before this! You see here in Costa Rica Christmas is the party it was meant to be! They have fireworks and tons of food. Oh the food. The tradition we could not ever live without is tamales. In fact, my son-in-law traded their pet rabbit for a bag of tamales! That is how strong the urge for tamales can get this time of year here. We also have tons of sweets, tres leche cake as well as candy. Every Christmas party, which would be one every night for a couple of months includes a pinata. Actually two since there is one for the adults and one for the kids, so the adults donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kill the kids, I mean they go ape over candy. The biggest tradition we have developed while being in Costa Rica is to just sit back and enjoy the show! We enjoy all the food people bring over and take them gringo cookies like cowboy cookies and chocolate chip, they love them.

The very best part of celebrating Christmas here is the fact the average temperature is 80. So we have just come out of wet season and are entering into summer yeah! The kids get out of school for summer vacation in two weeks. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go back until Feb. So if you want to go to the beach for Christmas better get there early and mark your spot, because you will be towel to towel. I guess the best way to describe Christmas in Costa Rica would be think summer vacation, fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all rolled into one huge three month party. It is great! from Roblynn

Roblynn from hotmomsrus.blogspot.com lives in Costa Rica with her husband and 3 of her 7 children. Roblynn owns and runs a massaging school, and loves to train for marathons and triathalons.

A Brazilian bank at Christmas time. Photo courtesy of That Girl.

33 22

CHRISTMAS in BRAZIL

That Girl says:

In Portuguese, Christmas is “Natal.” As an adjective, it means birth. (Much like prenatal?) But used in the proper sense, it’s Christmas.

December is literally one of the hottest months in Brazil. Many people go to the beach to celebrate Christmas. They have barbecues and lots of outdoor parties. (Very different from the States.) They also don’t have too many pine trees in Brazil, so they usually end up decorating what I called a Christmas shrub. Full and leafy they are not. They do use lots of lights and stars, but not many ornaments. Probably because the shrub would topple over.

Christmas is a HUGE deal in Brazil - they decorate their whole houses. Stores and banks go crazy. Kids take pictures with Santa Claus and hang stockings just like we do - usually around the TV or window, since there aren’t too many fire places there.

Most Brazilians stay up very late on Christmas Eve and have a feast at midnight, after which they open presents. Then they party. And Brazilian parties are very loud, very fun, and very crowded. With DANCING. Ain’t no party like a Brazilian party. The actual Christmas day is generally spent sleeping.

Brazilians actually eat turkey on Christmas. (Something I found frustrating, since I could never find one on Thanksgiving.) They eat it with potatoes, tons of fresh fruits, salads, and of course beans and rice. (Duh.) Another standard Christmas goodie is the Panettone cakes - so delicious!

My favorite family traditions is going on a “Christmas Spirit Hunt.” On a pre-selected night, my family would quite literally crash someone’s home, looking for signs of Christmas spirit - like lights, presents, a wreath, candles, etc. We always made it impossible to get every one. We would then inform them that, sadly, they did not have enough points for the Christmas Spirit award. But if they sang us a carol, they’d barely squeak by! Upon singing, we’d present them with a certificate and a plate of cookies. Such fun! I also love our family tradition on how we do gifts. Each of the children gets three storebought presents, and a combined Santa gift. Other than that, everything else is homemade (including what they give to each other.) For our extended family, we draw names to buy for one and make for one. It has really strengthened our love for each other - not to mention our creativity.

The best part about Christmas in Brazil is going swimming Christmas morning! But all joking aside, it was the people that made Brazil such an amazing experience - no matter what time of year it was.

That Girl from pensievity.blogspot.com lives in Arizona with her husband and 4 boys. Her family lived in Brazil for 5 years. You can read about her Brazilian life at themisplacedamericans.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS in SCOTLAND

Claire says:

In Scotland Christmas is called: Christmas, Xmas, Crimbo, or, “Chrussmuss”. Personally, I call it the Nightmare that IS Christmas. Sure, I like the real meaning of Christmas. But everything else? Grr. There’s something about Mariah Carey’s rendition of ‘All I want For Christmas’ that makes me want to grab the mistletoe branch from the overzealous teenager and stab it in my eye. Not that this is really different from the rest of the year, but Scottish folk do love a good drink at Christmas time. It’s a tradition of sorts. It’s embracing what people like to do best, but they get to wear party hats and sing holiday themed songs while doing it. For those of us that don’t drink (therefore denying our nation’s favourite past time) Christmas is about the same here as everywhere else, I should imagine. People put up trees, decorate them with gaudy tinsel and baubles and eat the foil covered chocolate decorations 2 days after they were attached to the plastic branches. There usually isn’t any snow on Christmas Day. Everyone hopes for that magical White Christmas that Bing sang about, but it always seems to elude us. (I’m glad, cos one snow flurry brings traffic to a standstill. And I’ve got to get my mum’s house for dinner!!) Instead, we’ll have our usual grey, bleak sky and slight drizzle.. (that looks broody and alluring in the Twilight films, but in real life, it sucks. No pun intended.) A tradition in Britain (not exclusive to Scotland), is to watch the Queen’s speech on the TV at 3pm. This is when she gives her run down of the year’s events and her thoughts about the future. Watching it is like a drill to the head, but it’s tradition! It’s traditional to eat your entire selection box (box of chocolate bars) on Christmas morning. Just to let your stomach know that it’s in for a day of gluttony and richness. Then after all the presents have been opened and everyone’s wearing the obligatory outfits that have been bestowed by well-meaning relatives, it’s time for Christmas dinner. Turkey, glazed ham, roast potatoes, stuffing, cocktail sausages, sprouts, carrots… then some more selection box goodies til pudding (dessert) comes along. Trifle is a traditional dessert for after dinner. Lady fingers soaked in jelly, then tinned fruit on top, then custard, then cream with a few chocolate shavings on top. (Think of the episode of Friends when Rachel tried to make the trifle? Yeah – that. But without the beef.) Followed by some After Eight chocolate mints. Yuuummmmmm….. Having said all of that, I do have extended family that has a tradition of dialling in Indian food for Christmas dinner. I kid you not. Mmmm… chicken tikka…

Claire from thetribeofcampbell.blogspot.com lives in Glasgow with her husband and 3 girls. Claire has a crush on Micheal Bolton, makes me laugh like crazy and has astounding hair.

Photo courtesy of Claire.

One other tradition that my family has, is that my Dad dresses up as Santa for the grandkids. They are totally taken with it and just can’t believe their eyes. He doesn’t even make any attempt to change his voice or accent and the kids still believe it is the real Santa. Ok – so this is the one time I get the spirit of Christmas. I always get choked up when I see how excited the kids get when they see him with his sack full of (mum’s recycled school) gifts. There is something wonderful about being young and innocent and full of faith and without cynicism. I guess I’ll need to appreciate that while they’re young! I love that most of the time it doesn’t snow, so we can get places without too much effort. Seriously – the country grinds to a halt if there’s even so much as an inch of snow. This allows you to get to the sales on Boxing Day, when you can see the kind of fights that I thought only existed on the set of Jerry Springer. 50% off twin set cardigans will do this to even the sanest of people. I love that in the middle of Glasgow, there is an illuminated Christmas Nativity scene. It’s beautiful. I also find it interesting that one year, some local hooligans stole baby Jesus. In Scotland, if it’s not screwed to the floor, it’ll get swiped. But I do love that there is a display of the manger scene. I need this reminder of what the real Christmas is about. It’s THIS Christmas that I love. I’m glad that among all the twinkling lights and the busy city centre, the nativity scene has survived the commercialism and quietly offers the reminder of the Saviour and the importance and impact of His birth.

Photo courtesy of Claire.

What better season to get organized and give the gift of TIME? What is VolunteerSpot? VolunteerSpot is a fantastic tool that lets anyone coordinate volunteers, and it’s great for parents to get more involved in all the groups their children already participate in! We all know it takes an army of parents to give our kids rich experiences at school, sports and church. Before grabbing that clipboard signup sheet or considering the “reply-all” button on your email, make life simpler for both the volunteers and the organizer by suggesting they first check out VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot.Com/?barrell). In one easy-to-use online coordination tool you’ll save the sanity of all the people involved, and feel good doing good this holiday season! VolunteerSpot’s free online signup sheets can be used for organizing anything – classroom readers and helpers, snack schedules, charity fun-runs, tournaments, community potlucks, holiday parties, Giving Trees, carnival fundraisers and more. Once signed up (with just a few clicks), parents receive automated email confirmation and reminder messages helping everyone keep their commitments. The VolunteerSpot team is passionate about increasing parent participation in schools by making it easier to ask for help, and even easier to sign up to help. “Recently I came home to more than 50 reply-all emails in my inbox after a request for help to prepare a teacher appreciation luncheon during parent-teacher conferences. Wow, there must be a better way, I thought!” — Carissa Rogers PTO Vice President Using VolunteerSpot’s easy online signup sheets and planning calendar does just that! Eliminate those pesky reply-all nightmares and stress about who’s bringing what and give it a try today for your kid’s class Christmas party, your team’s snack schedule, or church toy drive and community pantry!

Join Volunteer Spot TODAY by clicking on the link:

Easy, affordable Teacher Gift Baskets that are sure to WOW! All you moms out there, it’s time to start thinking about putting together a group gift for the person in your child’s life second in influence only to you! Teachers work tirelessly and give their time, talents and often their own money in service to our kids. This year, use VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot. Com/?barrell) to organize a fabulous gift basket for your favorite teacher. We’ve compiled a list of creative ideas and themes, choose one and create a free online signup sheet on VolunteerSpot. Invite your class parents to participate and each donate one item that fits the theme. One click and your group teacher gift is organized in a snap!

• Winter Break Basket: Ask parents to contribute small items to make your teacher’s holiday special with her own family. (e.g. movie tickets, video game rental cards, discounts for local holiday productions, craft kits, restaurant gift cards, gently used books and DVDs).

• Day on the Town: Starting with morning coffee or breakfast and ending with a movie or dinner, ask parents to share discounts or gift cards for a day out in your town. Include stops at places such as a book store, nail salon, and even a zoo, museum or other attraction.

• Keep Cozy Basket: Warm hats and scarves, boxes of tea, packets of cocoa, coffee cards and small snacks. Include gently used books and DVDs for a cold winter’s afternoon.

• Flu Fighter Basket:

Include tissues, table wipes and hand sanitizer. Adding a hand-knit cap or scarf and a few magazines makes this basket fun and practical.

• Pampering Package:

Collect a set dollar amount from each parent to purchase a larger day spa gift certificate, a shopping card for her favorite department store or fresh market, or to pay fees for your teacher’s hobby be it yoga, pottery, golf, sewing or rock climbing.

• School Supplies Basket: Restock the classroom mid-year with glue sticks, tape, sticky notes, dry-erase markers and coupons and gift certificates for office supplies.

• Class Rewards Basket:

Gather colorful pencils, stickers and small prizes for the teacher to share with the class. Include a coffee gift card or movie tickets for your teacher’s special reward.

TIP: Instead of an actual basket, use a colorful plastic tote that your teacher can reuse for carrying supplies to/from her classroom.

http://www.volunteerspot.com/?barrell

esigns Blog D OF THE MONTH

Instead of specific blog designs, we want to share some of our favorite FREE blog backgrounds and headers - all Christmas themed, of course!

Winter in Red Blog Designer: Leelou Blogs

Where to find it: http://leelou-freelayouts.blogspot. com/2007/08/winter-in-red-3-col.html

You can find other great free Leelou backgrounds, headers & blog layouts at: www.leeloublogs.blogspot.com

Shabby Christmas Blog Designer: Shabby Blogs

Where to find it: http://shabbyblogs.com/extra.htm

You can find other great free backgrounds and headers, and put together your own combinations at: shabby blogs.c om

O r n a m e n t s

http://simplychicblogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/ christmas-backgrounds-are-here.html

Little Green Dots

h t t p : / / w w w . b a c k g r o u n d f a i r y. c o m / 2 0 0 8 / 1 2 / d i s t r e s s e d - d o t s - g r e e n - r e d . h t m l

You can find other great (free) backgrounds and headers at these sites:

Simply Chic Blogs

http://simplychicblogs.blogspot.com

The Background Fairy

h t t p : / / w w w. b a c k g r o u n d f a i r y. c o m

Hot Bliggity Blog

h o t b l i g g i t y b l o g . c o m

Polka Dots & Canes

Adori Graphics

w w w . a d o r i g r a p h i c s . c o m

h t t p: / / h o t b l i g g i t y b l o g. c o m / b a c k g r o u n d s. p h p ? q u er ystring=Christmas&limit=15&searchtag=true

H E A D E R

Holiday Gifts

h t t p : / / w w w. a d o r i g r a p h i c s . c o m / search/label/christmas%20freebie

H E A D E R

HO HO HO this is one of our own designs and you can find it on Melissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog here:

http://becauseireallycantgetenoughofm y s e l f. b l o g s p o t. c o m / 2 0 1 0 / 1 1 / h e r e s free-christmas-header-if-you-want.html

the Christmas Card dilemma cost versus quality b y, M e l i s s a B a s t o w

You may have already sent your Christmas cards this year, but let’s just assume you’re like me and are just starting to have thoughts of sugar plums and photo cards dance in your head; accompanied with the usual questions: Where should I get them? How much should I spend? Is there a better deal somewhere? Here is my pros and cons list when it comes to cost and quality.

tinyprints.com

shutterfly.com pro: adorable designs in adorable sizes con: great quality but it shows in the price

pro: cutest card designs EVER con: it costs to be cute and high quality

vistaprint.com pro: best price and easily customized con: the quality isn’t very awesome

walmart.com pro: good price & they have photo tags! con: a bit lower quality & not as adorable One thing I always keep in mind when picking out our Christmas cards is that most people keep them for only a few weeks and then they end up in the trash. So cheaper is usually better. But I also have a hard time passing up all the fabulous designs at the higher priced sites. So basically it boils down to this: GOOD LUCK CHOOSING!

winkflash.com pro: really great prices and fast deliver y con: lower quality, not as many cute designs

. . f o s e iv h c r a e h t m o r f • http://temporaryinsanitybykym.com

Letters from Kim-#4 December

18,

2009

Dear Garage, It was particularly spiteful of you to clip the side view mirror like that yesterday. Just because I invade you on a daily basis and briefly fill you with noxious fumes is no reason to get nasty! I tattled on you but Neil has refused my request to have you hazed to the ground. Apparently I overestimated the power of my womanly wiles. He claims to believe it was my fault, but I know the truth. It’s all about the deep masculine bond between a man and his garage, isn’t it? I am so on to you. He’s mine, you foul construction! With plans to humiliate you with pink paint in the spring, One of your owners (Yeah, I own you!). p.s. It’s not like I really need that mirror anyway. The car has two. It’s like how the human body has a spare kidney just in case, right? Dear Christmas Card Recipients, I forgot to write a Christmas letter. And before you forgive me on account of my having a new baby and all, let’s just be clear on the fact that my absentmindedness mingled with procrastinatory tendencies was long established before I entered the fuzzy-brained world of motherhood. Love, She Who Conveniently Forgets to do Things She Didn’t Want to Make Time for Anyway p.s. It probably would’ve been boring. p.p.s. Maybe I’ll email you one. p.p.p.s. Or post it on my blog so it’s your fault if you didn’t get it. Dear Clinic Staff, You’re all fabulous and we appreciate you hugely. This, I believe, is the reasoning behind hosting a Staff Christmas Party for you. The reason it is being held in our home? Because your boss, my husband, is a sweet well meaning sort of guy who nonetheless seems to thrive on taxing the mental stability of his wife. Please know that my respect and gratitude are in no way reflected by the cleanliness of my home. Apologetically, The Boss’ Wife p.s. Don’t look under the sink p.p.s. Or the couch. p.p.p.s. Or under anything, really.

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POTTY TALK embarrassment served in a porcelain bowl

Christmas and bathrooms - they go together, right? This is a personal experience, & you can read more about my bathroom horrors here:

becauseireallycantgetenoughofmyself.blogspot.com It was my very first pregnant Christmas (four pregnant Christmas’ later I realize what a rookie I was that year). I don’t do pregnancy well. If you consider “well” meaning without complaining puking or looking like someone inflated one of those oversized beach balls around my middle (and another one around my butt). We were at a Christmas party at a friend’s house one evening playing Scrabble and watching “A Christmas Story” for the billionth time. I was in the pregnancy stage of frequent peeing, so I claimed a chair nearest the bathroom. I was on about my tenth trip to the loo. Things went normally and I was washing my hands, but they only had a bar of soap to use. I hate those things, they’re too slippery. I had managed it 9 times before, surely tempting fate. So it wasn’t surprising when it slipped out of my hands, onto the floor, and slid behind the toilet. I couldn’t just leave it there. (Although I seriously thought about it.) So I managed my best pregnancy squat, tilt and reach. I almost had it, but it just kept slipping farther away from my fingertips. So there was more squatting, tilting and reaching. I almost had it in my grasp when there was a HUGE riiiiiiiiiiip and a sudden free feeling around my ginormous buttocks. The soap was forgotten. Who cares about soap?! I tried to stand up (not quickly, because well, I was hugely pregnant) but clumsiness combined with girth were against me. I fumbled and un-squatted awkwardly. One hand supported my weight on the toilet seat, the other hand reaching for the counter. But I missed. Instead I hit a cute little basket, overturning the contents onto the back of my neck. And inside the cute little basket was an open container of baby powder. OPEN - who leaves these things open?!! Powder went everywhere - mostly on me. I finally got to a standing position and surveyed the damage. The entire butt of my jeans was ripped from elastic waist to crotch. My hair, back and open-butt jeans were white and dusty as well as the toilet, tile, TP roll...(every thing really). I wasn’t getting out of there with my dignity in tact, this I knew. But I wanted to at least decrease the humiliation. I tried to yell for my husband through the bathroom door. But everyone at the party was laughing and playing and couldn’t hear me. So I tried to clean up the powder. Have you ever cleaned up a baby powder mess? There’s just so much I could do with a wad of wetted toilet paper and the extra hand towel I found under the sink. I yelled again. But no one was coming to my aid. So I did what I had to. I wrapped the biggest of the decorative towels around my butt. (Unfortunately it wasn’t that big of a towel - one of the reasons that I hate all decorative towels, they’re so useless.) I swallowed my pride and opened the bathroom door. I tried to breathe normally as I walked down the hall. And then I faced everyone. Covered in powder holding a decorative towel over my rump. Needless to say we left the party as quickly as possible, my husband laughed at me the whole way home and we could never see our friends again without someone cracking a pant splitting, mess making, baby powder joke at my expense. Best Christmas party ever. Also, this never actually happened. Because I like to stretch the truth when the opportunity presents itself. And do you know how hard it is to find a funny bathroom story that also incorporates Christmas? I googled it, but ended up with some sketchy, scary results. So I made a story up. Yes, I’m a liar, not that this couldn’t have really happened, since it sounds like something I’d do.

If you have a funny (G-Rated) bathroom story you would like to share, email me: melissabastow@hotmail.com