Christmas is right around the corner which means that millions of littles around the world will soon expect the big man in red to leave presents under their Christmas tree. Sometimes Santa has a tight budget at the North Pole and there just isn't any room in the budget for those gifts. If you're reading this post, I'd be willing to bet you can sympathize with the big man. If you are facing a Christmas where there is no money for Christmas gifts, try not to stress too much. These things to do when there is no money for Christmas gifts will give you a good start at fixing your gifting problem. 8 Things to Do When There is No Money for Christmas Gifts What is the 4 gift rule? To prevent going crazy for Christmas many families including ours has started the 4 gift rule. … [Read more...]
23 of The Best Candy Cane and Peppermint Recipes
One of my favorite things about the Holidays is Candy Canes. I love that they show up in just about ANYTHING! This roundup proves it! Donuts, ice cream, cookies, popcorn, hot chocolate, brownies and more!! YUM!! These are some of the best peppermint recipes you can find, and trust me you will love them. 23 of the Best Candy Cane and Peppermint Recipes York Peppermint Patty Creamer - I love this stuff better than the store bought! Candy Cane Cookies - Perfect for the kids to do! Copycat Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe - This one is the kids favorite when we go out to look at Christmas lights. Peppermint Brownies - Peppermint and Chocolate you can't go wrong. Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe - Because everyone needs a good peppermint cookie recipe. White … [Read more...]
The Night Before The Night Before Christmas Book Mini Lesson Plan
In The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Book, author Natasha Wing writes a charming and hilarious story that mimics the original and loved version of the Night Before Christmas. In this book, it is the night before the night before Christmas, and everything that can go wrong has. But even so, this family finds a way to enjoy the holiday and find the spirit of Christmas. This holiday, make reading this book part of your night before, the night before Christmas tradition and then enjoy some of these great enrichment activities to follow! The Night Before The Night Before Christmas Enrichment Activities 1. Laugh Out Loud. Read through the text and use a sticky note to mark any pages where you laughed out loud. Go back and revisit these pages when you finish reading the text. … [Read more...]
20 of the Best Christmas Cookie Recipes
With the holidays here. I love making Christmas cookies and each year I like finding new recipes to try out. In the holiday spirit here are 20 great recipes you can try with your family this year. Try one or all! These are the best Christmas cookie recipes I have found! Make sure to get the kiddos involved after all what kid doesn't love Christmas cookies! 20 of the Best Christmas Cookie Recipes I love getting cookies tins and making several recipes and mixing them in the tins to give to friends, family, and neighbors as gifts. Related: Easy and Quick Christmas Cookies … [Read more...]
Rudolph Cookies – Perfect Easy Christmas Cookies
If you are looking for a super fun and easy Christmas cookie recipe that the kids can help you with, this is it! These Rudolph Cookies are easy and yummy and look so darn cute! Rudolph Cookies - Perfect Easy Christmas Cookies If you want to save a bit of time you can use a pre-made sugar cookie dough for the cookie instead of the cookie recipes below. You might have to adjust cooking times. We have done this with a chocolate cookie and used white chocolate chips for eyes as well. Related: The Best Eggnog Cookies Recipe with Eggnog Frosting Ingredients The Cookie 1 stick salted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 and ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cornstarch For the Rudolph Face 72 mini pretzels 72 … [Read more...]
Smart Tips for Holiday Shopping
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Navy Federal Credit Union. All opinions are 100% mine. Shopping for the holidays is amongst us. All of us are looking for ways to save money on everything we need to buy. When it comes to spending money, it’s best to get the best deal possible. Don’t just go out there and pay full price for items. Instead, check out these smart tips for holiday shopping. Create a budget for your spending In my opinion, it’s always best to have a budget in place. My household uses a budget for everything, but especially for the holidays. By creating a budget, you are telling your money where to go. Don’t go crazy on spending According to a kids and money survey, 57% of parents said they spend too much money on items their kids don’t … [Read more...]
Copycat Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe
I had this peppermint white hot chocolate recipe a few years back in Ohio while visiting my husband's grandparents. Since then I have been obsessed with it each year as the weather turn cold. I have tried many variations since but this one always wins out hands down! Copycat Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Recipe As all the pumpkin recipes are on their way out now and my favorite peppermint recipes are here again! I love my peppermint drinks, my peppermint brownies, and my peppermint patty stuffed chocolate cookies. YUM! Now Starbucks used to do a peppermint white hot chocolate recipes (and they still might!) but when I tried this recipe the first time I had no idea it was a copycat version! So if you are missing your Starbucks hot chocolate give this one a try! … [Read more...]
18 Unique Eggnog Drink Recipes
Looking for something special to share with your friends during the holidays? Look no further than these unique eggnog drink recipes! These easy-to-make cocktail recipes are perfect for keeping everyone in high spirits as they celebrate the season. Rich and creamy, eggnog comes in many forms - from a classic version served straight up to delicious variations like adding coffee liqueur or living it up with bourbon whiskey. Start your holiday merriment right by treating your guests to one of these festive drinks! How do I spice up my egg nog? Spicing up egg nog can be a fun and festive way to add something special during the holiday season. Here are some simple ideas that you can use to make your eggnog even more delicious! Related: Easy Eggnog Oatmeal Recipe What are the … [Read more...]
15 Fun Christmas Drinks!
When you throw a party one of the fun things to plan are the drinks! Christmas is such a fun time of the year, wouldn't you agree? I am one of those that love the decor and look of Christmas, so it goes without saying that I love Christmas parties. To go with my parties, I love doing Here are some Fun Christmas Drinks both with alcohol for the adults and without for the kiddos! Also if you are looking for some fun easy kids Christmas crafts, we have you covered. Crafts are a great way to keep kids busy during winter break!! 15 Fun Christmas Drinks! As you are planning your Christmas party make sure to pick a few of these Christmas drinks to add and some great snack like our Rudolph cookies. 1. Peppermint Martinis - I am a huge fan of peppermint! These Peppermint Martinis … [Read more...]
Pine Cone Crafts – Pinecone Christmas Decorations, Easy DIY Glitter Pinecones
Pine cone crafts are one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I remember making this DIY glitter pinecones. I've made it in a few colors depending what our color scheme was over my childhood. Pinecone Christmas decorations are some of the easiest and prettiest you can make. Pine Cone Crafts - Pinecone Christmas Decorations, Easy DIY Glitter Pinecones This can make for some fun for the kids. Take them out to find pine cones for you. Make sure you clean them out with some air before taking them inside, trust me on this one, there is a spider incident that isn't pretty. *shivers* Also while I used red, green and silver glitter, you can use whatever colors match your decor. Blue and silver, for example, are very pretty. Christmas colors. Pair these with the vintage Christmas … [Read more...]