boo!

I love love love Halloween. I have always loved Halloween as a young child. Who doesn't like to dress up, carve pumpkins, roast pumpkin seeds, go trick-or-treating, and of course let't not forget decorating for the spooky day! The decorating has begun in our household, and I am loving every minute of it. We decided to get our feet dirty on this one, the kids loved it, and it was the perfect way to capture their little feet forever. I came across this craft over at Miner Moments and knew I had to do this project with the kids.

Materials

• White canvas
• Black and white acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Black and white ribbon
• Glue gun

This craft is fast, easy, and you only need a few materials.

Paint canvas black. Allow black paint to fully dry.

Little Miss L. and daddy working hard.

Baby D is ready for some paint.

Little Miss L. loved the chance to paint her brother's foot. She couldn't stop giggling when her brother was moving all over the place.

Paint feet with washable paint.

Little Miss L. was not impressed. Mommy, it tickles!

All painted up and ready to go.

Place foot on canvas. Then you end up with these cute ghosts.

Add black paint for eyes and add your caption. Finish it off with decorative ribbon.

The finished product. It adds the perfect touch to the corner in our living room.

still looking for that perfect gift?

With only 2 more weeks of shopping left, many of us are scrambling for the perfect Christmas gift for someone -- or maybe everyone.  If you fall into this category, I would like to share a gift idea for the little ones on your list.

My daughter received a really cute book from her Godmommy for her birthday.  This book lets you record your voice while reading each page.  Then, when the reader turns the page, they hear the recorded voice played back to them.

These books are called recordable storybooks and I think they are a great personalizable present that works at Christmas, for birthdays, or anytime.  Many of them have stories expressing how much the child is missed and/or loved, which is a perfect theme.  You can add your personal touch to the story and record over and over until it is perfect.

Little Miss L. often picks up the book, eagerly flipping the pages to hear her Godmommy, who lives out of town. Once she recognizes Godmommy's voice, it makes her grin from ear to ear.

I recommend this idea to anyone who has to go extended periods without being able to spend time with a loved child. 
Record a Story: Sesame Street, Together at Heart
Record a Story: Guess How Much I Miss You
Record a Story: Guess How Much I Miss You
Record a Story: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

i love bark

I am always on the lookout for child friendly recipes because I love bringing my daughter into the kitchen with me. There is nothing better than watching her little face light up as she experiences a new taste, or seeing the satisfaction that washes over her as she stirs the bowl. We all know how cramped everyone's schedules can get over the holiday season, so I pulled out my no-fuss chocolate bark recipes. They are an incredibly tasty treat, easy to make and ideal for those of you who are busy, busy, busy. For you non-bakers out there, this is the perfect recipe for you! I love candy canes, so there was no question about it-peppermint crunch all the way! On the other hand, my better half  loves nuts and chocolate, so I decided I would make chocolate pecan bark for the hubby. Here's how it all went down in my kitchen...

Peppermint Crunch Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds white chocolate, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces (went to Bulk Barn and bought white chocolate squares)
• 8 squares Bakker's White chocolate (can find at local grocery store)
• 1 1/2 cups round peppermints, crushed up
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil (optional, I opted not to because I like to add more crushed peppermint)

Preparation:

• Line an 11-by-17 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
• Break up peppermint candy into little pieces. I like to pound them in a plastic bag using a hard object.

• Melt chocolate. I usually melt mine using the microwave on medium heat, stir every couple of minutes until chocolate is melted. Stir pieces of peppermint into the melted chocolate, set aside 1/2 cup for the topping.

• Pour mixture onto to cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Spread mixture evenly with spatula or wooden spoon. You can then sprinkle remaining peppermint over the top of mixture.

• Chill for 1 hour or until hardened. Break into pieces, and serve. You can also store in an airtight container in the fridge up to one week. I love the idea of putting the bark in plastic gift bags, and handing the sweet gifts out for the holidays. 

Chocolate Pecan Bark

Ingredients:

• 12 squares Bakker's Semi-Sweet chocolate 
• 12 squares Bakker's White chocolate
• 1 1/2 cups toasted chopped pecans (keep 1/2 cup for topping) 

Preparation:

• Follow above preparation, substituting peppermints for pecans.
• Melt white and semi-sweet chocolate in seperate bowls.
• Pour onto parchment paper, and then swirl with a knife.

 

The finished product, Enjoy!