Do you decorate cookies with your kids over the holiday season? It's one of the things that Miss M absolutely loves to do. It is such a great way for us to spend quality time together, from teaching her how to mix and bake the cookies, to decorating them. I'm showing you how to set up a simple cookie decorating station over at the Nestlé site Simply Celebrate. Disclosure: I was compensated by Nestlé for the creation of content on Simply Celebrate. Continue reading

Doesn't this hot cocoa bar make you want to light a fire, gather the kids and watch a holiday movie? That's exactly what we did. Want to make this at home? I'm over at the Nestlé site Simply Celebrate where I'm sharing all of the details including the DIY stirrers, hot cocoa toppings and a super cute picture of Miss M ... of course. Disclosure: I was compensated by Nestlé for the creation of content on Simply Celebrate. Continue reading

I've shared my turkey recipe before ... well it isn't really 'my' recipe, but one that was passed on to me by a neighbor many years ago. So what do I use for preparing, roasting and serving my turkey? Tools for a perfect turkey by tonyastaab featuring kitchen gadgets & tools Serveware / Roaster W/V-Rack, 12x17 / Fat Separator, 2 Cup W/Stopper / Kitchen gadgets tool / Kitchen gadgets tool / Kitchen gadgets tool / cookware, bakeware, kitchen utensils & cooking utensils| Good Cook / Angled Head Silicone Basting Brush The turkey pop-up timers are my favorite turkey tool and... Continue reading

If you are looking for ways to encourage your children to give to those less fortunate this holiday season, I've put together a few suggestions for you over at Rusty and Rosy. Continue reading

I was recently asked by my friends at Fresh & Easy to host a local holiday party. So I was like: "Hey I'd love to, but could we make it a charity event" And they were like: "That's a great idea, do you know about Project: We See You?" And that sealed the deal. And a few weeks later I hosted the event. And it was a great night. A local friend put me in touch with Bluewater Vacation Homes. After going through their listings I settled on a lovely house in Point Loma to host the event. You must... Continue reading

Do you remember when I took the kids away for a few glorious days over the summer to the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa? No? Let me refresh your memory. Mini Road Trip: San Diego to Palm Springs Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park The Westin Golf Resort & Spa fun for kids Well today I'm sharing how you could win your own Starwood Resorts vacation, as well as fantastic Starwood Resorts Cyber Monday deals. Starwood Resorts is offering savings of up to 20-40% at some of their most luxurious resorts destinations across North and Latin America... Continue reading

Disney Frozen was released in theatres today. Did you see it? The kids and I were invited to an advance screening recently and it was a huge hit with all of us. For the kids I think hands down it was Olaf, the snowman, who 'made the movie'. For me, it was the songs. I just love a good animated musical. The storyline resembles a more classic fairy tale that you can imagine reading to your children for years to come. I can only hope that it is turned into a musical theater production too, it would be a huge... Continue reading

Looking for a practical gift idea this holiday season? This gift idea inspired by Cooking Light magazine is perfect for siblings, best friends and parents. It also makes a great house warming gift. If you are feeling extra generous this holiday season, give it to a low income family who could use a little extra holiday cheer. I don't know about you, but I love using my slow cooker over the winter months. I love the smell of hot food wafting through the house, plus I don't have to prepare a last-minute meal, and we can enjoy hot comfort food... Continue reading

If you are like me and attempting to mix things up a little this year, then take a look at these delicious Thanksgiving side dishes. Don't these side dishes look amazing? I cannot wait to try a few. I tend to do the same dishes each year - homemade cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, peas and corn, gravy, and a herb stuffing. It's time for change. If you are looking for even more ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner, take a look at these links below: Side dishes from Chef Cynthia: Roast Turkey Gravy, Cauliflower Gratin and Roasted Butternut... Continue reading

Let's make handmade ornaments with the kids this holiday season. Baked clay ornaments are easy to make and a great holiday activity for kids. What you need: Oven-bake clay Good Cook Sweet Creations Cookie Cutters - I love these because they have a handle on top Stamps - holiday designs, words, letters Glitter Twine To decorate: you can use anything from paint to Sharpies. I used Inka Gold Metallic Rub and a Krylon Leafing Silver Pen Sculpey Satin Glaze (optional) Use a smooth rolling pin, playdough or fondant roller to roll out the clay to about 5mm thick (a wooden... Continue reading

Disney PLANES is going to be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack & Digital HD on November 19, 2013. You can pre-order your copy now, and then you can get started making these fun Disney PLANES popcorn tubs for family movie night with the kids. You might remember that Flynn and I attended the advance screening of the movie when it came out in theaters, but Marisol had not seen it yet, so she was so excited to finally get a chance. It's such a sweet movie, and I love the message that it sends to kids about having courage, overcoming... Continue reading

I'm over at Rusty and Rosy today sharing an adorable turkey treat that kids will just love during story time. Continue reading

I love personalized gifts. Isn't this transport set adorable? It's from Bright Star Kids. Transport Gifts for Boys by tonyastaab on Polyvore I know a few little boys who would love these adorable personalized tops, as well as a wall of roads, trucks and planes. This would make such a cute holiday gift. If you haven't seen the Bright Star Kids line of personalized clothing for little ones, you need to take a look, especially at the adorable Christmas line. Wouldn't these be perfect for holiday parties and holiday photos. Couldn't you just imagine your little ones in matching personalized... Continue reading

Are you going to Knott's Merry Farm this holiday season? We can't wait ... or should I say 'I' can't wait. The kids don't know we are going yet, it's going to be a surprise and also their first time. If you are planning on going, I have the show guide for you along with information about purchasing season passes for 2014, which make the perfect Christmas gift. KNOTT’S HOLIDAY SHOW GUIDE IT’S CHRISTMAS SNOOPY! - Charles M. Schulz Theatre SANTA’S CHRISTMAS CABIN a. Photos with Santa b. Wine and Craft Beer tasting c. Santa’s Sundae Bar SNOOPY’S TREE LIGHTING... Continue reading

I made these delicious pesto and ricotta stuffed shells with a turkey meat sauce during the week for dinner. Actually, I made a double batch so that we could have it over two nights, served with fresh bread and a kale and brussels sprouts salad on the side. As mentioned above, this recipe makes enough for two nights for a family of 5. I divided the recipe between two baking dishes. Ingredients: 12 oz Jumbo Shells 40 oz Ground turkey 24 oz Homemade pasta sauce 15 oz Ricotta 8 oz Homemade roasted tomato pesto 1 cup Parmesan cheese - grated... Continue reading

Do you have as much leftover Halloween candy as I do? I'm showing you an adorable way to use some of it today over at The Centsible Life with these gluten-free turkey cookies, perfect for Thanksgiving. Continue reading

It was Halloween a few days ago. I've been sick for the past week. I think I may be dying. I'm not really. It just feels that way. I have kidney stones. I've been collected by an ambulance and taken to the emergency room twice in the past 6 days and just yesterday spent even more time there. Some days are better than others and right now seeing as I'm sitting in my office chair and not in my big green recliner it's a good day so far. My point to sharing this is I missed Halloween. I spent the... Continue reading