Weekly Eye Catcher

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Once upon a Holiday - Featured!

My Christmas blog has been featured! Thank you to Nikki for taking an interest in my little blog, I am truly honoured!
Check out her post and otherwise wonderful blog I love the way she blogs!

All I want for Christmas...

is a nephew!
Well I got my wish, my beautiful nephew entered the world right in the middle of a Calgary blizzard! But he's here safely and we couldn't be happier! I will attach some photos to the post in the next couple of weeks!!!

2009 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

As promised here is the 2009 train date...
Friday, December 11, 2009 6:00 - 6:45pm - 9511 Horton Road SW, gravel parking lot on Horton Road behind the Brick and Schanks.
Here is the link to their website!

Banff Holiday Deals!

There is something amazing about Christmas in the Rockies! The crisp frosty air and beautiful mountain scenery, You are almost always guaranteed a snowy day! I came across this wonderful website called Banff Horizons, it features all the travel deals at various hotels.
No matter where you stay though make sure you take a trip up to see the Banff Springs Hotel... talk about magic! It's definitely a sight to see!

Christmas T.V. Specials!

I love these and I think everyone does! I remember as a kid buying the newspaper every Sunday just to have the T.V. guide, then writing all the special for that week on the calendar! Well with technology being what it is those wonderful specials from our childhood are one click away! Check out this daily posting of holiday specials for the Calgary area!

1 month until Christmas!!!

Yeah, today marks one month until the big day!!!
Check back, coming up I am going to give out tips for holiday shopping and wrapping!

Light up Okotoks

I love this "small town event" Come and celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the annual Light Up Okotoks event, held downtown on main street. Featured events include a craft sale, late night shopping, fireworks, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and of course, a visit from Santa. Last year they had a firetruck the kids to look around in and reindeer touring up and down the street. With bonfires on every corner, sleigh Rides and mini doughnuts - it's a perfect night out for the whole family!!!

Sleigh Ride

My very favorite Christmas song!!! Here are the lyrics for you:

Sleigh Ride

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling
and friends are calling "yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
let's go, Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
it's grand, Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song
of a wintry fairy land

Our cheeks are nice and rosy
and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
like two birds of a feather would be
Let's take that road before us
and sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party
at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a of perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
we love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch
the chestnuts pop. pop! pop! pop!

There's a happy feeling
nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee
and the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print
by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
we remember all through our lives!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
ring ting tingling too
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling
and friends are calling "yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.

It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you

Christmas Bedding

Oh I love it... out came our Chrsitmas bedding!
Really it could be used all winter long but I only bring it out during the holiday season; it makes it seem more special!

For our spare room:




For our master bedroom:






I just love these little snowflake pillows

Cookie Swap

My SIL is a genius! Our group of girlfriends are going to do a cookie swap this year - all her idea :)

What is a cookie swap you may ask...
Well basically everyone bakes 1 dozen cookies for each person in attendance. So if there are 6 people attending you need to make 6 dozen (of the same kind of cookie) to exchange. This is a great way to try out new recipes and obtain a variety of cookies for oh I don't know... your Christmas party ;) without having to spend the time preparing each one!

She also found this helpful cookie website - 25 days of Cookies

Holiday Drinks

I found this yummy website full of drink recipes!!!
Their holiday section look especially delicious!

Here is one I thought looked good:

Chocolate whip



4 oz. chocolate milk
2 oz. cold coffee
whipped cream
shaved chocolate

Optional
1 oz. Bailey's
(for an individual cocktail)

Directions:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 4 oz. chocolate milk and 2 oz. cold coffee. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.

Christmas Stamps!

FYI Canada Post has the Christmas stamps out and they're super cute!!!

Also find the Canada Post Holiday schedule Here

Happy Mailing!

Scrooge - It's out!

I'm a little late; it was released on the 6th...

But boy am I excited to see this one! Holiday flick for 2009
A Christmas Carol! I love this story and love Jim Carrey - what more could I ask for...

Homemade Egg Nog

Delicious Nog!

6 Large eggs
3/4 c Sugar
1 1/2 c Brandy
1/2 c Rum
4 c Milk
4 c Cream
1/2 c Icing sugar
Nutmeg to sprinkle

Separate the yolks from the whites of the eggs. Beat the yolks slowly while simultaneously adding the sugar; do this until the mixture is pale and golden. Now slowly add in the brandy and rum, then beat in the milk and half the cream.

Set aside until just before serving, then whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the eggnog mixture. Whip the remaining cream and icing sugar until thick. Top each glass of eggnog with whipped cream and a shake of nutmeg. This yields eight servings.

Enjoy!

Weekly eye catcher!!!

I LOVE this one! From a recent newborn session! I will link over to his post once it's up on Tickled Pink!

Gingerbread Recipe

In light of my recent post about gingerbread houses I thought I would give you a recipe!

Gingerbread Cookies:

1 cup melted lard
1 cup sour milk
1-1/2 tsp baking soda, mixed in milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
6 cups flour
1 cup molasses
1 cup sugar

Mix all together, refrigerate overnight.
Shape and bake at 350 degrees.

Now the glue!

Royal Icing:

1 lbs icing sugar - sifted (4 to 4-1/2 cups)
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Beat until mixture is firm, the more you beat the icing the firmer it will become.

To prevent a crust from forming on the top cover bowl with damp cloth.

Ladies!!!

This is pretty cute, I'm not going to lie! Don't worry it stays PG rated :)
Christmas Cutie

Gingerbread houses!!!

I stumbled across this AMAZING website all about gingerbread houses!
It is truly wonderful, I love all the fun photos and templates. Anything and everything you wanted to know about gingerbread houses & people is wrapped up in this website.

Here are a couple of examples from the site:

Spotted - Kids Nativity Set

This such a cute nativity set for children!!! I so remember when I was young wanting to play with all the pieces but knowing it was not a toy. I think "little people" are on to something here! Let the children play!!!

You can find this awesome Christmas toy/gift at sears!

Holidays on the Hill

So I wanted to give you an update on the Holiday on the Hill store, featured earlier this month here. I went and I saw… and it was wonderful! The store really is huge and beautifully decorated. It is located on 7th Avenue in between 1st and 2nd Street (on the North side, across from The Bay). As soon as I walked up I knew I was in heaven! The windows were so festively decorated; it reminded me of how shops were depicted in old Christmas movies. There was everything in that store to make your Christmas both merry and bright! Everything from stockings, figurines and wreaths to lights, garlands and ornamental towns! Don’t forget the oodles and oodles of ornaments too! With the soft lighting and light music, not to mention very friendly and helpful staff I left the store with a huge smile on my face and a skip in my step!

White Christmas

Some Christmas lyrics for you!!!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
to hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
to hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
with every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
just like the ones I used to know
May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
with every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white

May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white

And may all your Christmases be white (All your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be white (All your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be
(All your Christmases be white)
(All your Christmases be white)

Snowflake Cakes

Totally going off the Snowflake invitations... I think my wonderful neighbour (a.k.a cake baking extraordinaire) and I are going to bake a pretty snowflake cake for my Christmas party!

Googling snowflake cakes; I think I would like a mixture of the following... some how :)

I really like how the snowflakes are popping out on this one:


I like the look of this one... especially the light dusting of rock sugar:


This tiered cake is beautiful!!! Love the look of melting snow:


* These would be beautiful for anyone having a Christmas/ Winter wedding!!!

Snowflake Christmas Party Cards

We are having our 2nd Annual Christmas party this year and I am so excited!!!
I am starting to brainstorm now for this years party... But with it being a little less then 2 months away I definitely need to get the ball rolling!

I tend to think about the invitations first; as they are the first point of contact for your guests.
This year I chose a snowflake themed invitation (which I bought a Michaels!)
I also bought a snowflake paper punch from Martha Stewarts Stationary collection. It was kind of an expensive purchase for invitations but I figured I could use it on all sorts of things; wrapping paper, menus, Christmas cards - the possibilities are endless!

Here are a couple of pictures for you...

Sorry for the absence!

Tickled Pink Photography has been crazy busy lately... But with Christmas just around the corner I am going to have to ramp up the fun & festive posts!

Cute Christmas Decor

I stumbled upon this website geared towards Party planning and decor... Ooh the Christmas stuff was enough to drool over! ShinDigz.com features different decor that you can buy right on the website and it is quick good for some inspiration too!

The following pictures are from their site:

First Snowfall of the Year!

This weeks "Weekly eye catcher" is not a picture but still a sight to see!
October 3, 2009

Marks the first snowfall in Calgary!!! What a beautiful sight to wake up to!!!

*FYI The dates for the past couple of years! Yes, I keep track!!!

2009 - October 3rd
2008 - October 8th
2007 - September 19th

Holidays on the Hill - Calgary Christmas Store

Ooh... fun new store in Calgary! Holidays on the Hill (formerly Ho Ho Ho Inc.) are having their grand opening on October 3rd & 4th from 10 until 6. They are now Canada’s largest Halloween/ Christmas store with over 8000 sq. feet of holiday spirited fare!

At their grand opening they will be serving refreshments and desserts. The store will be packed with opening specials and door prizes. They also have a special if you park at the Bow Parkade on the 3rd or 4th, they will reimburse your parking with any purchase of $50 or more, so make sure you bring your receipt!

Address: 212 – 7th Avenue SW (right on the c-train line)
Phone: 403 263 3030
Email: holidaysonthehill@yahoo.ca

Ornament Wreath

Cute wreath! Apparently it is really easy too! Here is a link to the how to.

The Naughty Stool

With the Supernanny making "The Naughty Stool" such a rage; well you might as well make one to go with your Christmas decor :)

I came across this crazy adorable idea for a naughty chair on DecoArt's website and could not stop laughing... so I just had to share! Here is a link to the step by step how to.

Personalized Stockings

My sister-in-law introduced me to etsy a little while ago; oh my goodness do I ever love it! I came across these beautiful knitted (which I LOVE) stockings which you are able to personalize with you child's name! They would also make a great gift!


Here is a link to their etsy shop TerrapinKnits

Who is Parson Brown?

In the lyrics of Winter Wonderland, I have often wondered who Parson Brown is... So I decided to investigate :)

Well all I could really come up with is Parson Brown is a fictitious name; however, Parson on it's own refers to a 18th or 19th century parish priest. Apparently each town wouldn't have their own priest so the priest would make rounds to marry people.
Interesting!!

Here are the lyrics for your enjoyment!

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight.
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Christmas floral arrangements!

There are so many beautiful floral arrangements out there, my sister-in-law has an up and coming floral boutique and does some really beautiful work! I love seeing everything she comes up with how lovely the bouquets are for each bride. I thought I would post a couple of inspiration pictures for the upcoming holiday season...





* Due to her little one on the way Morgan is currently on maternity leave from floral design, but feel free to take a look around her blog; if you're a flower lover like me you will enjoy it!

Weekly Eye Catcher

I don't know what it is about it... but I do love this photo!

Christmas Sheet Music

Who doesn't love Christmas music played live... I could be biased as I married into a very musical family, but there is nothing like listening to a Christmas carol being played by a piano or guitar! This brings me to my new juicy find... Mfiles, a website that offers free Christmas sheet music!Not only do they offer it but they also give the choice of different formats, keys, and instruments! Now you can fill your home with the sweet sounds of Christmas!

Edmonton's Candycane Lane

*Photo from Candy Cane Lane website

Funny, my mother-in-law was telling me about this not too long ago and I happen to stumble upon it tonight. Edmonton (only about a two and half hour drive from Calgary) has been the host of a wonderful Christmas tradition for over 30 years! Candy Cane Lane featured on 148 Street from 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue in Edmonton's west end boasts approximately 10 city blocks of beautiful Christmas lights and displays. Now these people have some Christmas spirit!!! Check out their great website for more details: Edmonton's Candy Cane Lane

Gingersnaps

I love gingersnaps... *Yummy*


This recipe is from a woman I hold very dear to my heart... my Grandma Faith!
She is a wonderful cook and inspiring woman!!!

Grandma's Gingersnaps
1 1/2 cups butter
2 beaten eggs
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup molasses
2 cups brown sugar
4 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
white sugar for coating

1. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer.
2. Cool for 2 hrs. in fridge
3. Roll into balls, dip in white sugar to coat.
4. Drop balls onto parchment lined cookie sheet, press balls with fork.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350.


*Enjoy!

100 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Can you even believe that!!! ~ just look at the counter!

Weekly Eye Catcher

This photo is from a recent family session. Look at the magic in her eyes!

Ten Thousand Villages

I stumbled upon this store a couple of years ago. It truly is a great find. Ten Thousand Villages is strictly fair trade and helps millions around the world. I could go on and on about how wonderful they are but I think they capture what I want you know best...

From their website:
Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair Trade Organization (FTO). FTOs are non-governmental organizations designed to benefit artisans, not to maximize profits. They market products from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased from sustainable sources.
Men and women around the world have a simple dream – to earn an honest living, provide a home, food and education for their children, and to be gainfully employed in a job that brings dignity and joy. Ten Thousand Villages partners with thousands of talented artisans in a healthy business relationship.

They also have great gifts for the holidays!

Crafty Site!

I love finding interesting blogs to pass along...
Superhotmama's House Has some great DIY crafts for the kids... lot's of fabric crafts too!

Weekly Eye Catcher

Sorry I didn't do one last week...
This weeks is of my HUGE stuffed animal Grinch! I won him when I was younger at my Mom's company's Christmas light tour...
The only time I have ever won anything - therefore, he holds a special place in my heart!

Santa Claus

I love this beautiful art piece, titled Santa's Bounty by artist Peggy Abrams.
I tend to change out my entire house for the holidays, including art on the walls! Christmas pictures are found everywhere... so why not!

Vintage Christmas

I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage things... So it would only be right to show you some beautiful vintage Christmas cards I have come across...
Enjoy!







*Sigh* Beautiful!

Outdoor Christmas Lights!!!

WOW!!! I stumbled across this website today... Digs Digs "Top 10 Biggest Outdoor Christmas Lights/ House Decoration Displays"
They were not kidding, here are some photos from the site...

CP Holiday Train

Ooh I love this event! The CP holiday train comes through various cities and towns throughout the holiday season. I'm not sure when it will be this year (I will post again as soon as I find out) but it is definitely a sight to see! The train celebrated it's 10th Anniversary last year; raising food, money and awareness for local food banks! So be sure to bring a food donation to help their cause!

Christmas Advent Calendar Card

I love love love Advent Calendars! The surprise everyday adds so much to the magic of the holiday season!
I found this awesome example complete with a template on Martha Stewart featuring a greeting card advent calendar.