Saturday, August 29, 2009

Holiday Stress Buster

I need to be able to relax and enjoy the holidays as much as possible, how is that achieved one might ask... plan ahead!

Every year we send out Christmas cards or letters... but why does that have to been done in December?

It doesn't!

I have always bought my Christmas cards on sale after the holidays for the next year, I fully encourage you to do the same this year! It is so much easier to think of things to say when you are not rushing to beat the deadline for the post. Even if you start by addressing the envelopes you will be amazed how relieved you are come December. As letters go - to keep a running tab of events and anecdotes you would like to include will ensure you don't miss something important.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Calgary Outdoor Skating

I just loved the outdoor skating rink in our community as a child, mostly to watch all the other children skate - I was awful, I'll admit it! But I did love it. I have a very fond childhood memory of our whole family going out to this skating rink and skating around one Christmas eve. It was so magical all lite up, a slight chill in the air knowing Santa was coming that night. I will surely treasure that happy day!

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Family Fun Calgary has a great list of the outdoor skating rinks in and around Calgary. So I encourage you to take a look at their website and find a rink near you; make some magical memories for your children!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Rustic Christmas Shopping

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I Love a good old country Christmas! Most of my decorating runs wild with this theme... it just seems to be what I am attracted to! Whether it's rusting metal stars or hand-carved wooden snowmen, I am weak and buy them all! I recently have found an amazing store - Cozy Cottage Interiors In here I am like a kid in a candy store, Eyes wide practically drooling!!! I could honestly spend hours just looking at everything and dreaming of ways I could incorporate it into my own home...

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The website doesn't do this place any justice you just have to visit it to believe it!

Happy Shopping!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Shooting Stars!

Our community this year is having a Christmas light competition which has me totally consumed! I know we will not win... we simply cannot compete with the huge houses on the lake, they have so much more house to light up...
However I can give it my best shot and hope they forget - wishful thinking on my part but I can hope!

Anyways, I was going through my Martha Stewart magazines and found an article on these beautiful outdoor shooting stars... When I tried to look for them on the site so I could feature them for you all, I found better... INSTRUCTIONS!!! Go Martha!

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Aren't they beautiful!!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Eye Catcher

Each week I am going to devote a post to an "Eye Catcher" something cute that has caught my eye...
This week
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Our then kitten, Ginny caught climbing the Christmas tree!

A Christmas pick-me-up

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To give your house that glorious spicy aroma that permeates most homes during the holiday season, follow these simple steps:
Put 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks
A couple of cloves
Orange slices (optional)
into a pot of water and bring to a boil... that's it!
Then while your house is filled with that lovely scent, grab a book and curl up on the couch for some much needed quiet time!

* As we are heading into September and the inevitably transition into autumn this practise will become much more accepted by your friends and family!

When is it too early to decorate?

Well if you are reading this blog you are obviously in love with Christmas as much as I am... which also means you have probably already started thinking and maybe even talking about the upcoming holidays.
Really what is wrong with spreading a little Christmas cheer in... oh, I don't know... AUGUST!
I can tell you with certainty - thinking, talking even planning is totally acceptable! It's the decorating that needs to wait! At least until after Halloween :)
To make sure I have enough time for everything I have created a schedule...

November 7 - We are going to put up the outdoor decorations (Our neighbours on both sides are great friends of ours [SO LUCKY!!!] so we are going to make a day of it, all our husbands up there on the roof while us wives "direct" and then have a big dinner to celebrate the the beautiful lights & hard work!)
November 8 - I will start to pull out the indoor Christmas decorations...
November 11 - The tree will go up and so will the rest up the decorations!

Here is our house last Christmas, this year expect bigger and better things!
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It may seem a bit early for most but I like to be a part of both sets of parents decorating too... and there are only so many weekends!

Photo Christmas Cards

I have always been compared to Martha Stewart - right down to winning the Martha Award at girl guide camp for decorating my dresser and bunk bed... I didn't know who she was back then, but I do now! I have discovered it is far easier to embrace it, so I show off my love for Martha whole heartily :)
Last Christmas I thought I would play it up and have some fun with our Photo Christmas Cards! My husband reluctantly agreed as long as he could hold a glass of scotch and wear his tweed jacket (done and done!)
Anyways I thought you might enjoy it - or at least have a laugh!

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Fetus' First Christmas!

It blows Baby's First Christmas out of the water. I gave this ornament to my good friend last Christmas when she was pregnant with her daughter Isabella. A strange gift but completely suited the personality of my friend. I cannot wait until they pull out their decorations this year and see it. I can only hope it would bring back the memories of excitement that they felt last year awaiting her arrival. So yes while it may be a weird gift (I laughed uncontrollably while giving it) I think it will be a special one too!

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* I had it custom made by Vinyl Expressions, Check out their website if you want one of your own!

Delicious Soaps

I love these Christmas soaps from Bath & Body Works they are sure to get your little ones enthusiastic about washing up! With their large variety of festive smells you can put a different scent in every bathroom!

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I'm BAD...

And so sorry I have been so busy in the last week with all the photo shoots going on I have neglected my Christmas lovin self! But not to worry I'm back and will make it up to you :)
Check back later today for some cute Christmas tidbits!!!

~Amy

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Relaxing Holiday Music

I absolutely love this lady!!! Shirley Cason has beautiful relaxing music for each season... Both the "Winter Mornings" and "Simply Christmas" albums are perfect for this time of year! I love to put them on while I'm wrapping Christmas gifts or shopping on-line...
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Simply Christmas
Winter Mornings

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Mulled Wine

The spicy aroma of this holiday classic will permeate the whole house, leaving guests with that warm & fuzzy Christmas feeling!
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2 litres of a good burgundy wine
1 tangerine orange
16 to 20 whole cloves
3 or 4 cinnamon sticks (more for garnish)
1/3 to 1/2 cups liquid honey

1. Slice orange into 4 or 5 sections. Embed 3 or 4 cloves in each section
2. Mix all ingredients in a large pot. Put on low heat, do not let simmer only steam. You may have to turn off burner and remove pot from element to prevent this.
3. This will take approximately 2 hours, Once the aroma has hit the whole house you're done!!!

*Enjoy!!!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree!

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Alberta Junior Forest Wardens host "cut down your own Christmas tree" every year for the Calgary area, while their location will change this year the spirit won't! Check their website later this fall for the new location and details! There is nothing like the smell of a fresh tree for the holidays - especially one in which the whole family can be involved in choosing! You can turn the selecting into a fun memory; don't forget a thermos of hot chocolate and cookies for break time!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Outdoor Christmas Planters

Last Christmas my mom and I saw a class to make "Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Planters" for $75 but you had to provide the planter... and they wanted the money up front. My mom and I both being very crafty, naturally wanted to see it first! Trust me when I say it was less than attractive... so we decided to make our own!
We went to Michaels (my favorite store!!!) bought planters and floral foam to secure all of our picks. Then bought whatever caught our eye berries, curly sticks, poinsettias, etc. Together, with a little ribbon - here is what we came up with...

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Stained glass cookies

Do not be intimidated by the way these cookies look... they are not that hard and are a sure fire way to impress guests!
I gave you a before and after they are baked look so you could see the placement of the candy.

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2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7 ounces (about 30) assorted clear colored hard candies (I used Jolly Ranchers) colors separated and finely chopped (seal them in a thick plastic bag and grab the hammer)

1. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder into a large bowl; set aside.
2. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy about 3 minutes. (can use regular mixer too!) Add egg; mix until smooth, 1 minute. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture, and mix until combined. Stir in vanilla. Wrap dough in plastic, and refrigerate until cold, about 45 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 325 with racks in upper and lower thirds. Roll out chilled dough on a well-floured surface to a little more than 1/8 inch thick. Cut out shapes using a 5 inch tree-shape cookie cutter(or a different shape if you're feeling adventurous). Using a metal spatula, space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper (important). Using the tip of a paring knife, make a triangular cutout in center of each cookie for candy filling. Re roll scrapes, and cut.
4. Sprinkle candy in a single layer in hole of each cookie, avoiding edges of triangle. Refrigerate until dough is firm, about 15 minutes.
5. Bake cookies until candy has melted and completely filled cutout and cookie edges are just starting to turn a pale golden brown, 11-12 minutes (depending on your oven). Do not let the cookies brown, or the candy centers may become bubbly. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. Use a metal spatula to remove cookies from parchment. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 5 days.
Makes about 3 dozen.

Enjoy!!!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Christmas Opoly!

Oooh new fun board game! Christmas opoly! I saw this last Christmas season in one of my American magazines and got really, really excited. Sadly it didn't make it across the border in time. However this year I spotted it on Amazon.com So grab it early, make some popcorn and enjoy a night of family fun!!!

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Sleigh Rides

One of my favorite parts of living in Calgary is the hour and a half drive to Banff, kind of funny I guess...
It is such a magical place - especially for the holidays. I will touch on different places to stay in the coming months, but for today we are going to focus on a wonderful winter activity!

The Sleigh Ride! Whether it be a romantic & cozy ride for two or a fun ride for the whole family, Holiday on horseback is sure to please. Check out their website for more info and to book!
Holiday on Horseback

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Eating Tips for the holiday

I truly laughed quite hard after reading this!!!! Took me quite a while to track down the email, hope you enjoy!

Eating Tips for the Holidays

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
'eggnog-aholic' or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control our eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello???

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin and mincemeat - have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry... January is just around the corner!

Remember this motto to live by: 'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO-HOO what a ride!'

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Candycane Place Setting

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Check out this festive place setting; found on MarthaStewart.com. So cute!!!

Monday, August 10, 2009

The Grinch!

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One of my favorite childhood memories is watch "The Grinch" over and over and over...
My mom taped it (wow, technology has sure advanced since then!) for my sister and I the Christmas I turned three. We watched it everyday (no exaggeration!) that season, thus my love affair with the film began. In 2000, when the remake of the film hit theatres I was all too thrilled to discover the magic was still there! Ron Howard did a phenomenal job casting and capturing the wonder Dr. Seuss had created! Still to this day The Grinch is one of the most beloved Christmas specials; often topping the charts in ratings the nights it is shown on T.V.

The beginning line says it all:
Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve, there happened a story you must see to believe.
If you haven't seen it yet... there is no time like the present!!!

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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Calgary Zoo Lights

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I love this fun Christmas event the Calgary Zoo puts on every year! During the evenings the zoo is transformed into a spectacular display of Christmas favorites. The beautiful lights along with ice sculptures, hot chocolate, and of course a visit from Santa makes this festive event a great time for all! Zoo lights open November 27 and run through January 3, gates are open from 6-9 (no entry after 8:30) Rates are $8 for Adults and $5 for kids

* Sidenote, Any guys out there wanting to pop the question with romantic style - the tunnel of love is sure to warm her heart, it truly is the perfect Christmas spot!!!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Christmas Wedding Cake

I saw this photo and thought... Wow!!! Could you imagine having such a beautiful wedding cake, I just had to share!

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Friday, August 7, 2009

Holly Berry

Christmas cocktail anyone???

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1/8 ounces lemon juice fresh
1 1/2 ounces Plymouth gin
Fresh raspberries (as garnish)
Raspberry juice

Fill a shaker with gin and lemon juice. Shake and strain into cocktail glass. Top with raspberry juice and garnish with fresh raspberries.
*Variation: try raspberry liqueur in place of raspberry juice.

Enjoy!!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade has been halted in Calgary due to the large amount of construction going on in the downtown core. For the past couple of years the parade route (along 6 avenue) was completely closed off from construction of the Encana tower. Hopefully with the road re-opened the parade will be a go this year! If not, the parade from Toronto is usually televised, which brings me to this photograph...
The Eaton's Santa Claus parade, Toronto Canada 1918! Wonderful to look back!

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Holiday Facial

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Peppermint meet Yogurt!!!

This super easy facial recipe is bound to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed!
1 teaspoon natural yogurt (low fat or no fat)
1 teaspoon runny honey (heat up if crystallized)
Add a few drops of peppermint extract mix together and voila!

Apply to face and let sit for 15 minutes. Wash away with warm soft water.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Christmas Crackles

I absolutely love these cookies, they are perfect for the holidays! You can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge to bake at your convenience. Guests will be delighted with both the look and taste of these Christmas gems!

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8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar (AKA Icing sugar)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Melt Chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring. Set aside, and let cool. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, set aside.
2. Mix butter and brown sugar on a medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Mix in eggs and vanilla, and then the melted chocolate. Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with milk. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Wrap each in plastic; refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
3. Divide each piece into 16 (1-inch) balls. Roll in granulated sugar to coat, then in confectioners' sugar to coat. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake until surfaces crack, about 14 minutes (this baking time may be different depending on your oven - check on cookies often until you get the timing down) Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored between layers of parchment paper in airtight containers up to 3 days.
Makes 5 dozen

Enjoy!!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Christmas Photos

Now a days everyone is looking to personalize their Christmas cards/letters. Why not start with a Christmas themed photo session? I might be biased as I am also a photographer, but the photos that come out of these sessions will be treasured for years to come! They also provide a nice insert for your letters or Christmas cards.
These photos are from a shoot done last year but they will give you an idea of the cute things you can do!

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Nutcracker

One of my favorite traditions for the Christmas season is attending The Nutcracker with my mom! The show encompasses the spirit of Christmas for me. You sit through an evening of magic and wonder, leaving the auditorium with a warm fuzzy feeling. I love to see the kids coming out eyes wide, dressed up in their Sunday best; you just know they are coming away full of Christmas merriment adults can no longer comprehend. I fully encourage you to embrace this event and add it into your own traditions, with the multiple performance nights and a wide range in ticket prices it's sure to accommodate everyone! This years performances run December 18 through 26, 2009 and tickets go sale August 4, 2009!

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I am well aware that it is August and to most, this is a time for going to the beach & summer celebrations. For me this is preparation time for the holidays, yes I am the crazy girl listening to Christmas music & buying gifts in July. The cool weather in Calgary during the past week has aided this festive current raging within me. I have started thinking about seasonal activities, our annual Christmas party & décor for this year. I thought to myself as I am busy researching and brainstorming new ideas; why not make a blog to share my finding with you! Hopefully my love for everything Christmas along with all my findings will be helpful and make this year’s festivities a breeze!