So now that it is over...what are we going to do now?

We had a great Christmas and Audrey (my 4 year old) is still yelling "Best Christmas Ever!" Christmas has come and gone and now what is up for the new year?  There is always a huge build up before Christmas, with Halloween and then Thanksgiving and then Bang!, it is all over with.  We are then left with cold, dark days and cabin fever sets in.  I do have a few things on my noggin' to keep my spirits up.

New Years Eve is tomorrow so here are a few ideas that you can whip up real quick today or tomorrow.

Printable Review

Can't wait to see what the kids will say!

Photo Memory Game

My oldest is turning 9 (thought now that next year when she was 9 and 3/4 old would have been a fun idea, but too late now) in a few days and she wants a Harry Potter Themed party.  We are doing a small family party with just us, but I thought I would grab a few cute ideas from Pinterest.

She wants red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.  I asked her what kind of ice cream and she said Neapolitan (what!?)  anyway she is the birthday girl so she gets what she wants.

I found a few free printables out there 

Click Here for all the printables and tons of ideas.

Next I am already thinking of Valentines Day.  It always seem to sneak up on me and I want to make a few fun things and make some cute valentines with my kids for their friends.

Animal Herd Valentines

"I CEREALsly like you!"

 I would like to make a view of these garlands and hang them around the house.

Heart Paper Chain

Thought this would be cute for teacher gifts for V-day instead of candy and also for some close friends and neighbors.

Mini Hand Warmer

Of course don't forget the treats.....

Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies

SOFT GINGER SNAP COOKIES

I instagramed these cookies I made for our first Family Christmas Party of the season and I got some likes so thought I would share.  I got this awesome recipe from my neighbor friend Meg.  Meg moved away a few months ago.  Meg was my visiting teacher with Carol and they were the best!  Meg would bring me goodies, because that is what all the most wonderful visiting teachers do.  If I can't make it for a visit to my sisters I always feel good if I can bake them up something and run it over for a quick, Hi!.  Anyway Meg shared this cookie and recipe with me and I just love them.  I love a ginger snap, but I always think of a crispy cookie you have to dip in milk.  But with this cookie milk is optional, they are soft, chewy and have all that yummy spice.  They are perfect to make at this time of year, where you want a gingerbread type recipe but don't want to go to all the trouble of rolling out and cutting dough.  So here ya go!  

SOFT GINGER SNAP COOKIES

1 1/2 cups oil

2 eggs

2 cups of sugar

1/2 cup molasses

Combine and blend well

4 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

4 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp cloves

Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.  Refrigerate dough for one hour.  Roll into balls the size of a walnut and dip into sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.  This is a dark dough, so it is hard to tell when they are done.  When the cookie starts to crack on top that is a sign they are done, don't over bake.

Christmas Wreath & Breaking Pointe

Wendy the Wreath Fairy had a crafty friend that helped us make our next wreath.  Wendy and I knew we wanted to make an ornament wreath for Christmas.  I jumped on pinterest and saw a bunch of wreaths like this but required mounds of hot glue and I could imagine many burnt fingers.  I did see a cool one that you strung ornaments on a hanger shaped in a circle that would work also.  But I wanted a big, huge wreath!  Wendy mentioned she had a friend that made this type of wreath we wanted and she said she would come and teach us.  She taught us an awesome technique.  Sorry I am not the best at tutorials (it would have been complicated) but if you really want to find out how do this wreath leave me a comment.  We did not use a drop of glue!

  I love ballet and have for many years.  I took ballet from the age of 10 to 17 and even was able to be on pointe.  When I started taking ballet I began to be obsessed with everything ballet.  My mom purchased season tickets to Ballet West and it was awesome.  I would be in awe of the beautiful, powerful dancers and I thought I want to do that one day!  I did not become a prima ballerina, but I still love and appreciate ballet as always.  

Last summer I saw a commercial ad for a new reality show coming on the CW.  First is was ballet and second it was a reality show so I was so going to DVR it!  When I watched my first episode I was so excited to find out that the cameras were following Ballet West and their dancers!

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I took my girls to see The Nutcracker.  It was Audrey's first time and Aria's 3rd or 4th.  We had a great time and I loved watching my girls watching the dancers, with the same awe I had.  I was also a little start struck.  I was watching dancers that I have been watching on TV and I felt like I kinda knew them.  That sounded a little corny, but it was cool to recognize the dancers as real people.  Anyway Breaking Pointe the second season will be back on the CW, not sure when but I will be watching.
       

Since it is a new month Lilla Rose has also released their newest flexi!  

The arrival of winter is upon us and what better way to welcome it with the gift of icy beads, silver and bows.

Lilla Rose would make the perfect gift for Christmas.