Published on Thursday, December 22, 2011 by caryn
It's the season of entertaining and holiday parties. I've been shopping and prepping for our upcoming family dinner and I'm happy to say that we're nearly done (minus the cooking part, of course). What's going to be particularly tricky about this year's Christmas celebration is the fact that the hubby and I will be cooking the meal in someone else's home! Sinc... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by caryn
'Tis the season to bake! This is the time of year when sweet treats abound. I absolutely love to bake, and while I do enjoy the occasional dessert, the true joy of baking is sharing those delicacies with friends and family.
Around this time last year, I participated in a very special cookie exchange in the "sweetest place on earth" with the sweetest kids. For... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Jennifer Q. Congrats!
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Organizing a girl's night out was so easy wh... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Darcy McDonald. Congrats!
In less than 2 weeks, we'll be ringing in the new year! In previous years, we have spent our New Year's Eve quietly at home with our littles. But this year, the hubby and I are getting a babysitter so that we can actually enjoy a some time out together as a couple.
If y... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 17, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Laurie Harrison. Congrats!
In the midst of the shopping rush and holiday parties, I'm reminded of and sensitive to the fact that this season isn't always "magical" for those who may be struggling financially, physically, or emotionally. This is the time of year when charitable organizations reach... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is clenna in NH. Congrats!
While it goes without question that flowers are a staple gift idea for holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, I don't always think to gift arrangements for the holidays, despite the fact that they are lovely and fragrant. If you're planning to attend a holiday pa... Read More »
Published on Thursday, December 15, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Lisa Weidknecht. Congrats!
As a mom to a four year old boy, trains come highly recommended, not only because my son could spend quite a bit of time playing with them, but because they are relatively easy to clean up and encourage imagination and interactive play. Since the hit Disney Junior show Chu... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Katharine Davis. Congrats!
As in previous years, tech gifts are topping the list of most popular items to buy for loved ones this year. And these days, tech gifts are no longer reserved for "men" per se, since there are a wide variety of female and kid-focused products on the market.
As a mom and a... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 12, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Sassy. Congrats!
In our household, pasta is the dish we resort to when we don't want to cook anything labor intensive or time consuming. By incorporating fresh veggies, ground turkey breast, and whole wheat pasta, the meal is nutritionally complete, yet flavorful so that my children still enjoy it. ... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 9, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Adrienne. Congrats!
The person that should be the easiest to shop for is actually one of my biggest challenges. My husband of almost seven years is a "no-fuss" type of guy, and my requests for gift ideas typically result in the same response..."anything would be fine." Without a lot of direction, I... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 9, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Annmarie W. Congrats!
Toys, toys and more toys! Newpapers, television ads, and stores are filled with educational, electronic, and even eccentric toys, hoping to make it home to a special boy or girl. I peruse the ads and glean wisdom from my children, hoping to pick out a few that they'll play ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Heather H and Georgia. Congrats!
This is perhaps my favorite time of year. It's been brisk here in Southern California, and it's truly starting to feel like Christmas. And while I'm busy prepping our home, shopping for friends and family, and exploring my inner foodie, I've also got safety on the ... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 2, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Katie. Congrats!
When I'm looking to be creative or simply gift something personal for a friend or family member, I'll often put together a themed basket. Baskets can simplify gift-giving, since the theme of the basket determines what types of items will be included. My husband is a definite coffe... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 26, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is alycep. Congrats!
One of the things I enjoy about the holiday season is the opportunity to bake. My favorite recipes include anything with pumpkin, gingerbread, eggnog, and apple spice! But we all know that there is a tendency to put on some weight around the holidays. Even those with ultimate ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 26, 2011 by caryn
'Tis the season for family-friendly films! Another one of my favorite things about the holidays are all the films that come out around this time.
Last week, Warner Brothers released Happy Feet Two in 3D, the adorable sequel to the original. Set in Antarctica, the film chronicles the story of Mumble the Penguin and his son Erik, who is afraid to dance. When ... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 25, 2011 by caryn
Whew! I made it through Black Friday! Did you shop yesterday?
'Tis the season to be shopping, where sales, discounts, coupons, and promotions abound. It's also the season of giving. If you're already shopping this season, why not make those purchases count towards a great cause?
For those who have school-aged children, you're likely familiar with Box Tops for Educ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 20, 2011 by caryn
Instead of jet-setting and relaxing with my husband's family, this year we'll be busy prepping and cooking a majority of my own family's Thanksgiving meal. I've been browsing the internet for recipes, tips, how-to guides, and more so that we're prepared for the endeavor.
Have you checked out the recipes, and decorating/entertaining tips on Vons' Holiday Inspirations... Read More »
Published on Thursday, November 17, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Jennifer R and Mary T. Congrats and Happy Thanksgiving!
With Thanksgiving just one week away, our family has already started planning the menu. Traditionally, we've spent the holiday with my in-laws, but this year, we're staying close to home. Rather than one household cooking the entire meal, as i... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 11, 2011 by caryn
My husband thinks it's a bit strange that I get excited about deals, sales, clearance racks, coupon codes, and the like. I like to think I'm a relatively smart, savvy shopper, striving to find the best prices without sacrificing style, preference, or quality. I don't blog a lot about deals per se, but when I encounter one that I find valuable, I strive to share it.
B... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 by caryn
I can't believe that we're nearing the end of the year. We're entering one of my favorite seasons, although this year is going to be quite different. I'm proud of how much I've experimented with foods this year...both at home and at restaurants across the country.
If I'm home during the day (a rarity), I am not stressed about making dinner. I do find myself strugg... Read More »