Kids Say the Darndest Things | December Edition

Me: "Well we can write Santa a letter if you want. To tell him what you want for Christmas?"
Lily: (exasperated) "Can't we just Skype him?"

Lily: "After breakfast we're going to play with God." (the baby Jesus in their nativity set)

Lily: "Santa Claus... RAWR!!!" (get it... Santa Claws?)

Sam: "Do you know who brings us snow?"
Me: "Who?"
Sam: "Jack Frost and Elsa!" #riseoftheguardians #frozen

Post-Christmas Week = Bittersweet

I feel bad for the week after Christmas. That poor week in between the sparkle of Christmas and the champagne of New Year's.

At my house, that week is a strange mix of things... it's messy and a bit dirty cause I give myself permission to clean as little as possible. I usually also give myself permission to stay in my pajamas for a few days. I stuff my face with the last of the cookies and I read and drink coffee and watch movies and drink wine. The Christmas decorations seem a bit out of place, but I can't quite bring myself to take them down yet.

I have that strange fussy feeling of not wanting to do anything but knowing I'll feel better if I just do a little something. Like a workout. Or a tidy. Or some laundry.

It feels so refreshing to take a hot bath and cook a healthy meal. But equally refreshing to stay in yesterday's jammies and eat Lucky Charms for lunch.

After the mad dash to Christmas, and knowing that the fresh start of a New Year is approaching, it feels equally good to do absolutely nothing all day.

Like I said, the week is bittersweet. Lots of conflicted feelings.

I'm happy that the New Year is coming, but sad that Christmas is over.

I'm ready to pack the decorations away and swear off sugar for a bit, but I'm sad that I won't be listening to Nat King Cole's album again till next December.

And I feel like I have to make it "official"... this whole saying goodbye to Christmas thing. If I can procrastinate, it doesn't happen, right?

But I don't like to mix Christmas and New Year's, so alas. I need to start undecorating today. I need to dust and vacuum and do some laundry. I need the grounded feeling of a clean slate in my home... the clean slate that matches the coming of a New Year.

So this is my goodbye to some of my favorite details of this Christmas...

Home Video | Saving the Best for Last

I hope your Christmas was great - I know ours was a blast!

We saved the biggest gifts for the girls to open after every other present was done... It was super fun to surprise them with life sized teddy bears in their favorite colors! Jesse spotted them at Toys R Us and they were one of those presents that you know you're buying [almost] no matter the price tag!

It's not always easy finding orange things to match all the awesome blue stuff we find at stores. So these were just perfect!

Merry Christmas!!!

I Might Have Won the Fight for a Cozy Christmas

I just love this quote.

I read it in November when I was going through the Cozy Christmas ebook. (It's only $5 right now so go get yours before the sale ends!) It helped me to stay grounded this season when I wanted to go all crazy-Christmas Mom instead of cozy-Christmas Mom. 

The quote to be so true. I intentionally watched the month unfold through the girls' eyes. And boy were they impressed. I could hardly believe how excited they were, when I "knew" I wasn't doing "it all" quite "right."

As adults, we tend to rush through life way too fast anyways, and never more than during the Christmas season. As "slow down" has been my biggest life's lesson of 2014, I was really intentional about finishing the year strong in that department. I knew I needed to have a Christmas version of my things-I-don't-do list.

It wasn't easy. Christmas is the time of year I really truly WANT to do it all! So I had to be pretty ruthless with myself.

My children had a lovely month... and they're going to have a lovely next few days. And that's how I want to look at Christmas. 

Even if you don't have children, take a few moments this week to contemplate and enjoy the sparkle around you with fresh eyes. Child's eyes. Breathe it all in... the cinnamon and pine and sugar cookies and gingerbread. Sit on the couch under a blanket with all the lights off but the Christmas tree lights.

Just be in the quiet moments of Christmas. 

Look at the things you did this month and smile. Don't look at the things you didn't do and worry. Every season is different and it's the same with Christmas! This year, I couldn't get around to stringing popcorn garland or celebrating St. Nicholas Day or making 5 different types of cookies or getting all the packages mailed on time. I didn't make the cinnamon ornaments I wanted to make for the tree.

But I did have fun. And so did the girls!

We ate monkey bread and decorated the tree and read our favorite Christmas books a million times. I delegated or ignored tasks that weren't absolutely necessary so I could make time for Christmas playdough and paper snowflakes. I was the busiest I've ever been professionally during the holidays, having a blast photographing the Nutcracker, but I still made time for yoga and reading and getting enough sleep. The girls and I had fun singing Christmas songs with this free app and they REALLY loved this free app where they got to cut Santa's hair!

When I look back at this month, I have none of the feelings of "Christmas stress" that I usually have. Just a lot of happy memories.

Ahhhhh so THAT'S what that feels like! 

Merry Merry MERRY Christmas you guys!

How to Make Christmas Tree Pancakes

On the off chance that you have a shred of energy left this week and want to wow your family with a special breakfast, give these adorable Christmas Tree pancakes a try!

You will need two empty condiment bottles and a funnel.

Start by adding food coloring to your favorite pancake batter. You will need to thin the batter a bit more than usual (with milk) and you will also need to mix it up more thoroughly than usual to make sure it can be squeezed out of the condiment bottles.

Scoop some of the batter into a small bowl and add red food coloring. Then funnel it into a condiment bottle.

Rinse out that small bowl and add more batter to make the green accent color. And add that to the other condiment bottle.

Heat up your pan gradually, over medium-low heat. If your heat is much higher, you will brown the pancakes too much and spoil the color.

Make a Christmas tree outline.

Working quickly, decorate your tree pancake with the red condiment bottle. I usually do dots for "lights" or zigzags for "garland."

Then take a 1/4 C measuring cup and pour green batter from the large bowl into the outline, being careful not to overshoot. The batter will gently spread to the edges and fill in the tree.

Flip as you start to see the bubbles. It's tough to make sure not to brown them too much. But seriously, kids are so impressed with whatever we do, it doesn't really matter if it's picture perfect, right?

Whenever I make "fun" pancakes, I give the girls a ramekin of syrup on the side so they can dip instead of having to cut them up.

As you can see, Christmas tree pancakes are a bit involved, but it's a fabulous way to get some holiday smiles from your favorite loved ones!

A very Merry Christmas from our house to yours! 

Recipe | Cozy Christmas Chai Concentrate

So you're sitting down to do a Christmas project while watching a Christmas movie, and you need a cup of something warm and cozy. 

You're sick of hot chocolate and you've already had way too much coffee today. You're out of warm apple cider and it's too early in the day for boilo. 

So what should you make?

Christmas Chai, that's what!

Now chai tea is obviously not just for Christmas time. 

But there's something about the mix of spices in this concentrate that gets me thinking of Christmas whenever I make it.

And all you need to do when you want a cup of spiced yummy goodness is brew a strong cup of black tea and add a generous spoonful of this concentrate!

Chai Tea Concentrate

1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon cardamom

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Mix everything together and store in a jar in the fridge. Add a generous spoonful the next time you make a cup of strong black tea!

This stuff warms you right up and gets you in the holiday spirit!

(it's also fabulous as coffee creamer!)

The concentrate makes a really great gift for friends... just make it up for them in a pretty jar and attach the instructions! 

** update ** as I'm drinking my chai this morning, I'm remembering that I forgot to tell you not to drink it all the way... all the spices sink to the bottom. Unless you like to chew on cardamom and cinnamon ;-)

Excited to try this recipe? Please pin it to your Christmas board!

8 Pro Tips to ROCK Your Christmas Photos

Today I'm guest posting over at Milso Bloggers, a community of military spouses. I came up with 8 helpful tips for getting good photos of your kids this Christmas!

Whether you're hiring a professional for Christmas pictures or taking them yourself, I have some great tips to share with you that will help keep everything Merry & Bright.

As a mother of two and a professional family photographer, I have lots of experience with children in front of my camera. 

I can totally relate to the stress of a professional shoot, both being in front of and behind the lens! There's something about trying to coordinate outfits, multiple family members, and camera settings that can make even the most patient mom want to pour Jack Daniel's into her spiced cider and throw the holiday cards out the window!

Even a "simple" in-home photo session by the tree can stress everyone out!

But before you give up on the adorable tradition of yearly Christmas pictures, read my tried and true tactics for successful photos!

[Read the full post here]

Keys to Thinking Outside the Box with Gift Giving

We're obviously thinking about gift-giving more at this time of year than at any other.

And there's no reason to stress yourself or your wallet when it comes to giving meaningful gifts to your loved ones. 

Why not give them the gift of your services?

This is like the grown-up version of those cute little coupons you used to give your parents... you know, the ones that said "this coupon is for a ten minute back rub" or "present this coupon for me to mow the lawn for you." That kind of stuff.

But now you're going to think hard about what you have to offer the world and offer it to your friends and family for free!

So what can you give a coupon for? For me, the obvious answer is the gift of my photography. But what do you do? Do you sew, craft, write, draw/paint? What's your passion? Do you love to read or exercise or are you really good at math?

Your "coupon" could be a coaching or tutoring session. It could be helping someone you love tackle that project they've been procrastinating on. 

Think about the things we all know we'd love to outsource but just can't afford.

When I was up to my eyeballs in diapers and toddler drama, I would have had a heart attack of relief if someone had offered to come clean my house for two hours. And I would have just peed my pants if someone gave me a 36 hour coupon for babysitting so I could actually sleep in on a weekend!

There are eight bajillion easy DIY projects on Pinterest that you could make for someone pretty cheaply... your coupon could give them a few options and they get to choose which they would like best.

The college student in your life probably needs their car detailed.

You parents probably need more quality time with you. Give them a coupon for a special outing!

Make someone three really awesome freezer meals that they can heat up when they're feeling busy!


So if you don't feel like you have any specific talent to offer others, all you need to volunteer is you time!


Make up a small coupon that you can frame and wrap and BOOM you totally gave someone a truly unique Christmas gift without breaking the bank!

4 Fun Ways to Celebrate Cookie Cutter Week

Raise your hand if you knew that this week is cookie cutter week! 

Not me, that's for sure!

But ever since I found out, I've had cookie cutters (and cookie cutter related fun) on the brain!

So what can you do to celebrate cookie cutter week? 

1. Cookies. There's always that ;-) We're a little sugared out from having Thanksgiving and Sammy's birthday back to back... so I'm going to hold off on cookie making till early next week. But I'm definitely excited for Ginger Bread Men this year. Even though decorating with the girls leads to hurricane sprinkles all over my floor! It's such a fun memory. If you want to see my tutorial on easy "fancy" Christmas cookies, check out this post.

2. Applesauce ornaments. I am really excited about this one because I think they're going to smell up the whole house in the most fabulous way. This is the recipe I'm going to use. I also think they look super classy and rustic. The girls will be able to help but it doesn't seem too stressful or involved. YAY!

3. Christmas tree play dough decorating. This is probably the one we're going to do this week. Here's the post. I am overdue to make us a fresh batch of playdough, so I may as well make it Christmas colored and let them have a blast! I think Lily is going to be especially excited about this one because she loves to decorate things. And we have a whole bunch of sparkly crafty bling she can use.

4. Paint stamping. I just randomly had this idea and I don't know if it will work, but we have tons and tons of plain packing paper that I use to wrap gifts. I think that I'll give the girls some green and red paint and some of our Christmas cookie cutters and let them make us some fun wrapping paper to spruce things up under the tree!

What are you doing to enjoy your cookie cutters this season? I'd love to hear from you in the comments! 

Also, what's your favorite cookie cutter? Mine is this gem that Kirsten and I found in Colmar. I can't wait to make a bunch of cute gingerbread stars for my morning mugs of coffee!

7 Mompreneurs Well Worth Supporting this Holiday Season

Alright Santas... time to start making those lists, and checking them twice, right?

I have a great list of ideas to get your list started!

Who doesn't love to make an awesome purchase while knowing it benefits someone you believe in? Someone who's working hard.

Someone who lights up their little corner of the world with creativity.

We all know many someones out there who are striving to work from home or running small businesses. 

I would like to highlight seven hard working Moms this Christmas season. Consider starting your holiday gift shopping right here with this list of great products, services, and ebooks! 

You can check some gifts off your list while knowing you're giving a financial high five to these amazing ladies. 

1. The first thing you need to buy is for yourself actually - the Keeping Christmas Cozy ebook from Alissa over at her Creative with Kids blog. Because the first thing we usually do at the mention of Christmas is go off the deep end with to-do lists and stress. Alissa's simple (short!) ebook was a delight to read. I got some great ideas from her (and printables so I have even less to do!) and was feeling super zen after reading it. Her main message is that we want to strive for "connection, not perfection" as we plan out our family's holiday memories. 

2. You know how much I love Raisin' Acres Farm. They are my go-to for all things skin care related. And the hand-crafted bar soaps are so delightful to smell and feel so great on the hands! They would make perfect stocking stuffers! The 1 oz jars of hand creme would also be perfect for the stockings on your lists... I really like that they are the perfect size to toss in my purse to have on hand (ha.ha.pun) whenever dry, itchy skin strikes. I recently tried her herbal bath tea and oh heavens was it relaxing. Who doesn't want THAT for Christmas?

3. If you love to shop in style and are obsessed with fun hair accessories... then Sarah at Jules & Belle Go to Market has what you need. Everyone needs a beautiful market tote. Or two or three. You could even use them to wrap gifts for people! I'm thinking of getting Lily and Sam some more hair bows and headbands from her, as well as a "tiny tote" for each of them. We love our headbands - adorable AND comfortable! 

4. Three great ebooks (and one for free!) from Trina Holden! Tips and tricks on eating healthier but being able to cook faster. How to plan and be efficient in the kitchen. How to dress your changing mom-bod so you can hold your head high no matter how much baby weight you still "need" to lose. And of course, the newest cookbook that I reviewed about real food as a stress-free journey. Her books would be great for any new mom or anyone starting out in the real food journey.

5. For the local shoppers you should consider gift certificates from Grace Studio. You can find something for everyone at Grace. You can purchase gift certificates for dance classes (starting at 125 euro for the semester) and for fitness/yoga classes or German language classes you can get a 10 class punch card for only 65 euros! If I had more time in the week, I would probably be at Grace Studio every day... fantastic German lessons, invigorating yoga classes, FemFusion, and of course, chuckling as my kids pitter about during pre-ballet ;o) 

6. Here's a website I'm really excited to introduce you to: FemFusion. What is FemFusion, you ask? I'll let the founder, Bri, answer in her own words... "Your go-to resource for women's health and fitness information. Doctor-designed videos, live group fitness classes, and an online community. Look good, feel great, and shine brighter!" Here's the shop. The information is spot on and the encouragement from knowing and learning from Bri has been so great! It might seem weird to get someone fitness-related videos for Christmas, but I know I always feel the need for a fitness re-boot after a delightful December of Christmas cookies and egg nog! There are three different locations for FemFusion in the KMC. Also, I haven't finished reading it myself yet, but she has this really great ebook available as well and so far it's been an eye opening lesson on the neglected female issue of poor inner core health. Bri's all about educating while encouraging. Win win!

7. Now it's my turn! Time to toot my own horn and recommend fine art prints from Jesse's Girl Photography! One thing that's really cool to do with them is order a set of 5-10 photos that would look nice in a collage or grouped together in a specific room. I've had clients order sets of food photography to make collages in their kitchens or produce shots for a gardening shed! I know sunflowers are really popular, so you can get a bunch together for the sunflower-lover in your life! There's something for everyone because everyone likes to decorate their walls with something beautiful to look at. And here is my easy tutorial on hanging a great photo collage. You'll never have to guess again!

And then of course, there's my amazon affiliate link. Which is for those of you who want none of the above but would still like to support my blog.

If you're anything like me, you shop amazon like CRAZY during the holidays. Since you're going there anyways, please consider heading there by way of any of my affiliate links. You can click that big box right there, or you can use the smaller link at the top right of my sidebar.

What happens (it couldn't be easier for you!) is you click "through me" to get into amazon. Then you shop. For whatever you want. (You don't have to shop for something that I have linked to. I can link to a 10 gallon tub of coconut oil and you can buy your husband new headphones.)

The amazon robots watch you and then when you purchase something, they toss a few coins in my bank account as a thank you for advertising for them! You don't even have to do anything! (The same is true for my Mountain Rose Herbs box in the sidebar, which you could use to get the hippie in your life some essential oils!)

So those are my suggestions for supporting some awesome small businesses this Christmas! 

Happy shopping!

If any of these products or services excite you, please pin it for later to your "gift idea" board!

Why the Radio Silence

 

I've made an executive decision to take a blog break this holiday season.  

Momma's gonna take extra time for the most important things.

Blogs are great.

Pictures are great.

Traditions are great.

But kids are not little very long.  

And busy mommies sometimes need time-outs to reconnect and remember that.

I wish you all a very very Merry Christmas 

and I thank you for your encouragement and support of our little Aiduk Adventure.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!