My Grandma's Teacups: Sneak peek at some of my favourite Christmas collections

I have officially caught my first really bad cold of the season. It has been a good excuse to cozy up with the September New Goods Catalogue and preview the new lines available for Christmas crafting. I know you don't want to think about Christmas yet, but if you are planning on creating homemade cards or papercrafts its time to start thinking about supplies.

Fabscraps: Christmas Joy Collection

Fabscraps has become one of my favourite paper suppliers. I love the vintage feel and muted colours in this collection. I can see some lovely cards being created with this paper.

Graphic 45: Twas The Night Before Christmas

This collection from Graphic 45 was previously released but I am glad to see it make a comeback. It features all the traditional colours and themes that I remember of Christmas' in my childhood. I have purchased the stamps and paper for a mini album I want to make before Christmas. If you are looking for a more Victorian feel for your crafts, the new "A Christmas Carol" line is already available.

Kaisercraft: Yuletide Collection

My Minds Eye: Joyous Collection

This may be one of my favourite collections this season. I love the oodles of goodies that you can get to coordinate with the paper line. It takes the guesswork out of matching up colours in embellishments.

Don't forget the trim and twine to finish off your projects. Maya Road makes beautiful twine.

Family Photo Traditions At Christmas Time - Guest Post By Sarah Kirby

It's funny how little things become traditions without even noticing. 

One year you bake cookies and the next year your kids expect that you'll be baking cookies. One year you decorate the tree while watching Miracle On 34th Street and ... well, you get the idea. 

For my family, the "silly Christmas couch picture" seems to be a tradition we've had for a few years now and I don't see it leaving us anytime soon.

Because I'm a photographer, it's perfectly normal for me to never be in any family photos. Unless it's a cell phone "selfie", I'm the one behind the camera.

So, I started using my tripod to get at least one family photo with me in it. (We could be like the Simpsons!)

My husband is uncomfortable posing for photos, my girls are not (because of their years with a mom who always has the camera out). 

While I was taking some test shots to make sure the light was right, my girls used the time to make some faces and help Mike relax a bit. 

Somehow, a perfectly lovely happy family photo turned into complete silliness and that silliness has evolved into one of our most fun traditions.

I do still get my perfectly lovely happy family photo too!

A few years ago we tried a "photobooth".  

I set up our little "booth" at the end of a hallway by tapeing a sheet to the wall. Our light source was a floorlamp with the shade removed.

I used my good camera on a tripod but I discovered that there are several "apps" out there that will do some really neat images like Photomat (free) and Pocketbooth (.99 cents). You don't have to have a big camera with a tripod to try it out.     

This hasn't become a tradition for us ... yet. But it was a hoot and definitely calls for a round 2 this year now that I have a home studio.

"What are your family photo traditions at Christmas time? If you don't have one, maybe this is your year to experiment! Have fun with it."

Sarah is the owner of Imagine Photography

About Sarah Kirby

My name is Sarah Kirby and I live in Belleville, Ontario with my husband Mike and my daughters Becca and Brianna, all of whom are tremendous supporters of Imagine Photography. In 2007 I began a second career as a scrapbooking consultant and it was through this work that my passion for photography developed. I began to see photos from a different perspective, imagining what they might look like in a scrapbook and how they might best be taken to preserve memories for a lifetime.

My passion (some might say "obsession”) eventually led to taking pictures for friends and family and that passion for photography was fueled even more. Through photography courses, I constantly strive to upgrade my knowledge, skills and equipment so that I can give you, the customer, the highest quality photos and the best overall experience possible.

From 2012 to 2014 I lived in and visited seven countries on three different continents. This experience not only gave me a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures, but also allowed me to photograph some of the most beautiful places on earth. Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, and Kenya’s Masai Mara are just a few of the locations I have been privileged to photograph. (please visit my Blog pages to view the travel photography or my Landscape page if you are interested in buying an image. Egypt/Kenya/Jordan Blog and Thailand/New Zealand/Ecuador Blog)

Now that I have re-settled in the Quinte area, I am ready to devote all of my efforts to serving my customers and creating beautiful and lasting memories

Find Sarah on Facebook

Meet My Friend Sarah and Sneak Peek at November Posts.

Its always nice when out of the blue you have the opportunity to get to know someone new. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah a few months ago in a fb group and we became quick friends. Sarah was kind enough to agree to guest post this week about Family Photos. I know this is something that I start to think about this time of year. Will they be formal shots of the whole family or just the kids dressed up in their Christmas best? I can't wait to share Sarah's "take" on the whole situation.

Join us this Friday for Sarah's informative yet unorthodox post.

Also, be sure to check back later in the month for articles from other guest bloggers about holiday entertaining, keeping holiday stress in check, eating right and staying healthy during the holidays and more.

Did you visit the Heroes Of The City Giveaway yet? Those wonderful folks are at it again. This time you can win a $25 Amazon card. Winners will be drawn every day December 1st-25, 2014.

Enter to win here: 

http://is.gd/HGIxtD

Jumpstart Your Christmas Cardmaking: Pop-Up Nativity Card

Who doesn't love a good pop-up card? This card requires a wee bit of fussy cutting but the end result is so cute that its worth the effort.

Materials:

Colonial White card base & Envelope

Colonial White Cardstock

Desert Sand Cardstock

Adhesive

Crystal Blue Ink

Desert Sand Ink

Cocoa Ink

I used Glory To God Stamp Set (Retired) but the new version is Reason For The Season (You can also use the diecut pieces that are included in the design file in artfully sent)

Embossing Folder (I used a frame folder from Cuttlebug)

Cricut Artfully Sent Cartridge

The best way to tackle this card is to work on it as two separate cards and then put them together. 

Cut a 41/4 x 51/2 piece of colonial white cardstock. Using your embossing folder create the frame impression. Next stamp your city background in desert sand ink. Next add your sentiment, wisemen and star in Cocoa. Using a sponge lightly ink your sky using crystal blue ink and the ground using desert sand. Allow the ink to dry completely and then adhere it to the front of your card base.

Using your artfully sent cricut cartridge select the Nativity Pop Up Design from page 46 of your instruction booklet. You will see all the layers you need appear. Once you have cut the pieces out of colonial white and desert sand you will want to carefully fold the pop up base. The easiest way to do this is by folding the card in half like a regular card using your bone folder and then go back and gently push alternating slotted areas forward. Once you have all your folds done attach it to the desert sand base liner. I find it is easier to line the characters up once it is stable (no pun intended). If you need to stamp your images now is the time to do it and then fussy cut them before adhering to their steps.We stamped our Creche right on the back of the card so that Jesus and his family would seem to be inside it.  Stamp your sentiment in the bottom right hand corner with cocoa ink. Once you have your nativity scene together you can gently adhere it to the card base. Voila you are a pop-up card whiz.

Jump Start Your Christmas Card Making - Mary & Babe Card

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in my house. Once the first Christmas card classes occur I
know that time will start to pass quickly and I have to put myself into high gear. I love the way that our first set of cards turned out. The ladies in the club had allot of fun with the design and I hope you will too.

The first card in the series is the Mary & Babe Card.

Mary & Babe Stamp Set

Materials:

Water Colour Pencils 
Chocolate Ink
Adhesive
Colonial White Envelope
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (or scalloped oval and oval punch)
Crystal Blue Cardstock
White Daisy Cardstock
Colonial White Cardstock
Mary & Babe Stamp Set


Cut a 81/2 x 51/2 sheet of crystal cardstock to create a card base (I used my cricut and the damask decor cartridge to get the edge you see pictured.) If your design requires a liner like mine did be sure to cut the coordinating piece out of colonial white cardstock.

Using your punches or cricut cartridge cut a scalloped oval out of crystal blue and a liner for it out of colonial white. Cut an additional oval out of white daisy that fits just inside the blue shape. I cut an additional oval frame out of colonial cardstock to frame my focal image but the other ladies chose to leave that piece out.

Using the Mary and Babe stamp from Close To My Heart stamp the image on the white daisy oval. Colour with your favourite water colour pencils. If you want to wet the image after colouring be sure that you used an archival ink. If you would rather use your alcohol based markers you will want to use MEMENTO ink.

Use Pop dots to mount your focal image to the blue scalloped oval and then to the card base.

My Christmas Gift List: Susan's Dog Treats

No Christmas gift list would be complete without adding a little something for our four legged family members. Our family includes two asthmatics so we don't have any furry friends to call our own but I still have two dogs on my list. Daisy and Nicki my mothers two pampered pooches are going to have their Christmas gift delivered to their home just before Christmas.  My Mom is very particular about what the dogs eat (because Daisy is a bit...uhmmm....big boned shall we say).

I was thrilled when I met Susan Rossy who makes all natural dog treats. Susan and her son Tristen are hard at work every weekend at the new Flea Market in Belleville as well as many other local shows including the recent Paws and Claws show at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.  Wait until you see all the sweet little goodies you can stuff your puppy's stocking with. Did I mention that Susan's products are all less than $10. 

Susan's Dog Treats 

Offering 100% homemade all natural dog, cat, birds and small rodent treats (like hamsters, gerbils, rabbits etc...) with whole wheat flour, or wheat free flour for cats and dogs. No added salt, sugar or preservatives. Free Delivery on Bulk Orders (5 Bags or more) in the Quinte Region! Free Delivery once a week in Belleville. Susan's Dog Treats now offers a full line of pooch accessories including travel water bowls, bandanas and bows.

Visit Susan and Tristan  Susan's Dog Treats

My Christmas Gift List: Epicure

Three or four years ago I was chatting with a friend and she mentioned that she was having an Epicure Party. I admit it, I had no clue what she was talking about. She gave me a catalogue so that I could look at the variety of products that they offered. I was intrigued but reluctant to order something that I had never heard of. I started asking around and found out that several of my family members purchased this product monthly through an Epicure club that someone from their work was running.  Needless to say I stocked up myself for my holiday entertaining, but they also have lovely packages (right down to the reusable bag) that made gift giving very easy for me from then on.  My own little family loves the dip with the cheese, chives and bacon cooked in the baker but all of the cheese balls and topping have gone over really well at every event.  My children did find the pulled pork a bit too spicy for their taste, but my husband was happy to eat the extras. If you have not looked at an Epicure catalogue you have been missing out my friend.  Hurry and grab a few for yourselves and a couple of packages for gift giving.

My name is Trisha Burns and I started to sell Epicure products almost a year ago now as a way to earn extra income outside of my full time career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. I live with my husband and our 3 pets but are hoping to add to our family soon. I enjoy doing home tasting parties because I get to meet new people and spoil my hostesses!

I love that Epicure products are healthy for you by giving a low/no sodium, gluten and nut free alternative to store bought products. Epicure products allow me to be creative in cooking as all the products have so many uses.

We have several gift bundles available for gift giving this holiday season. The most popular by far is the Extraordinary Cheese Dip Collection with our baker (comes in white or aubergine). Our second most popular gift collection is our BLT dip that comes with a mini baker. I also offer Epicure gift certificates (must be redeemed through me to be valid).

My personal favorite items currently are the Chives and Bacon dip mix and the Onion Bacon Cheese ball. We use the Cheese Chive and Bacon mix in our eggs every morning. It also goes well on vegetables or made up as a dip for veggies or chips. The cheese ball is great as a cheeseball on crackers. I have it everyday as a snack!

Please feel free to contact me for any further details about any of our great products or cookware. I can be contacted through my website http://trishaburns.myepicure.com/ or find me on Facebook at Trisha Burns Independent Epicure Consultant. Make sure to like me on Facebook as I post our new specials and recipes. I currently am running a 12 days of Christmas sale offering gifts with purchases.

My Christmas Gift List: Trophy Wife Aprons

As you know I love all things vintage and rarely do I fall in love with something this cute and trendy. It does have the vintage vibe since it is an apron...but let me tell you...these are certainly not your Grandma's apron. Not mine anyway. They are so cute you will want to get one for all the women on your Christmas List. Emmanuella is a true artist with her sewing designs.

Hi everyone, my name is Emmanuella Koenig with Trophy-Wife Aprons.

I started to sew as a teenager on my mom's sewing machine. I bought my very first portable sewing machine at 21 years old. I felt like a queen with my new toy. I worked in an office up to few years ago and made all my clothes. Fabric was less costly then.

I have 2 sons which sometimes, as you know, can take-up quite a bit of my free time. I have the best husband in the world... sorry ladies, he is mine and all mine!

I love wearing aprons and because it was impossible to find nice ones out there, I decided to make my own. I am a perfectionist, so it my own aprons had to make me feel pretty. I bought an old Halloween costume pattern at Value Village last winter. It was a nurse uniform. I changed it, changed it and changed it some more until it became the aprons that I sell now.

I overlap 3 individual skirts to make my aprons. All of it is cut on the bias (sideway), so it takes "a lot" of fabric to make one. I buy my supplies at retail like all of you. One day, I will qualify to buy at wholesale, but for now this will have to do.

My husband came-up with the name Trophy-Wife Aprons.

I opened my Facebook fan page last January 10th 2013. I guess word-of-mouth took off faster than I expected. I now have over 7000 fans and still growing. I hope you all can visit it at www.facebook.com/TrophyWifeAprons.

Thank you for taking the time for reading my story.

I wish you all the very best for the Holiday Season.

Emmanuella XOXO

My Christmas Gift List: Steeped Tea

One of the best parts of Christmas is the time spent with friends and family. Sometimes though, once the New Year rolls around we get wrapped back up in our little cocoons and don't seem to find the time to be social. That is the very reason I love this next gift. Not only is it very trendy right now because of its appearance on TV but also because it is a good hook to remind your friends and family to reconnect with you in the New Year. Imagine this if you will, your sister opens her lovely gift from Steeped Tea on Christmas and is thrilled by the thoughtful collection of teas and accessories. Here is the plus, when she puts the gift away when the tree comes down she is going to think of you. I see lots of post Christmas bonding opportunities with this product. Aside from the warm and fuzzy aspect of the gift it is truly an ideal gift for almost anyone on your list. Spend some time perusing Kareen's website and discover all the wonderful products her company has to offer. If you happen to host a Tea Party in the new year, give me a call...you know I have my own Tea Cup! Better still I think I will see if Kareen is camera shy and we can post a Tea Party from my studio!

My name is Kareen and I am an Independent Consultant with Steeped Tea.

Steeped Tea is a Canadian company offering top quality loose teas and accessories. All of our teas are ethically traded and we only partner with tea farms who are part of the Ethical Tea Partnership (equivalent of fair trade in the tea industry). We do not use any artificial flavours in our teas, only all natural flavours are used. With over 100 varieties of tea there is sure to be a new favourite for everyone! We offer everything from Matcha to naturally caffeine free Rooibos. We sell teas by making a connection with people over a cuppa tea, either at a tea party or small tasting session. Our business was recently (Sept 2012) featured on the TV show "The Dragon's Den" and has been growing steadily ever since. We are in the business of, not just selling tea, but connecting with people over a cuppa tea. We also offer the opportunity for people to build their own business, while still being able to raise their family. We hope to be able to help those around us by discovering their new favourite tea or offering them the opportunity to earn an income doing something they love.

I am a stay-at-home mom of a wonderful 5 year old and Steeped Tea has allowed me to build my business at my own pace and fits perfectly into our lifestyle!
Please visit my website at www.mysteepedtea.com/KareensTea"

My Christmas Gift List: Arbonne

Wow, Christmas gift lists are daunting aren't they? I have been trying to cover all the possibilities for people not only on my list, but your's as well. This is probably the third Christmas out of the last 15 that I have not had an infant or toddler to put gifts under the tree for.  I know it is cute and sweet to load up on every cute baby toy around but honestly, they just don't get enough use. The baby can only use so many toys at once and they outgrow them so fast, you barely get the protective wrapping off it and they are moving up to more advanced toys. I suggest making a cute basket of baby products. The parents will appreciate the relief for their budget and baby will be just as happy with the box anyway. Fill the basket with age appropriate treats like organic baby food, baby cookies and tub time products...if you really feel the urge to include a toy...a rubber ducky is always in style. Check out my friend Deborah's product line from Arbonne for all your baby care products. While you are at it, make sure to check out the full catalogue to cross off the last few gifts and stocking stuffers on your list.

Deborah Tang: Arbonne

Past life: army reservist in an armoured regiment out west (four years), computer engineer in the public service (12 years)

Present: stay at home mom of four selling Arbonne

WHO AM I

I'm a new stay at home mom with four kids, and I say that because I've always gone back to work to my computer-electrical engineer in the federal government after each year of mat leave. However we are a military family and with four kids we decided to move the whole family together for this posting. I've also come to terms with all the things moms have to do all day and all night around the house, including shuttling kids to karate, swimming, and kumon etc. Fortunately I am their piano teacher!

WHY ARBONNE

The whole reason I got into beauty and cosmetics is that I don't sleep well with the four kids, and I needed something to take care of myself and hide the bags under my eyes! As well it's never too early to start thinking about anti-aging! Arbonne has the BEST vegan-certified, swiss formulated, botanically based products, made in the USA and sold exclusively by passionate Independent Consultants. We have what people are looking for with over 450 items in our catalog from skincare, bath and body, baby care to vegan protein shakes and vitamins and even shaving products for men! I LOVE to tell people about Arbonne because we are pure, safe and beneficial - no parabens, no SLS and no mineral oil.

I'm an Engineer with a Masters Degree in Physics and a music background, but I am a woman and I choose to buy the best and most prestigious products for myself and my kids. Sometimes people take a double take, like wow you're a rocket scientist, so why are you selling lipstick? Well that's exactly it, I DECIDED to take time away from my work regular work to be with my family and this is the perfect home business I can do on my own terms. It's like bring your kids to work day everyday!

The perks, wow imagine a job where I can claim my beauty products as business expenses and get a good discount. I also do mobile spa presentations, trade shows, online sales, deliveries and business meetings and recruitment interviews.

My top five favorites
1) ABC Arbonne Baby Hair and Body Wash - the first ingredient is water! Arbonne is SLS free and I really care about what I put on my kids skin, botanically based
2) Sea Source Hair Masque - keeps my hair soft and strong, like a conditioner but you keep it in longer before washing it out. I love the natural fragrance of sea botanicals especially the 24 re-mineralizing lotion
3) It's a Long Story mascara - I never wore mascara before I started selling it and now I love it. The formula helps lashes grow longer too, I feel it
4) RE9 Intensive Renewal Serum - vitamin and antioxidant rich, sea algae extract, apply before the day or night moisturizer
5)FC5 day cream with spf 20- I love the fragrance of five fruit cell technology - kiwi, strawberry, carrot, pumpkin and mango. mineral based spf
6) I love the vegan protein shakes, chocolate and vanilla. A great start to my day full of vitamins as well

Best Christmas gifts
1) Majestic Makeup Palette - for the perfect day to night look with all the colours you need
2) Sea Source Line - ocean botanicals
3) RE9 Corrective Eye Cream

My kids love the products too. They know that food coloring and food dye is bad. They only want to use Arbonne products! Feel great and look great when you join my team!

My Christmas Gift List: Younique

One of my goals for this Christmas series was to try to use our collective purchasing power to pass the message to marketing companies and stores that we as consumers care about the products we buy. We want to support local businesses and companies that are working to improve the world we live in. Christmas is not about the gifts and packaging, it's about remembering to connect with those around us, to try to make life a bit brighter, a bit more loving. Christmas is about the calling that each of us what given at the birth of an infant, in a stable in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. So maybe we are only able to buy a few gifts this year. Thats ok. Think about ways to use those purchases to make a difference.

This company is one that I have just recently learned about. I have seen allot of discussion about it online lately, but as I researched it myself for this post I was very struck by the mission statement of Younique.

FEEL BEAUTIFUL.  LOOK BEAUTIFUL.  BE BEAUTIFUL.  INSIDE AND OUT!

Younique's mission is to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately help build the self-esteem of women around the world. Through high-quality products that encourage these core values - along with spiritual enlightenment - we're enabling opportunities for personal growth and financial reward to women everywhere.

This is a company that I can support. By empowering women we can change the world. That to me does not mean women should become like men, rather I think empowering women to know that they can be women and change the world is a great mission. Put these products on your list any of your female loved ones.

I am a mom of three, 2 girls and a boy! My oldest girl, Dania, is 6, the middle boy, Cayden, is almost 4 and my baby girl, Kacy, is almost 10 months. I've been married to my husband Graham for 7 years and he is amazing! I work as an X-ray tech and love what I do. I started with Younique so I could have more time with my kids since they grow up so fast!!

Younique launched in the US last November and has been on the rise since then! In fact, this month we have had over a million dollars in sales. Not bad for a company that's only a year old. They launched in Canada in June and have plans to launch in the UK & Australia in early 2014. They offer naturally based mineral cosmetics that are cruelty free and vegan friendly! Younique is one of very few cosmetics companies that actually lists all their ingredients. The products are amazing and the opportunity is incredible. They are the first direct sales company to rely heavily on social media for promoting and selling the products and our virtual parties are changing the way 'home' parties are done! To get started it is only $99(US)/$119(Cdn)

Our 3D Lashes have everyone talking! The results of extensions/false eyelashes without the risk or the high price! Why not take advantage of everyone wanting to get them?

www.youniqueproducts.com/peggyhullah
Visit Us On Facebook!

My Christmas Gift List: Spirit Lockets

You may have noticed that I am a bit of a YouTube fan. My husband used the word addict, but TomAto..tomatO right? While I was surfing through some videos a few weeks ago I am came across these really cute lockets. I loved the idea of being able to personalize a locket with meaningful charms for people near and dear to your heart. I have to say that I was rather skeptical about how much these mini masterpieces would cost. After talking to Wendy for awhile I summoned my courage to ask that oh so deflating question..."How Much?" To my absolute delight they were not nearly in the range that I expected her to tell me. Definitely in range for gift giving. I am so very excited to introduce you to my friend Wendy who is a representative for Spirit Lockets.







I'm Wendy, these are my twin boys that are 12. They are my life!
I am a stay at home mom.

I started selling Spirit lockets a few months ago, I loved the whole concept of personalizing your own Spirit Locket.

I hope you love them as much as I do.

 Enjoy looking at the photos of the personalized lockets and the video about the quality of the lockets and charms .
Visit:
http://www.spiritlockets.com/#wendybirman

My Christmas Gift List: Regal

Regal has always been on my family's Christmas shopping list. Even as a kid I remember my Mom ordering cards and wrapping paper, bows and novelty items. Do you have someone on your list that gets a kick out of the unusual? I have a few of those lingering on my list. Have a look at Regal's online catalogue.
They have so many cute ideas you will have a hard time deciding which are you favourites. I was thinking this would be cute for my "Handyman" around here. Shhhh don't tell him.

Do you know that with all the people that sell Regal in this country I had a hard time tracking down a rep. They must all be running around trying to get those Christmas orders in. I had nearly given up hope of including regal in Gift List..or my shopping for that matter, when fate put me right beside Bonnie at craft sale last week.  Let me introduce you to my new friend Bonnie.

Bonnie Staniforth: Regal Independent Representative
Im a single mom with 3 children..2 boys and a girl..all a handful.I decided to become a  Regal representative because I can set my own schedule and put in as many hours as I want. I love that it does not take time away from my children. I love selling  Regal products because they are amazing and even sometimes bizarre. They have many products that I had not even heard of before signing up with Regal, but would love to try.


My top 3 suggestions for gifts would be: Flashlights buddies...they are so cute.

the dreamer clock....so beautiful and pop chef which allows you to create your own shapes and design in fruit baking etc.

 
Visit Bonnie: Regal or on Facebook Avon and Regal by Bonnie

My Christmas Gift List: Copy Kids

A couple of weeks ago I posted a video clip of this really sweet dvd for kids, Copy-Kids eat fruits and vegetables. I have since had the chance to watch the whole video with my 4 year old son.

He was mesmerized by these cute little folks sitting at the table, being little kids, and eating fruits and vegetables. Anyone of these little ones could have been seated at our table for how real and genuine they were. I thought it was cute of course but I had little faith that it would do as it claims and get kids to try new foods.   Life is just not that easy. 

When the video segment on broccoli was over my son took my by the hand and said "Come on Mom, let's go eat some broccoli." Yah right! That is what he did though. He marched up the stairs, opened the fridge, took at a huge piece of broccoli and started eating away at it.

 I know you won't believe it, so I took out my phone and captured the moment. (sorry for the blurriness, sometimes life happens faster than my phone camera can handle).  

This is a little man that is not easily swayed. I truly wish that this tool was available when I was a foster-parent as I have had many little ones that insisted they would not eat their fruits and veggies.

The suggested age for this video is children aged 6 months to 5 years but my 10 and 11 year old got a kick out of watching the little bumpkins munching out on all the healthy snacks.(Separate viewing as they wanted to see what all the fuss was about that caused little man to want to eat a chunk of raw broccoli..)




Copy-Kids was launched in January 2012 and the  VD features 12 x 7 minute chapters, one for each of twelve fruits & veggies:

• bell pepper
• bananas
• oranges
• carrots
• strawberries
• avocadorasp
• berries
• tomatoes
• apples
• broccoli
• cucumber
• blueberries 

Each chapter features several adorable and entertaining children aged 9 months to 4 years, eating with joy and delight. The DVD includes an on-camera discussion about healthy eating with renowned pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon, plus a section of delightful outtakes.

If you have a cute little picky eater on your list this Christmas this video is a great stocking stuffer. You will be amazed how well it works. The true gift you will be giving though is a love for eating healthy that they will enjoy their entire life.

To order your copy of Copy-Kids eat fruits and vegetables visit:

http://copy-kids.com/buy-dvd/

My Christmas Gift List: Sunset Gourmet

In September I was at a craft show at the Royal Canadian Legion in Belleville and across the hall from me there was a vendor with the yummiest looking display. From where I was located I could not quite make out what they were selling but it certainly looked good. Around lunch time I decided to go look. The vendor was selling a product that I had never heard of called Sunset Gourmet.  Lemme tell you the mixes and kits that they had were mind boggling. When I was starting to do the research for this series I knew that I needed to include this particular company. You could actually do all your Christmas shopping for grown ups right here. Seriously, check out some of the mouth watering treats.

Luckily a lady that lives not to far from me actually sells Sunset Gourmet, so I asked her to represent the company for my series. (See how much I love you...I hooked you up with the goods.)

Sunset Gourmet products offer convenience, affordable foods, gourmet flavors, and simple meal ideas. Incredible ideas for everyday meals and gourmet gatherings.

 Let's put FUN back into the kitchen, each and every day! Multigrain & Harvest Bread, Desserts, Soups, Gourmet Grill Sauces/Marinades, Preserves, Salsa, Gourmet Dips, Seasonings, and the most amazing Roasted Red Pepper and Onion Relish you will ever taste!

We have 28 Gluten free products.
We do tasting parties, book parties, fundraisers, vendor events and wedding showers. https://www.facebook.com/SunsetGoumetWithLynn?ref=hl or http://www.mysunsetgourmet.ca/LYNNPIDGEON/

My Christmas Gift List: Just Like Mom

Recently I met a wonderful lady at a craft sale and we were discussing one of the really cute products that a vendor had on display. Several days later when the lady came to pick up her custom order we were talking again about the really cute bows and clips that we had seen at the show. She told me that it is really hard to find handmade clips and bows that don't cost a fortune. Fortunately I just happen to have a friend that can make these hard to find treasures so I am sharing her information so that you can stock up before the Christmas season. How many times have you got your little princess all ready for holiday pictures or worse yet a Christmas party only to find that her hair accessory had gone amiss. Not having another on hand is nearly as bad as remembering how much that little trinket had cost you because it matched her dress so perfectly.

Jordyn did not start off planning to be the designer of hair coutière but rather stumbled upon her talent as most Mommies do, as the need to fix a problem arose.

Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn & after being brought up in beautiful Kingston, Ontario, I decided to spread my wings & fly to Vancouver BC to take up residence. No one, including myself, could have guessed that I would stay there for 10 years! However, after my MANY experiences in "The Big City", I felt the need to return to my wonderful hometown and could not be happier that I did! For, if I hadn't, I never would have rekindled a friendship (to this extent, as we still stayed connected while I was gone) with an old buddy from high school. Over a short period of time, which scared us both a little, that "buddy-ness", quickly turned in to best friends & then soul mates. Neither of us expected it or trusted it at first, but to this day, I don't know what I would do without my Mike! It is to his wonderful, beautiful & caring little Angels that I am now a "Stepmom" to, that I have to thank, but lets face it, they are "mine"! I have my 8 year old Princess Xayli to thank for starting my little home based business, as, due to a severely shattered ankle that I have yet to fully recover from & some voluntary requirements with the kids school, I was unable to practice my profession of being a Pastry Chef & I found my self to be a "Stay At Home Mommy", the best job in the world! It was one morning when my little girl had not a single hair clip to match her outfit that I had made her one....and then 2 and 3 and 4 and well, she now has one for EVERY outfit in her closet! When our friends saw them, they thought they were SO sweet. So then it started! Everyone wanted them! Then, they saw the cakes, cupcakes, pies and everything else that came with living with a Pastry Chef & THOSE requests started coming in as well. Well, my little Dears, seeing this, say "You should have your own company job Mom!" Haha! Like it's that easy! Needless to say, I have worked my hiney off, the best I can & every now & then I get to share my passion with others, the only thing I have ever wanted to do....aside from being an AWESOME Mommy that is!  Visit Jordyn and look at all her lovely creations Just Like Mom