Christmastime

Christmas has always been a magical time in our house. I get a happy tingly feeling each year when I hear that first Christmas song or hang the stockings on the mantle. I can't wait for the big day but the first of December is when the fun begins! This year Lincoln is actually enjoying the festivities too which makes everything that much better. Every morning we come downstairs and when Link sees his advent calendar he says "please?" and we open up the next bag. I know he doesn't understand that it's a countdown to Christmas but it is so fun to see him get so excited for some stickers or play dough and it gives us an activity to enjoy together. We've been to see Santa twice (though he didn't sit on his lap), to zoolights (though he was just excited about the airplanes in the sky), and we have been snuggling up with Christmas movies each night. I'm treasuring all the time we have together as I know it won't be forever. I hope we can make the holidays as memorable for Link as my mom did for me.

The Perfect Plain Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies have a lot going for them. Delicious, beautiful, and relatively simple to make, they're always a crowd pleaser! 

This is the recipe that my mom always made us growing up, the nutmeg gives them a unique flavour. They taste so yummy plain but I couldn't resist decorating a few! 

Mom's Sugar Cookies

2 C. sugar
2 C. butter
4 eggs
4 tsp baking soda
6 C. flour
1 tsp salt
4 tsp cream o tartar
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Whip sugar and butter together for 5 minutes. Add eggs and whip for 5 more minutes. Stir in vanilla. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl then add to wet ingredients. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out dough on a floured surface 1/4" to 1/2" thick. Cut with cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment covered cookie sheets.

Bake 8-9 minutes or until lightly browned. Better undercooked than over.

*These cookies puff up so they aren't the best for a detailed cookie cutter. Best to stick to circle or square.

Free Christmas Tag Printable

I just realized that our first Christmas gathering is next weekend and I haven't wrapped anything. I guess I better get cracking! I've created some gift tags and am sharing them here with you. Click the link below to download the PDF and print on cardstock or photo paper for best results. Happy wrapping!

Download Here

Ten Awesome Gifts for Kids

Shopping for the little ones is definitely the best! But sometimes it's hard to sift through the millions of toys and goodies out there. Here are some really great ideas that will light up their faces! 

The Cardboard Box Book - Indigo

I don't know about you but I loved playing with old boxes. Give them this book along with the boxes and they'll be entertained for hours!

Tegu Magnetic Blocks - Mastermind Toys

The blocks stick together making them perfect for a restaurant or road trip! Plus the colours are super fun too!

Root View Farm - Engaging Minds

I kind of want to try this. Kids will be interested in seeing how vegetables grow and maybe it'll actually entice them to try one? Dare to dream ;)

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game - Toys R Us

Give this adorable game to the game lover on your list and they'll be learning colours, fine motor skills, and strategic thinking all while having a blast!

Wooden Shopping Cart - Pottery Barn Kids

This is the most stylish shopping cart I've ever seen, would make a great photoshoot prop too!

Handmade Dolls - Sophie & Lili

Sophie & Lili carry the most adorable things but these sweet dolls are my favourite, they offer customized versions as well.

Canadian Pacific Wood Train - Hallmark

I know lots of little guys with major train addictions, this one looks like a model train but is wood so you don't have to worry when it gets chucked on the floor!

Tickle Monster Kit - Amazon

The kit includes a book and Tickle Moster Gloves that will delight the kids as they get tickled like crazy! It would be a great gift for a grandparent too.

Luca 3D Play Carpets - West Coast Kids

These are my favourite things that I discovered this year, they are amazing!! The carpets come in different designs including Playhouse, Traffic, and Mini City. The playhouse one speaks to the designer in me as it looks like a giant floorplan!

Bata Take Apart Airplane - Amazon

Power tools rock,! This includes a power screwdriver so the kids can build and take apart this brightly coloured airplane over and over again. 

Ten Outstanding Gift Ideas for Her

I love shopping, especially if it's for a gift! This year I found way too many ideas so I'm sharing them with you. I hope they'll save you some time especially if you have a hard-to-buy-for lady in your life. 

Intarsia Happy Pullover - The Gap

"Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do"

Pep Talk Wallet - Modcloth

Any girl would love to pull this little number out of her bag.

Snow Dusting Throw - Anthroplogie

All she'll need is a cup of tea and a book and she'll be set! 

Plantable Paper Flower & Seed Bombs - Paper Sprouts

Wouldn't it be nice to get a reminder of warmer weather? Plant these in the spring and reap the rewards all summer long.

Roshe One Nike Runners - Little Burgundy

If she's going to run she might as well look cute doing it! 

Crowned Leaf Mug - Anthropologie

A little morning motivation goes a long way.

Kaleidoscope x Rose Gold iPhone Case - Felony

If bling is her thing than look no further.

Wine Growler - Restoration Hardware

Won't she look smart when she shows up with chilled wine that doesn't need a corkscrew?

Brix Chocolate for Wine - Hazeltons

Any excuse to have chocolate and wine right???

Cheers Champagne Glasses - Indigo

Perfect for the holidays or if you're like me all year long :)

Neighbour Gift Ideas

We are all so busy these days so we don’t see our neighbours all that much but I still like to keep in touch and Christmas is the perfect time to do it. I have gathered some great gift ideas to spread some holiday cheer! 

Printable Wine Labels - Martha Stewart

Reindeer Hot Chocolate - Better Homes & Gardens

Personalized Ornaments - Pizzazzerie

Gift Wrap Printable - Crafts Redesigned

Pancake Mix - Tater Tots & Jello

Painted Wooden Spoons - Little Bit Funky

Reversible Wood Block Art - How Does She

Grinch Pill Cookies - Sweetology 101