Merry Teacher Gifts

This year I did my Christmas shopping for the teachers and Preschool Staff at Crate and Barrel. I LOVE that store. So many fun things all in one place! I used to be a teacher, before I had my girls and therefore, I always try to think what I would like to receive as a gift when I am choosing the gifts for the teachers.

Red and white Baker’s Twine adds a cheery and festive touch to the packages.

There are glittery and fabulous ornaments in each of the little white boxes.

Cute and festive oven mitts, potholders and a fun and sparkly ornament for the tree.

All packaged and ready to go!

We are blessed to attend a wonderful Preschool whose teachers and staff truly love our children.

Tastes of the Season

There are so many fun things about this time of year, one of them being the variety of treats that are available only around the holidays.

Grab a spoon and dig in! (Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Publix before Thursday because these tasty selections are buy one get one free this week.)

Oh Clementines! How I love thee!!! Good things come in tiny packages… They can be tricky business for a little one to peel and eat, but that is part of the fun.

Sweet, juicy, deliciousness!!!

And for those of you who crave holiday flavors year-round…

Head to your nearest Target! Yum!

Frozen Mint Hot Chocolate

I have never been to NYC, however, when I finally get to go, one of the places on my list is Serendipity for their frozen hot chocolate. When I was in Savannah last fall, I tried frozen hot chocolate for the first time at The Paris Market and it was too delicious for words to begin to describe it. Ever since, I have been wanting to try to make it at home. I ordered a new blender, in pink of course, to match my pink KitchenAid Mixer. This blender, like the mixer, is the bomb-diggity of kitchen appliances. It is an absolute powerhouse and tackles any task with ease. You will LOVE it! I can’t wait to make smoothies and other fun frozen drinks in it. (And the best part, it doesn't have separate pieces to wash, you just put the pitcher and the lid straight into the dishwasher and you’re done!)

Don’t they look cute together? (The Harry Barker dog treats are NOT part of the recipe, just in case you were wondering…)

It only takes three ingredients, (four if you add whipped cream to the top)

2 Cups of cold milk (I used 1% but it would taste good whatever kind of milk you choose)

Hot Chocolate Mix (My favorite is Archer Farms Mint Hot Chocolate) I used 6 heaping tablespoons of the mix

2 Cups of ice

Directions:

Pour 2 cups of cold milk into the blender, add six heaping tablespoons of your favorite hot chocolate mix, add two cups of ice and cover.

Press “Liquefy” and wait for the magic to begin…

 

It is ridiculously delicious. Be prepared to become addicted to it. 

Serve it in your favorite colorful cups with straws…

Invite some sweet little friends over to share it with…

Enjoy!

Sparkling and Sweet

Whew!!! Decorating the tree takes a lot of time and patience! Lights, beads, ornaments and bows, oh my! I especially loved unwrapping all the of precious little ornaments made by Olivia and Lauren over the years and finding the perfect place on the tree to display them for all to see.

Soucie, our Elf, found a cozy little hiding place in the tree.

Unwrapping the ornaments each year is like a bittersweet walk down memory lane. I remember when each ornament was added to our collection, who gave them to us and the special memories attached to each one. My parents have given us many handmade ornaments over the years that are absolutely beautiful. I can’t help but smile and wipe away a tear each time I hang those precious ornaments on the tree. Love you Mom and Dad!

Priscilla, The Pink Pig.

War Eagle!!!

I'll try to get some clearer, full-length shots of the tree during daylight.

Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys

I loved watching all the Christmas shows and cartoons with my sisters when I was a little girl. As you can see, Livie and Lauren love watching them too! ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas has a good assortment of Christmas programs both old and new.

  

Can you tell my girls love colorful patterns? Polka dots, stripes and stars all at once!

Christmas Parade

We took the girls to a small-town Christmas parade on Saturday morning.

Well, I can’t complain of it being too hot anymore!

Too cold for TOMS and bare feet. Time for striped socks and comfy shoes.

The antique cars looked so festive, decorated with wreaths and bows.

Despite the cold temperatures, we still had fun. Especially when we met up with our friends, the Diehls and their three girls.

Next year, we will head downtown for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade.