Archives for November 2013

Girls Holiday Hair Styles

November 13, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

With holidays on the horizon, you and your brood have plenty
of parties to attend, and you know what that means—picture time! This holiday
season, it’s easy to keep your little angel looking cute, coifed and
camera-ready with simple yet stylish hair looks from Cozy
Friedman, author of Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’
Hair.

The French Braid Headband

Besides being a great fuss free style, this braided band
makes its own accessory. Girls can wear it with their hair hanging down in back,
or with a ponytail. Complete this look for the holidays with fun beads or
barrettes.

Props:

Wide-tooth comb

Fine-tooth comb

Ponytail holders

Jaw clip

Decorative bobby pins

Step 1: Start with damp hair (either towel –dried or
misted) and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair.

Step 2: Use a fine-tooth comb to draw a horizontal
line across the crown from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. From
the line, comb the hair forward to the face. Pull the hair in back of the line
into a ponytail holder or jaw clip so it stays out of your way.

Step 3: Choose which ear you want the braid to start
from. Tilt the head so the ear you’ve chosen is facing up toward the ceiling.
With your child’s ear tilted up, being making the braided headband using the
hair in front of the part.

Step 4: Once you’ve reached the other ear, secure the
braid with a ponytail holder. If you like, tuck it behind the ear and pin it in
place with a few bobby pins. Remove the ponytail holder or jaw clip use in Step
2 and style as you like. Finish by adding sparkly or decorative hairpins through
different parts of the braid.

The Heart Braid

This is a
must-have look for the holidays. To really make this look extra special add a
clip to the end of the heart that coordinates your child’s holiday outfit. You
can also use a colorful ponytail holder at the end or add decorative beads in
the braid.

Props:

Wide-tooth comb

Fine-tooth comb

Decorative hair clip

Ponytail
holders

Step
1: Starting with damp hair (either
towel-dried or misted), use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair. Then, using
a fine-tooth comb, part the hair down the middle of the head. Clip one side up
right above the ear.

Step
2: On the other side of the part, use the
fine comb to gather a thin section of hair from the crown. This section should
measure about 2 inches from the hairline to the top of the
head.

Step
3: Divide this section into three, and
begin a French braid starting at the crown and curving toward the temple, then
toward the back of the head, like the top lobe of a heart. You will be lifting
hair into the braid only from this side of the part. Leave no loose hair in
front of the ears.

Step
4: When you reach the center part at the
back of the head, secure the braid with a ponytail holder. If the hair is very
long, end the braid about midear; the ends will hang down the
back.

Step
5: Unclip the hair on the other side of
the part and repeat the process. Secure with a ponytail
holder.

Step
6: Join the ends of the braids together in
the back with a decorative bow or ponytail holder to form the bottom point of
the heart.

Cozy Friedman is the creator of the So Cozy product line and
founder of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids. She is an expert authority on cool,
childhood style and recognizes – and celebrates – that children today are
more style-conscious than ever. Decades ago, getting a child to take a bath was
a challenge but now, thanks to places like Cozy’s Cuts for Kids and
product lines such as So Cozy, children are embracing grooming from a
very young age. Cozy has coined this trend the “metro mini”
phenomenon and believes that encouraging it in a healthy way allows
children to be expressive and self-confident.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.socozy.com .

Filed Under: Cozy's Cuts for Kids, French Braid Headband, girl holiday hair styles, Heart Braid, holiday hair styles, Uncategorized Tagged With: parent tips, parenting information, parenting resources, parenting websites, Parenting-Kids

Watch Santa’s Reindeer

November 12, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Want to watch Santa’s reindeer? You can tune into the live feed at http://reindeercam.com/ It’s the perfect activity to get your children excited about Christmas. Let them watch while you’re decorating the tree? Each evening at 5:00 pm EST the reindeer are fed. The children can watch the reindeer resting and gathering their strength for the big trip on December 25.

Also, you can also add your child’s name to the Nice List for a fee on the site or you can write Santa a letter per the instructions on the site. Once the letter is received, your child’s name will be added to the Nice List.

Do you know the history of Santa’s reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen. The 1823 poem by Clement C. Moore “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “The Night Before Christmas” or “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”) is credited for the eight flying reindeer and their names per Wikipedia. This portion of the poem introduces the reindeer:

“When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
with a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name:
“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!
“On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixem!

“To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
“Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

So, we know the history of Santa’s reindeer now. Reading The Night Before Christmas has become a favorite during the holiday season in my home. Finally, be sure to print our Nice Letter and Certificate from Santa. While you’re waiting for Santa and his reindeer to arrive, make a batch of your favorite holiday cookies. What are some of your holiday traditions?

Filed Under: Parenting Tips Tagged With: Christmas activities, Santa Claus, Santa's reindeer

Peanut Butter Pine Cone Bird Feeders

November 11, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on how to make pine cone bird feeders. These peanut butter pine cone bird feeders are a fun project to make this winter with the kids. Our feathered friends need our help finding food during the cold months. Insects are scarce and most berries are gone. Most importantly, pine cone bird feeders are guaranteed to attract backyard birds. So, let’s check out the instructions on how you can make them below.

Pine Cone Bird Feeders:

Medium – large pine cone(s) with a strong top (Take a walk with your children and let them pick the pine cones)
Peanut Butter (Store Brand or whatever you would like to use)
1/4 Cup Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
1/2 Cup Cracked Corn
1/4 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries
Peanuts Pieces
1/4 Chopped Dried Apples
string/twine
Cutting board or Cookie Sheet
Freezer bag

Note: So, you can purchase bird seed already mixed if you don’t have individual ingredients listed above.

Step 1 – First, spread newspaper to work on if children are assisting.

Step 2 – Second, wrap a piece of string or twine around the bottom of the pine cone. You will be using the string to tie around a tree branch, so make sure the ends are long enough to tie around the branch. You can use twine or string. Just make sure it will hold up in inclement weather.

Step 3 – Also, use a plastic knife to spread the peanut butter over the pine cone. I use store brand creamy peanut butter for this project. However, whatever brand you select will be fine. Be sure to spread the peanut butter thickly onto the pine cone. Furthermore, you can use crunchy peanut butter in place of the chopped nuts. Get creative with your ingredients.

Step 4 – Next, chop the dried cranberries, peanut pieces, and dried apples in a chopper. As a result, I get small pieces that roll easily into the pinecone mixture. So, roll the pine cone in the seed/fruit mixture until covered. Also, you can also use a plastic spoon to help fill in the gaps by spooning the seed over the peanut butter on the pine cone. Use the spoon to push the seeds into the peanut butter if needed. (Beware, this can get messy with children).

Step 5 – Carefully, roll the spread the peanut butter covered pine cone into the seed and fruit mixture. I actually mix the seeds and the dried fruit and nuts together. (Do not put peanut butter at the top of the pine cone near the string). You don’t want the birds peaking at the string.

Step 6 – Next, place the pine cone(s) in a freezer bag and freeze until you’re ready to use this winter.

Step 7 – Last, hang the bird seed peanut butter pine cones in a place where you can watch the birds enjoy the treat. I love hanging them during snow storms or very cold weather.

I suggest that you keep plenty of peanut butter pine cones bird feeders on hand. Your backyard birds will love them, therefore, they will devour these delicious treats in a few days.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: feeding backyard birds, peanut butter pine cones, wild bird feeder

Holiday Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

November 10, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Attracting backyard birds is becoming a popular hobby for many people. Today, I’m sharing holiday gift ideas for bird lovers. Gift baskets or gift bags don’t have to be full of toiletries, candles, and food. Better yet, don’t wait for the holidays. Our gift ideas are appropriate for birthdays or just because.

Here’s a few holiday gift ideas for bird lovers:

Binoculars – Consequently, every bird watcher needs a pair of binoculars. As a result, I purchased a pair of Bushnell Falcon’s binoculars from Amazon. I had a wonder time watching the American Gold Finch eat my sunflower seeds in the garden. They devoured every seed. These binoculars are great for beginners. Yet, they are getting good reviews from advanced watchers too.
A Subscription to Birds and Blooms Magazine – This is one of my favorite magazines. Each magazine contains articles filled with beautiful photos of birds, butterflies and flowers. What bird lover wouldn’t want to curl under a cozy blanket this winter browsing the magazine for gardening and bird attracting ideas for the spring and summer. Click on the link above, they’re offering a 2 year subscription for $15.00.
Bird Houses – For this particular gift, I would suggest that you do a search to determine the backyard birds in the gift recipient’s area. Make a selection based on your finding, different birds like different types of houses. No need to purchase a bird house for a bird that doesn’t habitat in the recipient’s backyard.
Bird Feeders – Another idea, check out your local Lowes, Tractor Supply or Home Depot for feeders. Also, different birds like different feeders. Buy according to the birds in the gift recipient’s area.
Gift Certificate – Next, a gift card is great for purchasing seed, suet, a bird book or magazine subscription.
CD With Bird Calls – Bird calls are fun to listen to when gardening or working in the yard. Great gift for beginners who are just learning the calls.
Book to Identify Backyard Birds – Mine sure has come in handy. I enjoy studying their habits and becoming familiar with the color and markings. I bird watch from my bedroom window during the colder months while I’m watching TV or blogging. It’s nice to flip through a book or Google to identify the birds.
Packs of Sunflowers Seeds – Birds love them, they’re easy to grow, and they’re so pretty in a garden.
Coffee Mug – Fill a coffee mug with the recipient’s state bird with a package of coffee or tea bags.
A Hummingbird Feeder and Nectar – Also, I would suggest a feeder with an ant guard they love the nectar too. It may be difficult to find a feeder this time of year in colder regions. Try on-line if unsuccessful locally.

Last, place your gifts for the bird lover in a gift basket. Furthermore, purchase a basket, filler, ribbon and holiday cellophane bags from the dollar store. This material doesn’t have to be expensive, spend your money on the gifts. Remember, put the larger items in the back and work forward with smaller items. If you need to hold items in place, use clear packaging tape. Finish off your gift with a twist tie to close the bag and a bow. Now, you’re done and your bird lover will thank you for this great gift.

Finally, we hope you enjoyed our gift ideas for bird lovers. You may also like: 5 Amazing Gifts From Your Garden.

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, bird watching, feeding backyard birds

Cookie’s Kids PJs – Great Finds

November 9, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

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Beverly Hills Polo Club “Rider Print” Fleece Pajama Pants (Sizes 4 – 7) - CookiesKids.com

Beverly Hills Polo Club “Star Print” Fleece Pajama Pants (Sizes 4 – 7) - CookiesKids.com

I found these Great Finds, Polo Club pajamas, for my grandson at Cookies Kids for a bargain, $5.99. He’s getting older now, and moving away from the Car, Sponge Bob etc. characters, so I was looking for PJs that were warm, stylish and he could throw on with a tee shirt. I found these fleece PJs bottoms at Cookie’s Kids. My grandchildren do not like to sleep under covers long, so their PJs must keep them warm, but not overheat them.

These were perfect for Xavier, especially on the week-ends when he plays video games and just relaxes with the family.

I purchased this pack of Hanes tee shirts along with the pajama bottoms. I like the colors, he can wear them with the pj bottoms as well as a pair of sweat pants.

I couldn’t leave my granddaughter out. She loves the Disney princesses and Dora so these pajamas were perfect for her. These sets were $12.99 each. She’ll get a lot of wear out of them this winter. I went with long sleeves for her, she shuns blankets more than her brother.

Hop over to Cookie’s Kids and find your bargain. I’m inviting all of my readers to Sign up for the Treats by Cookie’s Kids . Tell them Rhonda@gigglesnsugarkisses.com referred you. You’ll get $10.00 off your order of $50.00 or more order and I will get $10.00 toward my next purchase of $50.00 or more.

Filed Under: children's pajama review, Cookie's Kids, Uncategorized Tagged With: Product Review

Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

November 8, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

I love making soups and chili during the fall and winter months. I adapted a soup recipe that you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen making and it’s delicious. Here’s what you will need:

1 package of stew beef
2 – 3 cartons of Swanson’s Beef broth (32 oz.) or store brand (I have used Food Lion brand)
1 quart of your whole canned tomatoes or 32 oz. from the grocery store
1 package of Hanover frozen veggies or your garden veggies from your freezer
2 -3 small potatoes cubed
1/4 box of elbow macaroni (optional)
1 cup water
*Note: You can add water and beef bullion cubes to the pot to ensure you have enough broth.

First, brown your beef in a tablespoon or 2 of butter or margarine. Next drain the beef, and remove it from the. Cool the beef on a cutting board. The next step is to add your tomatoes, 1 carton of Beef Broth and 1 cup of water to a stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. (You can cut up your tomatoes before placing them in the pot if you like smaller pieces).

Also, while the tomatoes are simmering cut the beef into bite size pieces. Next, add the beef and additional broth to pot and simmer for 30 – 45 minutes. Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Rinse and add to pot. Simmer until almost done. (You don’t want them to be completely done or they may get mushy).

Next, add frozen vegetables and simmer until all vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir pot occasionally. Add 1/4 – 1/2 box of elbow macaroni and simmer until tender. About 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Last, this soup gets better after it sits for a few days. Finally, you can freeze it in mason jars or soup containers for a quick and healthy meal. It’s Yummy!

Filed Under: cooking, dinner, easy meals, easy recipes, Food, Food-Recipes, free recipes, garden vegetables, homemade vegetable soup, Uncategorized

How To Bring Birds To Backyard Bird Feeders

November 6, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on how to bring birds to feeders. First, when I started gardening years ago, I’ve starting noticing the backyard birds more. It seemed that gardening and birdwatching went hand in hand for me. So, I placed several feeders throughout the yard to see what birds I could attract. I love watching the birds enjoy the food and show their personalities. Yes, birds have personalities. Now, I find bird watching to be relaxing. It’s a great way to connect with nature and a great way to peak intellectual curiosity about these beautiful creatures.

So, some of my favorites backyard birds are the Blue Jays, Cardinals, and the American Goldfinch. I find the colors on all of them striking. Unfortunately, the male Goldfinch molts and loses it brilliance in the fall. It turns a dull yellow. It becomes hard to distinguish the male from the female.

Next, learning the identity of various birds is a great to stimulate the brain. It requires research and opportunity to learn their cousins and their habits. I have feeders outside my bedroom window and feeders outside my family room window. I blog, read and watch TV by both windows, it provides an opportunity for me to capture great photos. And, my favorite photo opportunities are during winter snow storms. I open the curtains, enjoy the fireplace and wait for the perfect opportunity to grab a few photos. The feeders have lots of activity when it’s cold and snowy.

Furthermore, placing a feeder in the yard is a great way to get your children off electronics and interested in the birds. They can learn the calls of backyard birds and watch them interact with each other. Fortunately, their habits are quite interesting too.

Bring Birds to Backyard Bird Feeders:

Fill feeders with a quality mix of birdseed. I have a large feeder that lasts for 3 days. You can cut the recipe in half if yours is smaller.

Here’s the recipe to bring backyard birds to your feeder:

8 ounces of no waste bird seed
8 ounces of chopped peanut pieces
16 ounces of black oil sunflower seeds
8 ounces of dried cranberries, raisins or apples
8 ounces of cracked corn

Note: I use an 8 ounce plastic cup to measure my ingredients. Also, if you have raw peanuts instead of the peanut pieces, use your kitchen chopper to break them into smaller pieces. And, I chop the dried fruit. Mix the seed mixture thoroughly. I use a long handle spoon

Fill a feeder with Safflower Seeds – You can attract different birds with different types of food. Not all birds love safflower seeds. However, Norther Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadees and more love it.
Use Suet Cages – Also, suet is the perfect food to offer backyard birds, especially in cold, snowy months. My backyard birds can’t get enough of my homemade suet cakes.
Fruit – Catbirds devour fruit in the spring. Cherries, apples, and grapes are favorites.
Shelled Peanuts – Last, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Carolina Chickadees love unsalted shelled peanuts.

Additionally, I grow sunflowers in my garden in the summer. The American Goldfinch and Cardinals devour the seeds.

Catbird

So, the feasting starts at the backyard bird feeders most mornings around 7:00 am and doesn’t stop until sunset. I fill my feeders every 3 days. In the winter, I add suet in addition to the feeder, peanut butter birdseed pinecones or birdseed cookies to the feeding station. The birds need the fat during the colder months to help keep them warm.

Finally, I hope that you found my post on backyard birds helpful. Follow tips and you will have feathered friends in your backyard in no time. Also, if you missed my post on making Birdseed Cookies, just click on this link. It’s a fun activity for the kids this winter and they will be helping nature feed our feathered friends. Do you have your children involved in nature? What activities do they do?

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: backyard birds, bird watching, feeding backyard birds

Book Review – A Week At The Beach

November 4, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

One of my favorite pass times is reading. I’m checking a few books off my reading list. I just finished A Week at the Beach, by Virginia Jewel. It was a big deviation for me because I’m a true crimes reader. I loved the book, it’s an easy read and great if you like romances.

First, the book is about 2 friends, Chrissy and Cami, who are from New York. Chrissy’s stepfather owns a beach house in the Outer Banks, so they head there for a week’s vacation. The house is occupied when they arrive. Darren, who is related to Chrissy’s step father, and his friend Nick have also decided to use the family beach house. Let the fun begin.

Next, Chrissy is party girl who seems to have things handed to her on a silver platter. Cami is the complete opposite. She’s the good girl who doesn’t party much or hook up with guys that she just meets. She comes from a middle class family and is a school teacher. In spite of their differences, they remain friends and share life’s ups and downs. As a result, a week in the Outer Banks brings thrills for both of them.

Most of all, the author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged with each of the characters. The story takes several unexpected turns, so bring a bowl of popcorn and your favorite drink. You may not want to put it down. The language is appropriate ,and it doesn’t go into too many details during the sex acts. I downloaded the e-book from Amazon for free; however, I would recommend purchasing the paperback.

In conclusion, the book is a great read in the airport or on the plane. Not traveling, curl up in front of the fireplace or during that much needed break in the bathtub. I will be checking out more of Virginia Jewel’s e-books. I’ll keep you posted.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: Kindle ebooks, Product Reviews, summer reading lists