15 Festive Christmas Cookie Ideas

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Christmas Cookie Ideas.  Nothing says Christmas better than twinkling lights and a batch of homemade cookies.  I decided to do a round-up of festive, but flavorful Christmas cookie idea.  The goal was to look for cookies that were unique and would make a great gift or look festive on a party table.  I think all 15 Festive recipes will do just that.  

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Here’s a roundup on Christmas Cookie Ideas:

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

Candle Cookies – First, these candle cookies will shine brightly on a Christmas dessert table.  Raw almonds, chocolate and wafers place this festive cookie on the list of of great Christmas cookie ideas.

 

 

A Rat King per se.  Additionally, these are a perfect Christmas cookies for The Nutcracker lover.  The Nutcracker just happens to be one of favorite ballets. Whether you display these cookies on a table or place them in a tin, the recipient will love them.  Add these to the top of your Christmas cookie ideas.

 

 

Ice Skate Cookies – Furthermore, sugar cookies, candy canes and icing help these sugar cookies come to life.  Figures 8, Death Spiral and Lay Back Spin are a few of the positions in this sport.  So, if you have a little ice skater or a big ice skater, fill a tin with these adorable cookies and they will love you for them.

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Snow Globes are a favorite Christmas decorating idea.  As a result, they also make an adorable and delicious cookie.  The Wilton Snowglobe Cookie Cutter will help make your task easier.  These cookies are a conversation piece for sure.

 

 

 

 

Another Christmas cookie idea is candy canes. Who doesn’t love Candy Canes?  They’re great in hot chocolate or with hot Chocolate.  Sugar Cookie dough, red food coloring gel and crushed peppermints will help bring this cookies to life.

 

 

 

 

A sure that Christmas is around the corner, is the sign of the Christmas tree.  Who said that it has to been the real thing, why not stacked sugar cookies.  Prepared sugar cookie dough, white icing and green sugar will get you on your way to making these great gifts.  These cookies should be somewhere on your list of Christmas cookie ideas for sure.

 

 

 

 

Sugar Cookie Snowmen  – The little guys are so cute, and sure to bring a smile to a little one’s face.  Gum drops, sugar cookie dough, and chocolate baking bites.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is the Christmas lights.  I could sit for hours watching them on my Christmas tree.  Why should be just stop with the lights on the tree?  Sugar cookies shaped into Christmas lights are sure to be mesmerizing too.

 

 

Christms Cookie Ideas

 

 

Next, who doesn’t love hot coco?  A hot coco cookie will make a cup of coco taste even better.  Marshmallows, candy cane and a cookie.  It’s perfect Christmas/winter treat.  Switch out the Christmas tree for snowman, and you make these after the holidays.

 

 

 

 

Rice Krispie Gingerbread Pops  – Nice twist on the gingerbread man.  Chewy and gooey chocolate rice krispie treats on a festive holiday stick.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Polar Bear Cookies – These polar bear cookies not only look delicious, but they’re cute as a button.  They would be great for a Christmas treat or any time during the winter months.  So, have a little fun.  Whip up a few batches.

 

 

 

 

 

Marbled Cookie Cutouts –  How cool are these?  Sugar cookies dough, food coloring, and your favorite Christmas cookie cutters is what you need for these tri-colored sugar cookies.  Fun and festive.  Great project with the kids.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Santa Hats – Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  As a result, this can a fun treat for Christmas eve.  Rice Krispy treats, buttercream frosting and food coloring are the stars.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Also, Christmas Ornaments don’t have to just hang on the tree.  These cake balls covered with colored chocolate and sprinkles are the perfect snacks for the holidays.  So place a few in a gift bag or mason jar and finish it with a pretty bow.

 

 

 

 

Additionally, Christmas Wreaths are great snacks too.  Your best sugar cookie recipe, a round cookie cutter, icing bags and tips and you’re on your way.

Last, we hope that you found a few of our Christmas cookies ideas irresistible, and you will be making a few batches for the holidays.  Finally, we Wish a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

 

5 Festive and Delicious Holiday Dog Treat Ideas

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on holiday dog treat ideas.  Christmas is around the corner, and soon the kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of baking.  Homemade cookies are always a Christmas favorite.  Either as gifts or treats for family and friends.  But what about the family pet?  They love treats too.

 

 

holiday dog treat ideas

 

 

Holiday Dog Treat Ideas:

 

We gathered a few recipes, so that you can make delicious holiday dog treats for your family pooch.  If you don’t have a dog make these holiday dog treats for a family members or friends.  They’re healthy and delicious, so you don’t have to worry about the treats being harmful to your pet.  We have bones, candy canes, Christmas Trees, gingerbread men, and mittens.  Perfect for gift giving.

Mint and Apple Dog Bones    –  Mint and apple are the flavors that your pet will love while nibbling on the doggy bone treats.  You make them natural or use green food coloring or spinach powder if you want a Christmas color.

Candy Cane Dog Treats – Another holiday dog treat is the candy cane. These are adorable, and festive too.  We all love candy canes, now you can give your pet a candy cane too.  They’ll be wagging their tail with joy when they taste the peppermint and chicken flavors in this festive treat.

 

 

holiday dog treat ideas

 

 

Christmas Tree Dog Cookies – Another holiday dog treat!  A sure sign that Christmas has arrived is the Christmas tree.  Celebrate the festivities with these peanut butter Christmas Tree treats for dogs.

Gingerbread Men Dog Treats  – Run, run as fast you can.  You can’t catch me I’m the gingerbread man.  Toss your pet pal a few of these peanut butter gingerbread men.

Mitten Dog Treats – Your pet may not be able to wear them, but they can sure eat them.  Peppermint and peanut butter are the stars in these Christmas treats.

Wrap a few of these treats for yourself, a family member or friend.  They will be appreciative, and your 4-legged friend will love you for them.

 

 

Sunday’s Best Linkupkup – #152

Christmas decor ideas

 

Welcome to Week 152 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup.  Christmas is around the corner.  So, we’re starting our Merry Christmas to You theme this week. We’re looking for Christmas crafts, recipes, decorating idea, mantel displays and more.  It’s Christmas related, we’re looking for it.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like.  Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger.  All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.  In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother   Brittany at A Mama Tale    Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House:  Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale:  Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected Caramel Cream Cheese Dip  from All Things Crafty      

Fruit Dip Recipes

 

 

Kim selected 33 Things to Do Before Christmas from Married By His Grace

 

 Christmas budget ideas

 

Brittany selected Healthy Homemade Bread Recipes from Healthy Helper Blog      

 

bread recipes

 


The Post with the Most Clicks


5 Minute Chocolate Cheesecake from Marilyn’s Treats 

 cheesecake recipes

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s)  – Merry Christmas to You

Yarn Lollipop Christmas Ornament from Across the Blvd. 

Christmas Yarn Lollipop

 

 

Christmas Bassett Hounds from Of Mice and raMen  

 Christmas Art

and

 

Vintage Ornament Christmas Wreath from Penny’s Vintage Home    
Christmas Decor Ideas
and
Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 

 


How To Create A Great Outdoor Living Space:

Outdoor Living Space Ideas

 

Outdoor living is quickly becoming a trend.  More people are taking pride in their yard and patio areas.  As a result, they spend more time outside.  What was once considered a normal part of the home has become an extension of your home.  So, a great garden and outdoor living space can even be a selling point for your home.

Having the space and making it neat and tidy are great, but how do you make it a more useable area?  How do you encourage yourself and your family to spend more time outside?  I wanted to share a few ways that you can invest in  luxurious items, accessories and other things to create an a great outdoor space. We encourage you to invest your time and your money in your garden.  You won’t be disappointed, it will pay off in resale value.

 

outdoor seating ideas

Image source

 

Make an outdoor dining area

The one thing that enjoyed most is dining outside.  So, if you find yourself stuck with what to do with your garden or patio area consider a dining area.  Keep things simple, but invest in a new dining table and chairs.  Also, add an umbrella to shade you from direct sunlight.  Furthermore, invest in a cover to keep the furniture in good condition too.  Especially, during the winter.  If you don’t feel like you have a large enough space for a table and chairs, consider extending your patio area.  A decked level would also work.  You can add details like wooden shades and planters to make an impact.

Take the cooking outside

Dining outside is great, but why not think about doing the cooking outside as well.  Again, you can keep things really simple and invest in a BBQ.  Some BBQs are full on outdoor stoves where you can cook a full meal or grill.  If you’re brave enough when the weather becomes chili, you can still enjoy your outdoor stove.

However, a BBQ can just be the start of your outdoor kitchen.  Home owners love the idea of creating an outdoor cooking area.  Some have included a pizza oven, a fire pit to keep warm and even an outdoor sink.  These are some amazing examples of outdoor kitchens that could tempt you into investing in one so that you can create a great outdoor living space too.

 

outdoor kitchen ideas

Sourced image

 

Add a fun element to your outdoor living

 Who says that a yard is just for sitting, reading or sipping on a beverage.  Although there is clearly nothing wrong with this, adding fun elements to your outside space could really bring it to life.  A portable hot tub can make a big difference. You may be thinking that a hot tub is a little extravagant, but there are some health benefits to having one.  For example, hot tubs help relieve anxiety and stress as well as improve your sleep.  Another idea is to create a children’s play area.  You can separate parts of your yard to ensure that you have adult space as well as a great place for your children to enjoy.  You could add a treehouse, a slide or swings.  While you’re relaxing on your deck, the children can enjoy their space.
 

Socialize more in your garden

Socializing can often be seen as something you do inside your home.  After all, that’s why a majority of people invest in an open kitchen and dining areas.  Or, they invest in a plush kitchen. However, socializing can now be extended to your outside area.  Consider having additional seating and LED lighting installed.  Adding the seating and lighting around a fire pit makes the area inviting.  Additionally, when the temperature drops a fire pit could help you extend the use of the seating area too.

While it can be quite tempting to dismiss your garden during the winter months, keeping it tidy is recommended.  Stay on top of the flower beds and your lawn.  Having a tidy space is also inviting, so invest in outdoor storage to keep lawn care items out of sight.

I hope that some of these suggestions have offered you some inspiration on how to create a great outdoor living space.

12 Side Dish Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving side dish ideas

Nantucket Corn Pudding

First, I love corn pudding.  It’s always a favorite on the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table.  Also, the ingredients are simple, and the end result is a delicious treat that is even better the next day.


Sweet Potato Casserole

 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I use Yukon Gold for my mashed potatoes, however I do love red potatoes.  This recipe leaves the skin on the potatoes and calls for roasted garlic.  I also like the fact that you can put them in the crock pot and let me cook while you’re preparing other dishes.  This looks like a creamy and yummy dish that is sure to be a hit.

 

Scalloped Potato Roast

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

 

Beautiful dishes always awaken the taste buds.  This scalloped potato roast should be a side dish on your table.  Rosemary and garlic are the stars!

 

Parmesan Corn on the Cob

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Who doesn’t love corn on the cob.  Especially, when it’s enhanced with parmesan cheese and herbs.  Place the ears of corn in the oven and make them a Thanksgiving side dish.

 

Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

I love the southern style version of mac and cheese versus the creamy.  I guess it’s a personal preference, however,  I will eat both.  This recipe calls for Gouda cheese, but you can use your favorite whatever that may be.

 

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Nice idea if you’re looking for a replacement or an addition to mashed potatoes on the dinner table.

 

Almond and Cranberry Slaw

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
This is a nice twist on your usual slaw.  It’s perfect for your vegan guests too.  Almonds and dried cranberries are the stars in this dish.

 

Southern Style Green Beans

Thanksgiving side dish ideas
These green beans are cooked just like my grandma’s.  The beans are brought fresh and snapped just before they are placed in the pot. They are than slowly cooked for hours so the bacon and seasonings can mix.  Always a hit at the dinner table.

 

                                                                                            Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving side dish ideas

 

Deviled eggs are always a hit in my house.  I love the sprinkled chives and the dash of paprika on this dish.

 

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts 

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
There’s not many Brussel Sprout lovers in my family, but there are a few.  Bread crumbs and parmesan cheese take these “little cabbages” as my daughter used to call them when she was little to a new level.  What’s even better, they’re ready in 30 minutes.

Cauliflower Gratin 

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Last, I love cauliflower, raw or cooked.  It’s one of my favorite veggies to use with dip and one of my favorite veggies with cheese.  Furthermore, it’s a nice change from the regular peas, carrots, and green beans too.

Finally, we hope you found a recipe or two Thanksgiving side dish ideas that you would like to try.  You may also like 18 Tips and Tricks for a Kid’s Thanksgiving Table.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #151

Christmas decor ideas

 

Welcome to Week 151 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup.  Christmas is around the corner.  So, we’re starting our Merry Christmas to You theme this week. We’re looking for Christmas crafts, recipes, decorating idea, mantel displays and more.  It’s Christmas related, we’re looking for it.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like.  Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger.  All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.  In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother   Brittany at A Mama Tale    Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House:  Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale:  Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected Drop Cloth Curtains from Junque Cottage     

 

DIY Curtain Ideas

 

Kim selected Pumpkin Ale Flatbread  from Craft Beering 

 Pizza Recipes

 

Brittany selected Spiced Pumpkin Mini Cupcakes from Janine Huldie     

 Fall cupcake ideas

 

The Post with the Most Clicks


20 Thanksgiving Pie Ideas from Marilyn’s Treats 

  Thanksgiving Pie Ideas
and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s)  – Stuffed Turkey

Natural Thanksgiving Center Piece from The Boondocks Blog

 

Natural Center Piece Ideas

 

 

Thanksgiving Theatrics Family Fun from What Happens At Grandmas 


Thanksgiving Activity Ideas

and

 

Thanksgiving Dice Games from Grandma Ideas     
 Thanksgiving Game Ideas

and

 

Thanksgiving Table Setting from Across the Blvd.

 

 

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

and

 

 

Cranberry Apple Chutney from Shoestring Elegance

Thanksgiving Food Ideas

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Tips on Renovating Your Backyard

renovating your backyard

 

Now might not seem like the best time of year to get busy in the garden.  However, it is if you’re planning on a complete renovation.  Because it’s a big job, it’s likely to take a number of weeks or even months to complete.  So, if  you start now you should be ready by the spring to start enjoying your garden.  Here are a few tips on renovating your back yard:

Tear Out The Old

First, clear out the old to make way for the new. This could mean ripping up old decking slabs, getting rid of shrubs, or trees and hedges.  Additionally, knocking down walls that you no longer want. You will need to remove the grass and top layer of soil if you’re going to lay a new lawn.  Removing the old grass is going to be the hardest part. Considering hiring a professional company like https://www.fastskipbinsbrisbane.com.au/.  Additionally, be prepared to put in a whole lot of work. If you can, round up family and friends to help you.

Create a New Plan

Once everything has been cleared from the yard, you can evaluate the space and decide what you’re going to do next. For example, you can draw out scale plans of where you want everything to go.  This includes the lawns, flower beds, a pond and everything else.  This will give you an idea of how big individual components will be and how you want it to look.

Lay The Patio

Every garden will benefit from a patio. It’s space where you can put a table and chairs and sit outside. You can enjoy family meals outside when it’s warm.  Also, you can BBQ or enjoy a glass of wine while you enjoy the nice weather. Furthermore, you could lay some slabs or go with decking. Decking looks smart and works well for both large and small gardens.  Most importantly, it can add significant value to your property.  If you are a DIYer, consider doing the work yourself.  Installing composite decking will make your life even easier. This is because the wood fibers are blended with .  As a result, it’s naturally weather .  Furthermore, you won’t need to sand, stain or oil like wood decking.  It save time and money.

Build Ponds, Walls or Water Features

Before installing any grass or plants, you will want to build any of the structures you have planned for your garden. There are lots of Youtube videos and articles,  as well as design ideas on Pinterest.  Check them out for DIY ideas.

 

renovating your backyard

Put Down The Lawn

Lawns are a good choice in gardens.  They bring color to the garden in the winter and are nice to sit on during the summer. Over time lawns can start to wear.  So, every few years reinvigorating it is worthwhile. The trick to a great lawn is prepping the soil underneath.  It should be properly levelled, aerated and nourished before laying down your turf or grass seed. Get your edges dead straight for the best finish.  It leave you with nice neat flowerbeds around the perimeter. From there, you can fill your beds with shrubs, trees and flowers- choose varieties that flower at different times of year for the best effect.

 

Amazing Vacation Skiing Tips In the Alps

Today, I’m sharing skiing tips in the Alps.  Going on adventurous holidays with little ones can sometimes be too much work. Traveling with children can be difficult, but the experiences and memories will be worth the preparation. When looking for a ski holiday there are resorts that offer the children’s classes, in chalet child care, and other child-tailored services.  Check out our travel tips in the Alps too.   

 

skiing tips in the Alps

 

 

Here’s My Skiing Tips in the Alps:

 

How to plan the best ski holiday with children

There are certain things you should think about when planning family ski holidays:   

·         What type of accommodation should be booked 

For families, a child friendly Chalet is the best option. You can choose from fully catered to self-catering stays.  Family chalets in the Alps can include high chairs, stair gates and even playrooms. 

·         What to pack 

Warm clothing; however, there are other things you should rent. It is more cost-effective to rent expensive gear such as boots, ski suits and jackets. Check with the resort before you book to get the best deal, or find out about local rental options. 

·         Do you need ski lessons

Children will definitely benefit from ski lessons at the resort.  Expert ski instructors can offer lessons, especially those who specialize in teaching small children.

·         Are lift passes included

When booking you will want to know if your lift passes are included. If you book early, you may get a good deal which includes your lift passes too.

 

 

skiing in the Alps

·         Is there in-chalet childcare and do you need it 

Another skiing tip in the Alps is having childcare facilities in-chalet or in the resort. You may need childcare for very small children who can’t ski for half days or even full days. There are lots of different options you can choose from.  

·         What other activities are available

It is really important to have plenty of other things to keep the family entertained in the resort. Knowing what other activities are available before you go will help you plan your time wisely. Finding the right resort with entertainment is essential for families. 

·         What is the après ski  

Après ski is entertainment after a day of skiing.  It’s not just for adults, so you will want to know what options you have for yourself and for the kids. Teenagers need entertainment during the evening too, so choose somewhere that is right for everyone.

·         When to go 

Depending on the age of your children, you may be able to get a great around school holidays. 

 

 

skiing in the alps

Which resorts are the best for families in the Alps

Some resorts are more suited to family ski vacations than others. Here are a few to consider: 

Les Gets

A picturesque resort that is very popular with families, Les Gets.  It is exactly what you would expect in an Alpine village. The surrounding slopes are great for beginners.  However, there’s also the nearby Portes de Soleil for stronger skiers in your group. Additionally, there is a cinema and an ice skating rink to enjoy.  

Accommodation in Les Gets is traditional chalet style. When you book a family chalet vacation here, you can expect family suites, playrooms and a layout designed specifically for families.  Childcare is also available. 

There are plenty of excellent restaurants serving local cuisine as well as international restaurants. 

La Plange

This high-altitude ski area is excellent for skiers of all abilities. There are different slopes in the area where all members of the family can have their lessons together or separately. La Plagne has lots of shops, bars and restaurants.  There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained when not on the slopes.

Additional skiing tips in the Alps is the Olympic Bobsleigh run, and the ski-dooing for the older kids. For young children there’s plenty to do too. They will love visiting the magical Igloo Village and exploring the stunning Ice Cave.

 

 

vacationing in the Alps

 

 

You’ll find a range of accommodations including slope side chalets perfect for a family stay. Again there are companies that offer childcare and family orientated chalets.

Les Bruyeres

An excellent resort in Les Trois Vallees for skiers of all abilities, Les Bruyeres is another Savoyard gem. The village is traditional style unlike many of the modern resorts in the area. However, there are still ample facilities including bars, restaurants, an indoor swimming pool and a spa.

The pistes are varied and very close to the resort centre. Plus, you can get passes that will cover you for the whole Trois Vallees area if you wish. Kids will also love the Speed Mountain ride which is an exciting toboggan run on rails found in Les Bruyeres.

The chalets are family friendly, but have extra touches for the adults too such as hot tubs.

Avoriaz 

This resort is child friendly and a car free resort. It is central to the Village des Enfants which is an unusual ski school for children from 3 to 16.  The concept that learning to ski should be through play started here, so it is popular with families.

Avoriaz is a more modern resort than the others mentioned.  But, the high-altitude location means there are hotels and chalets offering ski in ski out locations. There’s a strip of hotels bars and restaurants in the main area, as well as chalets dotted further out. If you can find what you are looking for here, the resort of Morzine is close by. 

A fun activity for kids to try here is ski jeering. A popular thing to do in Avoriaz, is to hold on to long reigns attached to a horse’s bridle and you are pulled along on skis behind it!

 

Are you ready for an amazing Ski holiday in the Alps with your children 

There are many ways to make you family skiing trip in the Alps amazing.  Seeing what these great family friendly resorts have to offer will give you plenty to think about.  With some planning, asking the right questions and knowing what your requirements are it will be easy to have a great holiday in the Alps. 

 

 

 

Winis Multifunctional Outdoor Poncho Review

 

outdoor poncho review

 

I was offered a discount on the Winis Multifunctional Outdoor Rain Poncho.  I’ve been looking for one to wear to my grandson’s football games, so I purchased the product at a discount in exchange for a review.  This post contains an affiliate link.  If you click on the and decide to purchase an item, I may receive a small commission.  The commission helps maintain Mother 2 Mother, and does not affect your cost for the item.

The poncho is available in two colors, orange and blue.  I love bold colors, so I choose the orange.  The poncho arrived quickly, and neatly packaged in a mini bag with a drawstring.  I loved the packaging concept.  It’s the perfect size for carrying in your purse or bag on those days that it’s calling for rain.   In my opinion, there’s nothing worst than being at an outdoor event and it starts pouring.  I hate using an umbrella at football games or other outdoor events.  My hands always manage to get wet and cold.

 

outdoor ponchosAlso, the poncho is perfect for wearing over a jacket or sweater.  However, I do recommend wearing a hat under the hood.  The hood has a drawstring on it, so you can adjust it easily.  Another feature that I like is that the poncho is tear resistant.  I was actually concerned, because the poncho is light.  But, it appears to be durable.  Cleaning is easy, you can just wipe it off with a damp cloth.

You can also use the poncho as a blanket. This is perfect for me, especially on warm days.  My granddaughter takes her dolls so she can play with her friends t her brother’s football games.  I can spread out the poncho and she has a play area. How cool is that.

In addition to wearing the poncho, it will make a great gift.  If you know someone who loves to fish, camp, or hike consider purchasing this multifunctional outdoor poncho.  In a downpour, you can cover items that you don’t want to get wet.  Stash one or two in your car for these occasions.  Although I didn’t get to wear the outdoor poncho during football season this year, I highly recommend purchasing one here.  I’m happy to have mine on hand when needed.

 

6 Reasons Learning to Forgive Is Good

I’ve endured many hurtful events in my life.  They actually started in childhood.  Growing up in an alcoholic home, having an emotionally unavailable and abusive mother, being called names by others, teen pregnancy, and divorce added to my pain.   I remember being called names because of skin color, my hair, or because I was skinny.  There were times when I just didn’t feel loved or cared for.  On an emotional and psychological level, it leaves your hurt, angry,  and depressed.  It also causes you to lose your confidence, self esteem and faith.  Today, I’m going to share tips on why you need to forgive those who have hurt you.  When you do, it allows you to let go, move on and that in itself is empowering.  

 

learning to forgive

 

 

Even at this stage of my life, a few of my relationships are rocky.  However, I have acquired the tools to deal with relationships and situations so they don’t cause emotional damage in my life.  For example, I have learned that forgiveness is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal.  I have learned that forgiveness is key in getting rid of baggage that most of us carry through life.

As a matter of fact, learning to forgive is the first step to empowering yourself.  It’s the first step in taking back what is rightfully yours, that is your life.  You have the right to live your life without being a victim in its entirety.  Without forgiveness, we continue to hold on to things that bind us to the hurt and pain that we endured.  There’s a saying, forgive and forget.  I won’t ever tell you to forget it, but I will say let it go and move on.

Why, because learning to forgive is a freeing experience.  Remove the weight of the burden you have been carrying for years with forgiveness.  Learning to forgive also provides the following benefits:

Moves You Forward – Once you learn to forgive, it frees you to move on with your life.  So, remove the shackles and the weight that once held you down.

Helps Heal Emotional Wounds –  Emotional wounds can be just as damaging as physical wounds.  I played the hurtful words that were said to me over and over again in my head.  It was like a broken record.  The words seep into your soul, and if allowed they will become your voice.

Empowers You – Forgiveness returns your power back to you.

Renews Your Faith – Forgiveness helps to re-establish your faith.  If you’ve left your church, return and join a bible study group.  Feeding your soul is important in your growth.

Forgiveness is About You – Forgiving your abusers/victimizers is not about them.  People don’t forgive because they believe their abuser is getting off the hook. Wrong!  You forgive so you can let yourself off the hook.  You free yourself from the secrets, shame, hurt and pain.

Brings a Sense of Peace –  Once you’re free from the people who hurt you, you will find peace.  Forgiveness allows a calm to enter your life, and it clears your head to make rational decisions for you and your family.

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