The Old Reno-Sparks Mom

Practice Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:23:00 +0000

As we sat watching Gwen play with her world's-most-awesome-Christmas-train under the tree we got to talking about the values of Christmas. Which ones we want to adopt which we don't and how we're supposed to instill said values into our children.

The beauty of Gwen's age is that this is year is practice. This is where we get to learn what it's like to be parents during Christmas without the threat of screwing it up and scarring our child for life (you know you remember that one Christmas, it exists for everyone no matter how perfect your parents are).

For instance, she won't remember how her mother let her play with every toy that she's gotten as a gift the entire month before Christmas. She will be just as surprised to play with her toy Christmas morning. And I'm fairly certain this is the only time that can happen.

This is just the beginning of a bunch of mistakes I'm sure we'll make. But knowing that they're not life altering and won't be spoken of as years to come (ask me to tell you my story about decorating the Christmas tree and liver someday) makes it that much easier to sit back and enjoy the wonder and merriment of the holiday season instead of worrying about if what we're doing is right.

And don't worry, I saved a couple toys that she hasn't played with yet that she'll be getting Christmas morning. You know, just incase she's a genius baby making memories or something of the sort.

Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Over the weekend we put our aforementioned Christmas party pants on and attended Jake's office Christmas party.

So we drove to Gwen's grandparents, dropped her off, gussied ourselves up and went to dinner.

It was in a buffet at a casino so we were a little skeptical, but really? It was a great idea (and a really good buffet). Did you have prime rib and crab legs followed by every dessert humanly possible at your office Christmas party?

Tables were all perdy.

Good times were had by all.

Don't you just love all the get togethers during the holiday season?

Insta-Friday {10th Edition}

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:41:00 +0000

This had to be the.longest.week.ever. It felt like everyday was Thursday, only it was Tuesday, or Wednesday. But the good news is that it's Friday and we get to get our Christmas party pants on. Other than not being able to find Gwen's big red Christmas bow, it's going to be one grand ol' weekend. Maybe I'll finally put up our one strand of Christmas lights and our bows...eh, we'll see (it's cold outside!).

1.) This is seriously my workspace. Such a disaster. 2.) Somebody likes to go into my diaper bag, find my wallet and find the cash. 3.) All bundled up. This jacket is way too big and makes for a comatose baby. 4.) Making Christmasy Chocolatey Memories (Nestle, I am available for you copywriting needs, email me for rates)

1.) Baby found her xmas present (and loves it). 2.) If she could talk she would be reenacting the infamous Christmas Story scene, "I Can't Put my Arms Down!" 3.) Cookies 4.) Oranges

1.) Making my list, checking it twice. 2.) Packages! Packages! Packages! In two days we got 4 GIANT packages. We are spoiled rotten.

How I Get Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes I need a little inspiration to get the ol' creative spark back and dive back into blogging. I enjoy blogging for so many reasons, one of those being the community that blogging provides. I'm not talking about all the best friends I've made through blogging, because quite honestly through the years I've had one bloggy friend (Hi Kavita!) but the inspirational community, if you will. It's a place where women share all these brilliant ideas. A place where on any given day I can sit in front of my computer, go to Tip Junkie's nuts-O huge linky party and find hundreds of inspirational recipes, crafts and ideas.

As I put together our Christmas plans I got a little bit of the duldroms when I couldn't really think of that many things to bake during our "baking day." That was until today. I sat down and checked out Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday. I like to go through all the links and open what appeals to me. I click click click until my web browser window is full of tabs, then I go through the tabs and pin what I like, comment (like a good little blogger) and then go back to the linky party. Do you know how much stuff I found? Allow me to show you (along with my two cents about each one):

Source: bakingdom.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I am so making this. It's not going to be that pretty, but I'm making it.

Source: jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I'm a huge fan of chutney, and this seems like a sweet/spicy spin on it. This will be happening at our "Day of Christmas Eve Appetizer Feast"

Source: sugartotdesigns.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

The 12 days of Christmas printable. Elegant, original, just lovely all around.

Source: dimpleprints.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Dimple Prints strikes again with a phenomenal cookie exchange printable kit. I mean, there's hundreds of adorable things to print out. The papers, the pennant banners!

See what I mean? I found all of this cool stuff in a matter of minutes. And it's all handily bookmarked on Pinterest. So anyways, I just wanted to share my excitement about the inspirational community. Incase you're wondering what all these "linky parties" and "Pinterest" is, click on the logos to below to check them out.

Save Money on Postage

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I am a huge advocate of Christmas cards and overly excited about getting to send out photo cards now that we have a baby. Like many other people we are having to tighten our belts this holiday season. So I managed to get our Christmas cards for a very low price. Postage costs more than double the price of the actual cards.

So I took a look at the calendar and planned accordingly. This is the time of the year when you get together with family and friends, so why not hand deliver your cards?

Over the weekend I was able to "hand deliver" 7 cards, saving $2.70 in postage. To make it seem a little less like I was trying to be cheap, I tied some yarn around the cards to give them a packaged look. I also had them addressed, just as if they would look if they were mailed.

Just a handy tip for cutting costs wherever you can. How many cards could you hand deliver this holiday season?

How to Host a Wreath Party

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:49:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, when the girlfriends get together and fashion up themselves the most beautimously giant wreaths you've seen this side of the Sierra Nevadas. It's time for our

You can read about the history of our tradition, here and here.

It's something I look forward to every holiday season. Any excuse to get together with the girls is a welcome one, but when there are Christmas wreaths involved?

And yes, we are complete dorks that take this same photo every year.

Want to host your own wreath party? It's simple (I can't really say this, seeing as I've never hosted one before, but my girlfriend does each year and she makes it seem simple).

It's great for all different walks of creative types and leaves plenty of room for interpretation. You simply slap some hot glue on the things you want attached and glue it directly onto the wreath. Don't like what you did? Take it off! It's that easy.

And who doesn't love a wreath in their home during the holiday season? I know my front porch surely does.

{I'm linking up to these linky parties}

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:28:00 +0000

After Halloween I was ready to move right on to Christmas. Nevermind that I listen to Christmas music basically all year round, but my goodness, once I packed up the Halloween stuff I was ready to hit the road running with all things Christmassssssss (imagine jazz hands, light shining down). I kind of completely forgot about Thanksgiving. And then Thanksgiving came and went and was absolutely delightful and here we are.

You see, the husband holds strong to the philosophy that nothing Christmas can happen until after Thanksgiving. So, on Friday, you know Black Friday, I came into the kitchen to Sir Sunderland playing Christmas music throughout the house. I grabbed Gwen and we all danced around merrily. The poor child has been subjected to the early playing of Christmas music as well, and it will be noted that she likes it. She likes it!

So, that evening I ran around the garage and sheds to gather all of our Christmas boxes. Our traditional hot cocoa in snowman cups was made and we got to decorating.

I've been so excited for Gwen's first Christmas and putting up the tree was no let down. She was in awe of it. It took her 30 minutes to finally touch the lights, then put them in her mouth, rip an ornament off the tree and proceed to try and use it as a stabilizer for her wobbly standing.

I came to realize that we really don't have all that many Christmas decorations. We have our Charlie Brown Christmas tree, a strand of outdoor lights and a million snowman serving platters. So it's taken some creativity to get the house looking as festive as I'd like. But by golly, it's getting there!

Some Days You Got It

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:56:00 +0000

And some days you don't.

Source: inspirationfeed.com via Laura on Pinterest

For those of you who are new around here, you might not know that I deal with depression (you can read more about it here, here and here if you feel so inclined). Stupid stupid depression. It's been going on for years, I've spent the better half of my twenties trying out antidepressants, crying, becoming a hermit, sheltering myself from loved ones, friends and family and crying some more. I finally discovered a fab-O therapist who I sit on a couch and talk to for an hour a week, every week. Gwen runs around her office chewing on all her children therapy toys, sticking her hands in her sand box and opening her filing cabinets, progressive!

This doesn't fix everything, but it helps. It makes life a lot more manageable and keeps the bouts of depression to a minimum. It lets me carpe diem, for the most part, but still, the stupid stupid depression doesn't go away.

Why am I telling you this? Because last week I got into a little funk. This little funk involves me not wanting to do a damn thing, including writing prolific blog posts such as this. I've always been very open about my depression because 1.) it seems to help avoid the crushing guilt that comes with not doing stuff and 2.) it could help someone else reading who might be all depressed, reading blogs and ignoring the real world like I often do.

So in total honesty, I sat around my house watching Felicity all week. My kitchen was overflowing with dishes and my floors (and baby) covered in dog hair. Don't go off calling CPS, the baby was well taken care of. That's the one thing I can manage to do regardless of being depressed. For some reason playing with a smiley, giggly baby never seems to be a problem.

So there you have it. Real life here folks. But don't you worry. I woke up today on the sunny side of the bed and for whatever reason my brain realized that life must go on! There are Moms in need of events out there, Christmas decorating to be done and a house that currently has garbage strewn about it to be picked up (dogs got into the garbage, I'm not that bad).

And well, since I'm on my "real-life" pedestal, I'm going to share this lovely photo of the baby and I. It's too funny not to share, even at the expense of my and Gwen's dignity.

Feel free to pin that, then ask all your friends to re-pin it. Put it on your "photography" boards next to all those inspiring, beautiful photos. May it inspire you on those days when you're comparing yourself to Natalie or Naomi, or when you're just feeling like crap.

Now lets carpe diem the shit out of this day!

{Oh yea, read this brilliant post by Crafterminds, "Don't Believe Everything You Pin." It'll blow your mind grapes.}

{And while you're at it, read this gem from Less Cake, More Frosting.}

Thanksgiving as a Family of Three

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Our first Thanksgiving as a family of three was, while absolutely fabulous, totally exhausting. Turns out keeping tabs on a crawling, running, over-stimulated infant takes up most of your stuffing your face time. Gone are the days of lounging around. I think this is the first Thanksgiving that I ate reasonably proportioned appetizer and meals. Not by choice, mind you, mostly due to a complete lack of time.

Dinner was seamless. My Mother-in-Law brilliantly planned it so she was in charge of the main stuff (turkey, potatoes, etc.) and everyone else was asked to bring appetizers and dessert. The result? An awesome combination of the standard dishes we’re used to and some new ones that weren’t the usual suspects. And how easy is it to bring an appetizer or a dessert? Win win for everyone.

We ate, we enjoyed family and friends, they all loved on Gwen even though she was a little overwhelmed and a lot cranky. By the time we got home we were all pooped.

All in all a great Thanksgiving with delicious food, fun with family and friends. Now onto Christmas!

How to be Grateful, pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:12:00 +0000

We all have no problem thinking of the things that make us grateful during the holiday season. Tomorrow's holiday has "Thanks" in the title, how easy is that for a reminder? What other time in our busy, hectic lives would make it easy to remember to be grateful?

You know, like a time when the whole family is all-together, on a nightly basis, paying rapt attention to only each other? A time that seems quite similar to Thanksgiving dinner, just smaller and no turkey.

That's right, dinnertime my friends.

Why not give thanks and share it with each other on a nightly basis during dinner? It doesn’t have to be formal, eloquent or a big deal. A simple conversation starter. And if you’re not feeling it it’s not a big deal. Even if you're not all at a table together, it's as simple as saying, "what are you grateful for today?" as they walk out into the living room to sit in front of the television. What's the worst that can happen? You feel better and become a little more grateful for the day?

Gratitude Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:34:00 +0000

As Thanksgiving approaches, we tend to reflect on our existence and think of what makes us grateful. I’ve found that doing this makes it really easy to redirect your mind to positive thinking, which in turn puts pep in your step. This is why therapists and doctors recommend keeping a gratitude journal, or advise to think of the things that make you grateful as you fall asleep.

It’s been proven (Wikipedia says so, so it must be true) that "grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships," (Wikipedia, I'm going against all of my college education and seriously quoting the most uncredible source available).

Can I get a hallelujah?

It seems so simple. But the act of actually doing it is extremely difficult, especially if you tend towards depression. Through the years I’ve found different techniques that help, but they always seem to flitter out. I do it for a night or two, and then the next thing I know it’s Thanksgiving and I’m wondering what ever happened to that gratitude plan I had.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I’m going to use this week to develop a game plan. A plan that goes beyond telling the family during Thursday night’s dinner what I’m grateful for (eesh, the anxiety-ridden competition that your Mom always wins). We’re going to figure out a way to become those awesome grateful people who “have higher levels of control of their environments, personal growth, purpose in life, and self acceptance,” (Wikipedia, which by the way had a credible source, I checked).

Click here to download the printable

Lets first start with a printable. I found this quote in a book I got from Starbucks awhile back that I turn to for inspiration. It gives the sense that gratitude goes so much deeper than just being thankful. The memory of the heart? Doesn't it just make you think of those things your grateful for with a little more feeling?

Print it out, put it somewhere you’ll see it as a nice little reminder to be grateful today and one step closer to being happier, less stressed and all those other great things.

{You can find me linking up to these linky parties.}

{I'd like to thank Persnickety Prints for their adorable digital embellishment I used in this printable.}

Insta-Friday {9th Edition}

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

1.) Cake pop fail once again. I didn't read the instructions even though I have the Bakerella book. Don't put an entire tub of frosting in with the cake! You're supposed to use 3/4 of it. Who knew? 2.) Jake made his Alton Brown brined turkey 3.) Gwen ate and liked pancakes. Success! 4.) After 10 months I finally discovered where to store Gwen's headband collection. The drawer in the bathroom. Duh.

1.) Aren't the "aromatics" for the turkey purdy? 2.) Gwen helping me do the laundry while eating breakfast. What a great multi-tasker. 3.) Brushed up on what I should be doing for the yard. Notice there aren't any pictures of me actually doing this.... 4.) First test with the 1st birthday girl's banner (yes, she's not turning one until January).

1.) We squeezed in some front yard play while the weather's still warm. 2.) Gwen mastering the childlock while Daddy slices up his turkey. 3.) This outfit was too much wrong to not take a picture of. 4.) The banner finalized (tutorial to come soon). I'm thinking a large, glittery number 1 in that blank space above it? I had to make it low for best picture taking, which is why it exists, no?

1.) I was bound and determined to go to a park before it snows. We found an awesome baby-friendly one down the street and the little lady actually enjoyed the slide. Now that we can't go anymore.....(snow in the forecast tonight).

What to Do This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Well, whether we like it or not, Christmas is upon us this weekend (I personally think the Christmas season can't come soon enough).

Our two major shopping centers are hosting extravagant Christmas tree lighting ceremonies (with fireworks!) this Saturday. Can't wait for the evening? There's a fun Christmas event at the Lake Mansion downtown beginning at 10:00am.

We'd love to see your Santa photos! Swing by and post them on our Facebook page.

Sat. November 19th {10:00a}

Lake Mansion Jingles with Art and History (FREE Santa Photo Opp)

Event includes eight workshop stations for children as well as face painting and photos with Santa. Bring your camera. A docent in 1800s costume provides tours of the holiday-decorated mansion and descendants of Lake Mansion residents will be present to answer questions. An author signing of "The Lake Mansion: Home to Reno's Founding Families" is also featured. No registration is required.

WEBSITE

Sat. November 19th {6:30p}

Fireworks and Santa's Arrival at the Summit
The Summit
Join The Summit as they set the sky ablaze with spectacular fireworks as well as a musical performance by the Reno Philharmonic Choir. The excitement continues with Santa’s arrival directly from the North Pole. Gather in the Plaza next to Vans and Tilly’s.
WEBSITE

Sat. November 19th {5:00p}

Third Annual Tree Lighting at Legends

A memorable way to begin the holiday season with the family. There will be Fireworks, the Grinch Christmas Show, Special Guests and fun for the whole family.

With each toy you donate, you will be entered in a drawing to see who can light northern Nevada’s Tallest Tree that night.

WEBSITE

Sat. November 19th {10:00a-6:00p}
Meet Santa at Scheels (FREE Santa Photo Opp.)
Bring the kids and stop by Scheels so they can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa will give every kid a token for the Scheels Ferris Wheel. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras for a picture with their child with Santa.
WEBSITE

P.S. Have you heard the Glee Christmas album? I'd highly recommend it to assist you with getting into the Christmas spirit.

Our New Official Go-To Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I came across this recipe for french toast souffle while going through a recipe-finding frenzy and I've made it almost every weekend since trying it out. Brunch with a girlfriend? Make this! Grandparents visiting? Wow them with this. Parents in town? Whip it up!

I kid you not. It is extremely simple with a few (inexpensive) ingredients. It's just enough to be a main breakfast dish and not need a buffet of side dishes. Some sausage (since bacon is so garsh darn expensive these days) and fruit and you're good to go.

Source: jennysteffens.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Petite French Toast Soufflé Recipe
makes 4 individual servings

1 small loaf of french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (5 cups)
4 large eggs

1 cup of half-and-half
1/4 cup of maple syrup (plus more for serving)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 teaspoons of cinnamon

For Serving :
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
maple syrup

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon...
Add bread cubes and toss until all of the cubes are coated. Pour into individual ramekins or one souffle dish.

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes (for individual ramekins), 30-35 for one larger souffle.

Serve warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Girly Headband Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Before Gwen came we had a baby shower and filled her closet with more pink than you can ever imagine. She got dresses, onesies, gowns, and a couple of headbands and shoes. But when she came out I suddenly felt like she wasn't nearly dolled up enough. I wanted headbands with bows, bows BOWS. For whatever reason, albeit the fact that I'd never shopped for baby things before or that I was in survival mode, I had the most difficult time finding out where to get her these cute things. I turned to etsy and was dying to buy these:

from the shop Lou and Lee after seeing them on Naomi's cute baby via Rockstar Diaries. But I had a little trouble convincing my husband that $17 on bows for our newborn's head was the best way to spend our money at the time. So I tried to recreate them

and let me just say, after it fell off 5 seconds later I was ready to spend the $17 behind the husband's back (being postpartumly insane and all). But I did some more research and found more reasonably priced headbands from the shop Little Pea Bow s.

Gwen rocked that headband until it left marks on her head that looked a little painful. And then, I came out of the postpartum insanity fog and realized I can make these myself! They're quite easy once you figure it out, and tutorials help a lot. So I've put together a few of my favorites.

Felt Bow Tutorial by The Little Giggler

Simple Bow Hair Clips by Make It and Love It

Fab Flower Headbands by Shanty 2 Chic

The Star Flower Tutorial by the letter 4

25 Easy Baby Hair Clip Tutorials put together by Babble Family Style

I'm attempting to make one of these today for Ms. Gwen's holiday card photo shoot this weekend.

Felt Bow Headband Tutorial by Trey and Lucy

Happy headbanding! Do you have a favorite headband/ hair accessory for your daughter?

10 Months {Gwyneth}

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Gwyneth you are 10 months old today.
You weight 16.5 lbs and wear 9 month size clothes.

You’ve decided you want to be independent this month. You enjoy being alone and can entertain yourself amongst your toys for a pretty long time. Daddy and I get pretty bored sometimes when we try and play with you and you’d prefer to go off and play alone.

And then there was the day you ate a graham cracker and decided you were all grown up and would be feeding yourself from that moment forward. Somewhere in that head of yours you decided that not only would we not spoon feed you, but you would not be eating anymore baby food either. You didn’t eat anything but milk for a week after that.

All you wanted were graham crackers and cheerios, two things you weren’t ready to eat seeing as you choked on them every time. Instead you ate dissolvable snacks and within weeks you have become quite skilled at picking up food and getting it in your mouth. You’ve sped up significantly and can put away quite a few little snacks in one sitting.

We’ve tried to give you new foods to try, all of which you touch with a look of complete disgust until you venture to put it up to your mouth. You will pretend to try it and decide you don’t like it. So far the only things you like are the fruit flavored cheerio dissolvable snacks and the cheeto looking puffs. This really upsets your parents who were trying to feed you homemade all-natural baby food!

At the beginning of the month you could standup by yourself and slowly get around furniture. In the middle of the month you not only caught speed moving around furniture, but you began pushing things around on the floor while standing up (chairs, boxes, etc.) Mommy got you a toy that you push. It goes super fast on the hardwood floors but you jog along behind it as if it’s not a problem. Occasionally you will let go of something you were using to brace yourself and not realize you’re standing by yourself. You stand fine until you realize what’s going on and immediately grab on to something or fall to the floor.

You like to giggle and laugh with Mommy or Daddy and you picked up on an evil laugh (muhahaha). You like to do it whenever you can. Nothing is cuter than a 10-month-old baby maniacally laughing as she plays with her toys.

You’re moments away from walking, eating finger foods all by yourself and growing like a weed. It’s amazing to watch your mind expand and develop and see you absorb your surroundings. You’re such a joy and a constant source of happiness in this house. We love you!

{You can find previous months here}
{{I'm participating in these linky parties}}

And the Winner is......

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

The winner of the 4 free tickets to the Wednesday, November 16th show of Yo Gabba Gabba is:


luckybeck said...: "We LOve ...there's a party in my tummy so yummy so yummy! but another fun one is "friends" what a wonderful day to have friends! friends are happy today, friends friends! oooh pick us pick us! ;) I'm so happy that your visiting my place!"

Congratulations! You have until 3:00 pm tomorrow (Sunday) to shoot me an email at renosparksmom@gmail.com. Otherwise another winner will be drawn.; As a thank you to all who entered you can get $10 off per ticket!

Thanksgiving Crafts For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Looking for things to do with the kiddos this month? There's plenty more to do than the handprint turkey.

Have the kids cut out fall cheese shapes with cookie cutters for a fun snack with Moore Minutes.

Thanksgiving is always a funny time. You gorge yourself on appetizers while waiting for dinner, but what else are you supposed to do? Send the kids on a Thanksgiving Day scavenger hunt throughout the neighborhood. Find it at Family Fun.

Prewriting Practice Sheets - Cutting Practice - Thanksgiving Strip Puzzle

4-piece Puzzles - Sorting Practice - Counting Practice Cards - Color the Turkey

Letter and Sound Finding Cards - 3-Part Vocabulary Cards and more!

Get this and more ideas from Over the Big Moon.

Make an adorably easy countdown to Thanksgiving with A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea. Just print and color!

Make a cute paper plate turkey with Meet the Dubiens.

Spice up the hand/turkey idea with thumbprint turkeys inspired by Silly Eagle Books

Insta-Friday {8th Edition}

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:14:00 +0000

This week we....

Got lost in a sea of polka dots.

Went to Trader Joe's to get....

The world's best cookie. Oreos with candy cane? Does it get any better than that?

Went for a walk and realized it was way too cold to go for a walk, regardless of how much you bundle up.

Had an in bed type of morning.

Took a cute/scary picture of Gwen giving mommy kisses. Or is she sucking my soul dementor-style? You be the judge.

It does get better! This is the world's most magical combination. Run, don't walk, to Costco and get yourself this Starbucks Hot Coca. It's nutso delicious.

Tiny Prints has a catalog?!?!? Can anyone say Christmas card porn?

Got up to date on our #d onesies (did you know Dollar Tree sells onesies?!). Perfect for the photo opp onesies. Beware though, they run extremely small and even the 2 year old size barely fits Gwen).

Tried on our Christmas outfit to prepare for a photo shoot this weekend.

What'd you do this week?

Things To Do This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Here are a few things to do around town for your (cold) three day weekend. Also, if you're itching to get your Santa fix, he's already at the Meadowood Mall.

Bundle up and show you support.
Veterans Day Parade
Friday, Nov. 11th {11:00a}
Virginia St.
The City of Reno is proud to support our military veterans by holding a parade in their honor. This year's theme is "Honoring Women in the Military". The parade will start at Court & Virginia and continue to 5th & Virginia.
WEBSITE

Make a Button Ring
Sat. November 12th {10:00a-11:00a}
Michael's - all locations
Make-It Take-It with purchase of buttons. Ages 14 & up. While supplies last.
WEBSITE

How cute is this gingerbread guy?
Clay Pot Event
Sun. November 13th {1:00p-2:00p}
Michael's - all locations
Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last.
WEBSITE

You'll see me at this one. I've been dying to try out Martha Stewart's new craft paints, especially the glitter ones.
Martha Stewart Crafts™ Paint Ornament
Sun. November 13th {1:00p-2:00p}
Michael's - all locations
Make-It Take-It with purchase of ornament. Adult event only. While supplies last.

WEBSITE
Check out Martha's website for more ideas on what to do with her paints.

Thanksgiving Printable Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

There are so many amazing things designed and available for us to print straight from home that I fear my printer won't be able to keep up. That's when I run down to Costco. Anyways, here's a collection of Thanksgiving themed printables to decorate with or put in your kids' lunchboxes.

Saved by Love Creations has those two cute posters on the right available for printing as well as a tutorial on how to make that cute garland from paint chips.

Darling Doodles made these awesome Thanksgiving lunch notes.

The rest is just gravy poster from Freaking Craft

Harvest subway art from Blooming Homestead

Plenty of adorable Thanksgiving posters at A Step in the Journey

Shindig Parties to Go has an amazing printables kit that includes everything you could ever imagine for making the world's most adorable kids table.

Fall subway art from Eighteen 25

And for those of you who are die hard stationary fans (even though nobody seems to notice or care when you actually send out real ones) here's a Thanksgiving invitation from Sissy Print.

Win 4 Yo Gabba Gabba Live! Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000

Yo Gabba Gabba Live is coming to Reno Wednesday, November 16th at the Reno Events Center and we are lucky enough to be giving away 4 free tickets (for the Reno show only).

To enter to win leave a comment telling us your favorite Yo Gabba Gabba song.
You can hear us singing "Try it, you'll like it!" daily around these parts.

For extra entries (optional) (please leave a separate comment for each one):
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Giveaway ends at 5:00p Saturday, Nov. 12th. Winners will be randomly chosen on Saturday, November 12th and announced Sunday, November 13th. Tickets good for Nov. 16th show in Reno, NV only.

Good Luck!

Free Tiny Prints Santa Card

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Hurry! For one day only Thursday, Novemeber 9th, if you head on over to Tiny Prints' Facebook page and like them to get a free Santa card for your children!

Tater Tot Casserole {Recipe}

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Tater Tot Casserole

Makes enough for small army. {Since the ingredients are practically impossible to halve, I like to reserve half (before baking) into a Tupperware that gets popped into the freezer for later. Don’t worry, even with half there is still plenty for leftovers.}

Ingredients

1 lb ground hamburger {we prefer ground turkey but it does have less flavor}

1 onion, chopped {leave these pretty large}

1 (16 oz.) package frozen tater tots

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup cheddar cheese {or more}

Make It

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Brown hamburger with onion, drain excess fatty fat

Combine hamburger and onion with remaining ingredients {use the biggest bowl you’ve got}

Pour into large casserole dish

Bake 20 minutes or until tater tots are golden

Enjoy!

Notes:

While delicious, this casserole requires mass amounts of ketchup and hot sauce (Tabasco, Tapatio) of choice.

I’ve made it with the cheese mixed in and cheese just on top. Trust me, mix the cheese in and then add some to the top if you please. It adds tons of flavor and a more creamy consistency when mixed in.

I'm linking up to these sweet Linky Parties.

Cool Things For You to Enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 06:24:00 +0000

Here are a few things I found while perusing the interweb that I thought might be of interest. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

This awesome Thanksgiving Printable kit. Look at all the goodness! Welcome signs, banners, straw flags, cupcake toppers, food labels, you name it.

Source: dimpleprints.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Some lovely calendars to help plan your busy month. Need some ideas of how to fill it? Check out our events column here.

Source: bloominghomestead.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

from Less Cake More Frosting

Source: sweetsewnstitches.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Mother 2 Mother - Exclusive Pumping Information
The first informational breastfeeding site with helpful information for exclusively pumping I have ever seen. There's even a nice little community so you can connect with other e.p. moms. Where was this 9 months ago?