Gather Holiday Showcase Cocktails

Every great GATHERING has to have a Tasty Beverage! 

I love a nice festive toast so I thought I would share some of my lovely Cocktail suggestions.

Cocktails don't always have to contain alcohol. 

Since I make kiddy cocktails as well as grown up drinks I like to offer both options.

For several years now I always stop by my local Grocery store and grab a non-alcoholic cocktail option to bring to the party.  

My favorite choice is Reeds!

They make the absolute best Ginger Beer! 

Isn't this a great festive bottle? I think it's a great gift to bring along to a party. 

Reeds also makes Apple Cider, and Ginger Ale in this larger bottle. 

All of their products are great to sip on their own or use them as mixers.

Now, For the kids I mix 2 parts fruit juice and 1 part ginger beer.

Ginger beer is a little spicey, a little sweet and the bubbles give you the perfect refresh to your palette.

For my Holiday Showcase I made Moscom Mules. If you like Rum then sub the vodka for rum. 

That's called a Bermuda Dark and Stormy.

Moscow Mule

2 ounces of Vodka

Juice from 1/2 a lime  

8 ounces Ginger beer 

Add a few torn leaves of mint as garnish.

Bermuda Dark and Stormy

2 ounces of rum

8 ounces of Ginger beer

Reeds was also nice enough to send us a sampling of their Spiced Apple Cider and their ginger candy.

Both of which are the new favorites at my house. I have been hoarding the Spiced Cider and the kids like the spicy ginger candy. 

I have no idea why, but the spiciness doesn't deter them at all. 

So now I've had to hide the ginger candy. 

I'm planning to add some Reed's products to the Holiday Gift basket I'm making for the family. 

What's your favorite Holiday Cocktail?

Gather Holiday Showcase Dessert Tips

Is it possible to not eat cookies during the Holidays?

I would say of course not! Some how we've been engrained with Cookies and the Holidays. There just isn't one without the other!!

Plus we're talking about cookies. Who doesn't like cookie? Even when it's not the Holidays. 

As I may have mentioned I was invited to a Cookie Swap this year. Cookie Swaps are a great way to GATHER with friends. Plus if you like to bake lots of cookies, a Cookie Swap can give you a huge variety of cookies to share with others.

The basic concept is everyone you invite bakes a dozen cookies. So if you invite 6 people everyone bakes 6 dozen cookies. I'm all about the GATHERING so I ask everyone to bake half dozens. That way I can invite more people and not make everyone bake more. In the past I invited 12 people and everyone baked 6 dozen cookies.

The Cookie Swap I was invited to this year asked for 10 dozen cookies and there were 10 people there. I was excited to attend the cookie swap but 10 dozen cookies was intimidating even for me! 

So I came up with this easy recipe that makes 6 dozen cookies in one batch!

The Recipe is super easy, so you can get on with your busy life!
2 boxes Chocolate Cake Mix

2-2 1/2 Tablespoons Spectrum Food Coloring (Professional Food Coloring) Don't sub for McCormicks*

2 Sticks Butter or Margarine Softened

4 Eggs

1 Bag Mini White Chocolate Chips

It may not look very red velvety but that's okay, I like the under statement.

Combine all Ingredients and mix well.

Spoon out 1/2 teaspoon mounds onto a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 6-7 minutes

Be careful not to over bake.

Check out the Post-it Labels I used for the packaging! Easy, easy!

Here are a few shots of all the other cookies I swapped my cookies for!
Check out the smart booklet I received. It has all the cookie recipes in it.
How cool is that!

Thanks to Lori for hosting a great party!!!
And to Alice for making the cool booklets!





COOKIES, COOKIES!!!

What's your favorite cookie?

HELLO OUT THERE!! Lolli-pop Nap

Hi Friends! I'm sorry if you haven't heard from me lately! I just solved a major problem with my email subscription link, so you haven't received any emails from me yet.
SOOOOooooo....
Welcom if this is the first post your receiving from me!!

If you have a chance take a look around I have 2 GIVEAWAYS happening right now.
A Gourmet Gift Basket
and
Carolina Pad Holiday Memory Organizer
I'm also in the middle of sharing all of my Holiday Showcase Tips.

YES!!!

That's a lolli-pop stick.

 I stopped at the bank to take care of a few things. Despite the fact that I had two cranky kids in the back seat (one crying.)

 Their reward for keeping quiet while I finished my transaction was a lollipop from the teller. 

I'm not into candy but, sometimes you have to just say Yes! 

And look at my reward!!! Nap Time!!! 

I didn't take the lollipo stick out because I didn't want to wake her (wink)!

Don't you love Nap time!

It's where desperation meets tranquility!

It's when you look at your little ones and remember how much you love them.

Nap time is good for everyone. Especially if mama gets a nap too!

Check out my "Sleeping Beauties" board on Pinterest.

What do you do during your children's nap time?

Gather Holiday Showcase Decorating tips

I LOVE a great party! I love to lay out a spread! 

I LOVE a great presentation!

Sometimes if you find a great display element it can take your display to a whole new level. I got this display riser as a gift a few years ago and it is by far my favorite piece for entertaining.

This tree from Apartment Therapy for hanging cards and displaying dried fruit and nuts would be beautiful in an entry way. 

This cookie display from Country Living is so bright and festive. I love the little glass pedestals, and the Star cookies hanging.

Holiday decorating and presentations is all about the details.

To see more of my Holiday Decorating Ideas and recipe suggestions for your Gathering check out my Pinterest boards !!!

GATHER with Mommy Gratitude's 2011 Holiday Showcase

Welcome back today is all about GATHERING.

For most people, Gathering during the Holidays, is what it's all about.

 For me that's my favorite part! 

I love any excuse to GATHER. 

Catching up with friends and family creates memories that I hold dear.

I always plan a special menu with lots of snacks and finger foods.

 I always think up a great cocktail, with and without alcohol. 

And I always think of a fun activity. Whether it's a craft for the kids, or a group game. 

Last year we danced our butts off playing the Michael Jackson dancing game on our Wii. 

No matter the activity or snack I always visualize my Gatherings and Plan for anything. 

Since I'm not hosting this year I'll be bringing my plan with me to the gathering.

I'm planning to bring this Holiday Gift Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.com. 

Christmas Gift Basket Classic

Arts and Crafts Care Package

Bathe In Luxury Spa Gift Basket

I usually make my own gift baskets, but this year I'm saving myself the work and bringing this instead.

 It's filled with so many great party snacks perfect for Gatherings.

Lots of Sweet and Savory snacks.
I think Gift Baskets are the epitamy of festive! Who wouldn't love a basket of treats!

I like Gourmet Gift Basket dot com because of the huge variety they offer!

Evening Of Indulgence Gift Basket

New York Yankees Gift Basket

What great gifts! They have a basket for everyone. Craft baskets for kids, Sports memorabilia for guys, relaxation for the ladies. 

They even have a basket for an "Evening of Indulgence,"
YES PLEASE!!!

Gourmet Gift Basket has it covered.

AND!!!!! SURPRISE!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! 

Gourmet Gift Baskets wants to give one of YOU a basket of your own!!!!

Yippie!!!

For a chance to win a Classic Christmas Gift Basket (pictured above) you MUST do at least one of the following and leave a comment :

FOLLOW Gourmet Gift Baskets.com on twitter

LIKE Gourmet Gift Baskets on Facebook

Google+ their favorite Gift Basket

Please don't forget to leave me a comment so I know how many things you have done. 

Please also include you email address to ensure you receive you prize!!!

This contest will end DECEMBER 15th @ midnight!

I have not received any monetary compensation for writing this post, I did receive product for review to form my own conclusions. The ideas presented here are my own, honest opinions.

GATHER Holiday Showcase Recipe Tips

The second best part of the Holidays is of course food!!!

No debate there right?

So when I PLAN my GATHERINGS I like to serve the LOVE!!
BIG LOVE!

Mommy's Mac and Cheese!

One of my lovely dishes is always my Mommy's Macaroni and Cheese.

 

My Mommy and Me

My Mommy has made this dish for as long as I can remember. Everyone who has tried it always asks for the recipe so here it is. Everything pictured here, plus half a can of milk. 

Cook the pasta of course, then mix everything together and season with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and a little Adobo.  

I like to add an additional cup or so of cheese on top and sprinkle with a little pepper.

Once well combined I bake for about 20 minutes at 350 till cheese is melty delicious.

This Macaroni and Cheese is everyone's favorite! The only complaint I ever hear is when it's all gone! Serve it with a Roast Chicken, or Baked Salmon and a nice side salad. 

When you make PLANS to GATHER pick recipes that are sure to please!

This recipe can be made well in advance and refrigerated. 

Then just bake as I described above.

Easy peasy!

What are you PLANNING to make for the Holidays?

PLAN w/ Mommy Gratitude's Holiday Showcase Day 2 !. Lets make a PLAN!!!

HOLA!!!
Welcome back more ideas to help you PLAN your Holiday!


For my family we often decide our basic Holiday plans months before. 

We are either hosting Christmas at our house or traveling to see family some where else. 

Whether we are home for the holidays or not I like to decorate my home and clean it. 

Whether we are home or not I also like to cook. 

Then there's the presents. Who to buy for, gifts to make, and Holiday Cards to send!! 

Is it starting to feel like a lot to manage yet? 

Well how about my children's school schedules, or the 3 year old Christmas concert. 

How about booking travel arrangements? Pet boarding, oil change, activities for the car ride?

It's a lot to manage!
 So I make lists and write everything down.

My go-to for list making is always

The wonderful folks over at post it brand were nice enough to send my Holiday Showcase guests all my favorite post it goodies. 

After using Post-its to make my coupon book I knew they would be the perfect tool To help me PLAN the Holidays too!!

Post-its are great for Holiday organizing!!

I use the Post It Brand Magnet Pads to build all my lists. They have a wide magnet on the back so the whole pad can stick to the refrigerator door and not continuously fall off. Then each post-it list peels off the pad and is also sticky so I can spread out my lists and they stick to the fridge.

I made a list for all the GIFTS I need to buy. 

My Holiday Dinner MENU.

I have a Holiday meal GROCERY LIST.

A list for all the CLEANING I want to do around the house.

I write all of those things down and post them on my refrigerator so I can just check one by one when I complete a task.

Post it also has these really great labels, which I'm using on gifts and even around the house as I clean and organize.

I hope this helps and stay tuned for more on my Holiday Showcase as well as lots more tips!!

Another really great tool I'm using to make my life easier is these Mommy Messenger Notes 

from Smart Mom Solutions.  These pre-printed envelopes allow you to conveniently and easily deliver money, signed papers, fees and other documents between home and school. The School Message notepads are great in lunchboxes, backpacks or gym bags as a great way to stay connected with your child while he's at school. 

All of my Holiday Showcase guests took home a pack of these. I'm using them to send money to school with my daughter for a field trip. I'll also be using them to send in an early dismissal note so we can hit the road for Christmas.

How do you PLAN your Holidays?

PLAN with Mommy Gratitude's Holiday Showcase and WIN w/ Carolina Pad!!

GOOD MORNING!!!
Welcome to my Holiday Showcase!
Let's get PLANNING!!!


Making a PLAN for the Holidays is a sure fire way to ensure sanity!

Instead of keeping everything in your head, take a little time to organize your thoughts externally, and give yourself some clarity.


I received this festive
 Holiday Memory Organizer the other day from Carolina Pads.
They make really beautiful, smart organizers, notepads and journals.
Since the Holidays are upon us I took to the task of getting organized and PLANNING!

Every year I host a cookie swap, but this year I had something else in the works.
Fabulous party Saturday Night! Lots of pictures coming very soon!!

So since I'm not having my annual cookie swap I accepted a gracious invitation from my buddy Lori, "the Cake Diva!"
She makes the most detailed, creative cakes! The theme of her cookie swap is Chocolate so I set up a section of my Holiday Memory Organizer for just that.
I have the party invitation with all the details, on the bottom right and above that is a picture of the cookies I'm planning to make.
I think I might make a savory cookie instead of sweet.
I have to make 10 DOZEN!! WOW!!
Then on the left are cookie boxes still folded and in their packaging, I'm storing them in the organizer pocket.

In another section I have pictures and recipes for the Cocktails I made on Saturday.

teeheehee!!!!

Then in another section I have my Christmas dinner guest list and a few pictures of place settings I like.

I think the little details you put into your holiday make it special.

The love is in the details.

So I pluck magazine articles and pictures to inspire me as I plan for the holidays.

I also grabbed a few dessert ideas.

How about mini creme brulee tarts, or red velvet brownies!

Now this Carolina Pad Holiday Memory Organizer has lots of sections and of page inserts for orgainzing.

These two pocket sheets would be a great place to keep Christmas Cards once the Holiday season is over.

I made a section for my own Holiday cards that I will be sending hopefully before Christmas, this year!
Hopefully being more organized will help!

Here's the really exciting news!!!

Carolina Pad wants to give YOU a 

Holiday Memory Organizer

The Holiday Memory Organizer includes 5 decorative tab dividers, 12 pocket pages to hold 48 standard 4”x6” photos, 12 pocket pages to hold 48 standard 5”x7” photos and 12 pocket pages to hold 48 letters, cards, photos or other keepsakes up to 8.5”x11”

TO ENTER TO WIN YOU MUST

 1. "LIKE" Carolina Pad on Facebook 

2. "LIKE" Mommy Gratitude on Facebook

3. Leave a Comment with your email address.

For extra entries you can:

Follow Carolina Pad on Twitter @CarolinaPad

Subscribe to Mommy Gratitude

Follow Mommy Gratitude on Twitter @mommygratitude1

Please leave a Comment for each additional entry.

CONTEST ENDS ! 12/16 @ MIDNIGHT

Winner CANNOT have won a Carolina Pad prize from another blogger, Facebook, Twitter, etc in the past 90 days. 

One random winner will be choosen using Random.org.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Disclaimer: I have received no monetary compensation for this post. I received one Holiday Memory Organizer for review. All ideas and opinions are my own.

Welcome to Mommy Gratitude's Holiday Showcase!!!!!!

Hello friends!
I've had this special treat planned for all of you for more than a month!!
I've been thinking and brainstorming and asking lots of people for help.
Here's what I came up with?

The Holiday season is upon us. 

 While I love giving gifts, I hate how the hustle and bustle of the season can leave you feeling drained. 

When your tired and worn down it's so hard to feel grateful!
I invited a bunch of my friends over so we can have a little fun before the Holiday Season wraps us all up.

So along with sharing our fun,
I thought I could offer a few tips to help you get organized 

and ensure a Holiday Season full of GRATITUDE!!

I came up with a theme for my Holiday Season and I want to share it with you, so......

Welcome to

Over the next week I will bring you ideas to Plan your Holiday Season, Gather with people you love, Pamper yourself, and Cherish every moment of it!!!

Get ready!!!

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!

The winner of the Xia-Xia Pets GIVEAWAY is.....

 newbiemom said...

I am hoping to find a few great books.

newbiemommie@gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

 

I Love My 1st Grader!!

Aneley filled out this calendar with her daily school activities. 

"JIM" is one of her favorites! 

It's such a joy watching someone learn the world from the beginning!

Have a great weekend!