Christmas

Tips for Baby’s First Christmas Meal

December 23, 2014

When it comes to preparing for a holiday family gathering, there is already plenty to organize. Hosting a Christmas meal can seem daunting – Aunt Aggie’s aversion to vegetables and accommodating little Johnny’s distaste for any meat at all can make anyone stressed!

How to prepare for baby’s first Christmas meal so the entire family can enjoy? Disney Baby has some great advice.

Tips for Baby’s First Christmas Meal

Keep it simple

It isn’t necessary to plan a whole separate menu for baby. You can prepare your wee one’s meal alongside your own. Set aside a portion of what you’re cooking before you add seasonings, and mash, smash or purée to make it the appropriate texture for baby. Make enough to save for another meal in a Tupperware container so you can take it with you to any festive feast.

If you’re unsure about what to make, consider baby-fying some of these holiday classics. It is a good idea to stick to foods your little one has already tried, though – a holiday dinner is not the best place to uncover a food intolerance!

Try turkey

To make this bird baby-friendly, try creating a casserole with peach, cranberry and sweet potato mash. Put everything but the sweet potato in a casserole dish and bring it to a simmer. Then reduce heat and cover for about fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, cook the sweet potato until soft, then peel and mash it with a fork. Once the turkey mix is cooked, throw it in a food processor and blend to your desired texture. Stir into the sweet potato, and voila: tasty turkey for tots.

All we are saying is: give peas a chance

They may not be everyone’s favourite vegetable but peas are a great option for baby’s holiday meal. Fresh peas are great finger foods on their own, and can also be used to make an easy mash. For a little variety, try mixing peas with carrots, potatoes or even Greek yogurt.

Serve sweet potatoes

Sweet potato mash is a tasty treat for both you and baby. For something extra special, try smashed yams with cinnamon. Once your sweet potato is cooked, purée and add it to a saucepan with a little bit of butter. Season with cinnamon and serve hot.

Pie, please!

No need to leave your little one out of the after-dinner deliciousness – make a baby version of a classic apple pie. Create a crust by combining crushed graham cracker with formula or milk, and top with apple purée mixed with dash of cinnamon. For something a bit more exotic, this is an arroz con leche recipe. It’s creamy, sweet and seasoned with holiday spices.

The holidays are a time for togetherness…and for eating tasty treats. There’s no reason your baby should be left out of any festive fun!

ENTER TO WIN

Disney Baby is giving one amotherworld reader a Disney Prize Pack which includes a Minnie Mouse Plush Toy, a Magical Moments Photo Frame and Winnie the Pooh socks. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Disclosure: I am a Disney Mom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to Disney Baby events and products. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Christmas

12 Creative Christmas Crafts

December 22, 2014

I’m not a crafty person so when I see images of beautiful do-it-yourself items, I am envious! Growing up, I remember being inspired by my sister who always had a natural ability for crafty things. At Christmas time, we would buy ceramic villages and spend hours painting them ourselves. She also created Christmas ornaments and decorations herself. Like the little sister, I’d follow her crafty lead.

When I sift through the various images on Pinterest and the internet, I’m blown away by such imagination. I love the creativity that these DIY/craft bloggers have that I have to share you all.

Here are 12 Creative Christmas Crafts to inspire you to get crafty!

12 Creative Christmas Crafts

Name: Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh pumpkin purée; 1¼ cups coconut palm sugar; 1/2 cup light olive oil; 1/4 cup flax meal; 2 cups gluten-free flour (I use 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup each sorghum and brown rice flour); 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup almond milk (if pumpkin puree is thick); 1/2 chopped walnuts

1. Personalized Santa Sack Silhouette on Fynes Designs

2. Chrismas Wreath on Simply Darrling

3. Glitter Twine Ball Ornament on Thinking Closet

4. Paper Christmas Trees on Architecture of a Mom

5. Glitter Wire Wine Bottle Gift Tags on Oh My Creative

6. Holiday Décor JOY Wooden Letters on A Mom’s Take

7. Easy Winter Berry Wreath on Mom Endeavors

8. Christmas Santa Milk Bottle on A Spectacle Dowl

9. Snowflakes in a Frame on Domestic Imperfection

10. Mini Tree Stup Christmas Place Card Holders on Redhead Can Decorate

11. DIY Vintage Sled on Fyne Designs

12. Handmade Holiday Gift Tags on A Little CLAREification

Beauty

Holiday Hairstyles and Tips

December 18, 2014

December means holiday parties and gatherings galore! A sparkly top, chic handbag and gorgeous heels, check! A new lipstick shade, mani and pedi and a smoky eye? Check! What’s left? A fabulous hairstyle is the best way to complete your holiday outfit.

Whether you choose a hairstyle with volume or a pretty up do, here are some holiday hairstyles and tips for your holiday party.

The side ‘do

The side ‘do is popular and you can create texture by using dry shampoo. You can also back comb hair for extra volume. You want to work with hair that’s not been freshly washed so it doesn’t slip around on you.

How to create the Side ‘Do? Pull hair into a ponytail holder on the side. Backcomb the ponytail so it maintains its texture. Then, wrap the ponytail into a loose bun and secure with pins. Add a little bling by using clips or pins with embellishments, or a festive ribbon.

Batiste™ Dry Shampoo Original uses an amazingly innovative technology that allows you to go about your day without having to worry about dull, oily hair. With just three simple steps, this classic dry shampoo is perfect for on-the-go or in-between washes. Start by shaking the can and spraying it into the roots. Finish by massaging with your fingertips, then brush and style as usual. The travel size is small enough to keep in your purse.

Go Big or Go Home

Ditch the curling iron and let your hair down and go big with voluminous locks. With just a few spritzes of Batiste™ Dry Shampoo XXL Volume, you’ll be instantly crowned the winning mane of any party. With extra volume and bounce, you’ll go from dull, flat hair, to a lasting salon-like finish! Wind the hair around a round brush to get big waves or, you can use large curlers to achieve a similar affect.

What are some of your fabulous hairstyle ideas this holiday?

Disclosure: I’m working with Church & Dwight as an ambassador and receive special perks. Opinions here are my own, as always!

Desserts

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake – Dairy and Soy Free Too!

December 17, 2014

Pumpkin is a fall and winter favourite around here. I always have pumpkin purée on hand; once pie pumpkins are harvested, I buy a bunch, roast and the purée them. Then, I’ll freeze the purée into 2-cup portions to have on hand for recipes like this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake!

The pumpkin purée makes this recipe moist; this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake recipe is also dairy free, soy free and egg free!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake – Vegan too!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh pumpkin purée

1¼ cups coconut palm sugar

1/2 cup light olive oil

1/4 cup flax meal

2 cups gluten-free flour (I use 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup each sorghum and brown rice flour)

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (my recipe)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup almond milk (if pumpkin puree is thick)

1/2 chopped walnuts

Instructions

In a mixer on low, combine the pumpkin, sugar, oil and flax meal. Add in each of the remaining ingredients.

The consistency and water content of the pumpkin purée will dictate the thickness of the batter. If thin, add a tablespoon or more of any of the flours. If batter appears too thick, add some almond milk.

Spread the batter in a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes.

Optional: When cool, frost with a chocolate ganache (1 cup dark chocolate melted with 3 tablespoons any milk), and chopped walnuts, or sprinkle with some icing sugar.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin is a fall and winter favourite around here. The pumpkin purée makes this recipe moist; this Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake recipe is also dairy free, soy free and egg free!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups fresh pumpkin purée
1¼ cups coconut palm sugar
1/2 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup flax meal
2 cups gluten-free flour (I use 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup each sorghum and brown rice flour)
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup almond milk (if pumpkin puree is thick)
1/2 chopped walnuts

Instructions

In a mixer on low, combine the pumpkin, sugar, oil and flax meal.
Add in each of the remaining ingredients.
Spread the batter in a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes.
Optional: When cool, frost with a chocolate ganache (1 cup dark chocolate melted with 3 tablespoons any milk), and additional chopped walnuts, or sprinkle with some icing sugar.

Notes

The consistency and water content of the pumpkin purée will dictate the thickness of the batter. If thin, add a tablespoon or more of any of the flours. If batter appears too thick, add some almond milk.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 394Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 417mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 4gSugar: 32gProtein: 5g

Contest

5 Tips for Teaching your Kids about Money

December 15, 2014

December means the holidays are in full swing which means it’s also the highest spending season of the year. To help manage the family budget, RateSupermarket.ca offers free up-to-date information on the latest personal finance offers, guides, tips and articles to help you get more from your purchases during the holidays and all year round.

It’s also a good time to teach children about spending, saving and personal finance at a time where spending is at an all-time high and kids see mom opening her wallet more often. I think it’s important to teach children about finances so they can understand early on that money doesn’t grow on trees!

Here are a few tips and tricks to teach kids about money and educate your little ones on financial literacy.

Five tips for teaching your kids about money

1. Start early

It’s never too early to talk to your children about money and financial responsibility. Start as soon as they’re able to count and make money the topic of regular family discussions. Enjoy a fun family night with Monopoly or The Game of Life to teach the importance of making smart money decisions. Monopoly can help children learn the importance of budgeting and setting aside an emergency fund. The Game of Life demonstrates how focusing on education can increase earning potential. A cash register and toy store can teach them that buying goods/presents comes at a cost.

These lessons are especially important during the holiday season where they are due to receive cash gifts or gift cards – you can educate them on the importance of spending wisely.

2. Want vs. need

We’ve all heard kids proclaim they NEED a toy or new gaming console. It’s important that children understand the difference between needs and wants, and that they may have to wait to buy something they want. This will help encourage them to make sensible spending decisions. Far too often I see parents giving kids everything they ask for – don’t feel guilty about saying no!

3. Save and plan

Teach your child to save regularly and plan purchases. Set up a process for saving money, whether in a piggy bank for young children or a bank account if they’re older. Monitor together with your child so he/she can see how much they’ve saved and introduce goals for saving and planning larger purchases. You can find out which bank account on the market is best for your child’s needs here.

4. Money means choice

Money is a finite resource so it’s crucial for children to learn how to make wise choices about spending. If your kids are young, read them a book that teaches the basics of budgeting and saving. Remember to chat through lessons-learned at the end.

If you have a young adult, test out the Rewards Calculator on RateSupermarket.ca. It’s a quick, four-step tool that identifies which available credit card provides the best rewards for your needs (cash back, travel, gas or specialty rewards) based on your current, everyday spending habits.

5. Lead by example

As a parent, you have a great deal of influence on your little ones, especially when it comes to financial habits. Children have a tendency to copy their parents’ behaviour, so be open about your spending habits and savings goals, and try to limit the amount of shopping trips you take as a leisure activity. They might start to think money is unlimited and spending is fun – which it is! But there have to be limits too.

ENTER TO WIN

To help you teach your little one about spending, saving and personal finance, RateSupermarket.ca is excited to offer a fun-filled prize pack with educational games and books valued at $75!

Items will include (or be similar to):

Monopoly, the classic game can help children learn the importance of building a strong asset base, budgeting and setting aside an emergency fund.

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies is the first in a series about two siblings who open up competing lemonade stands. The story escalates as the siblings use their skills and a few ideas about entrepreneurship to drive their “lemonade war” to amusing heights. “The Lemonade War” teaches the basics of entrepreneurship, planning and money management in the context of an enjoyable adventure story that hits upon the lives of upper elementary children.

Money Savvy Kids: The Best Ways to Teach Your Children about Money for a Strong Financial Future written by Gordon Pape and his daughter, Deborah Kerbel, which will help you get your children on the right track to understanding all about money. It contains sound, practical information from Canada’s most trusted financial writer plus many delightful and humorous personal stories that will leave you laughing while you learn.

Piggy Bank which will encourage your little one to start saving their allowance or monetary gifts with a cute piggy bank.

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Christmas

Gifts for Him Holidays 2014

December 12, 2014

What to buy for HIM this holiday season? Here are some top picks for Gifts for Him Holidays 2014:

Wifi Router

The Nighthawk X4 AC2350 WiFi Router with Quad-Stream X4 Architecture, delivers the single fastest WiFi connection, up to 1.73Gbps, and a combined speed of 2.33Gbps. With next generation Wave 2 WiFi, a 1.4GHz dual core processor, and features like Dynamic QoS, X4 delivers unmatched performance for gaming, streaming and mobile connectivity. $279.99 Netgear.

Nikon D7100

Unleash the power of Nikon’s DX-format HD-SLR system with the D7100 which incorporates a new level of image quality, speed, connectivity and creative capabilities. The D7100 boasts a specially designed 24.1-megapixel DX-format image sensor, superior low-light performance, ultra-precise autofocus and metering, advanced video recording features, built-in HDR, mobile connectivity and much more. Pair it with any of Nikon’s superb NIKKOR DX- and FX-format lenses, versatile Speedlights and accessories, and the D7100 will be the centrepiece of your creativity for years to come. $1,349.99 Henry’s.

Leather Card holder

Jax Leather Card holder. $45 Rudsak.

Plush Cotton Robe

Add a little luxury to your morning routine with this pure cotton robe by Polo Ralph Lauren. The plush robe in 100% cotton features long sleeves, a self-tie belt, and the brand’s iconic logo embroidered on the chest. Long sleeves Self-tie belt Front pockets. $109. Hudson’s Bay.

Leather Lace-up Boots

For a city fashion look that is all your own, opt for these leather lace-up Indrakova boots that have a rubber tractor sole. $99.98 Aldo.

GoPro HERO

Capture and share all your life’s adventures with the GoPro HERO Waterproof HD Sports and Helmet Camera Hero Edition. Shoot crystal clear HD photos and video as you fly through the air on a zipline, dive into the ocean, or bike along a mountain trail. This wearable, gear-mountable, rugged and waterproof camera can go anywhere you can go – and then some. $169 Best Buy.

Mary Maxim Rink Sweater

Roots launched a line of sweaters with Mary Maxim, Canada’s maker of iconic sweater patterns. Beavers, reindeer, hockey – all Canadiana in a knit sweater is great for the rinkside dad. $198 Roots.

BOSS Cologne Set

Get him a gift set that he’ll enjoy as part of his wardrobe, Eau de Toilette Gift Set by BOSS which comes in a 100ml and a 30ml. $85 Hugo Boss and various retailers.

Phantom Glass

Phantom Glass is a tempered glass screen protector, created with Corning Gorilla Glass, to ensure maximum impact and scratch protection for your mobile devices. Phantom Glass features two unique coatings: a silicone nano-adhesion layer, which ensures installation is a breeze, and also fills surface scratches on older devices, and an oleophobic nano-coating that allows fingerprints to wipe off with ease. $34.99 and up, Phantom Glass.

Skinny Tie

Urban and modern, this tie in black and white geometrical pattern will add a classy punch to your suiting look. Made from pure silk, it is also treated to be stain resistant. $34.95 RW&CO.

Leather Weekender Bag

This chic leather weekender bag is a must-have for the business man in your life. $179. Winners.

–

Gift Ideas for HER

Gift Ideas for the HOME

Gift Ideas for the KIDS

Christmas

Holiday Tech Gift Ideas from TELUS

December 11, 2014

For the techie in the family, holiday shopping at TELUS is a smart choice. Aside from their wide selection of the latest smartphones, TELUS is also a great destination for smartphone accessories – like wearable tech, headphones and power boosters, for example, and it’s no secret that smartphone accessories are all the rage these days!

Because TELUS wants customers to have the best experience with their new phone or accessories, TELUS also offers personalized, one-on-one sessions with trained learning specialists through their TELUS Learning Centres. TELUS Learning Specialists, can cover anything from basic device functionality, to helpful tips and tricks for the most advanced user. The sessions are complimentary, and can be booked online or in-store at TELUS. With a TELUS Learning Centre session, your loved one can feel confident using their new smartphone, accessories or wearable tech to their full potential!

Visit TELUS to see their full Holiday Gift Guide. Here are some top picks:

For the Ladies:

kate spade new york Battery Banks

The trendiest way to power up

Sporting colourful kate spade new york prints and patterns, these iPhone cases and battery banks are a perfect stocking stuffer for the trendy and fashion-forward lady in your life. Have power at your fingertips with these fashionable portable battery banks. Available in six different patterns. $79.99.

Misfit Shine

Takes their fitness tracking to the next level, even under water!

Set your goals, track your progress and have fun with friends with this wearable fitness tracker. A great gift for someone with an active lifestyle, you can monitor your physical activity from including swimming, cycling and walking. The Misfit Shine has a minimalist, sleek and attractive design, this wearable device can be worn anywhere: wrist, shoes, waist, pocket, neck, you choose! It’s waterproof up to 50m. Available in black and champagne for $99.99.

For the music lover:

JBL Flip 2

The JBL Flip 2 is a powerful portable wireless speaker for an affordable price. A speaker that fits in your hand, the Flip 2 delivers rich, crisp audio thanks to two drivers with a built-in bass port. It also has a built in microphone and SoundClear echo and noise cancellation technologies, so you can use Flip 2 as a hands-free speakerphone.

Bluetooth pairing with your phone or tablet is easy with its one-touch NFC connectivity. Charging the unit with the included micro USB cable gives you up to five hours of playback time. It also comes with its own carrying case.

For the sports enthusiast:

FWD Powershot

For the aspiring hockey star, measure the power and speed of your shot and track results in real time and share and compare progress with other users with the FWD Powershot. A great pick for the hockey lover looking to improve their skills on and off the ice, this device is compatible with junior and senior hollow composite hockey sticks. $149.99.

ZEPP Golf

Improve your swing with help from ZEPP. For the avid golfer in the family, this device helps measure the most important aspects of your swing including club speed, swing plane, tempo, backswing position and hip rotation. Analyze the results and learn for better results and track through mounted glove sensor and collect data through Bluetooth. $149.99.

For the connected family member:

Moto 360 Android Wear watch. This smartwatch is the perfect gift for those who stay on trend and appreciate design and aesthetic.With quality craftsmanship top of mind, this stainless steel, genuine leather and scratch resistant glass smartwatch will have people taking a second glance. The Android Wear operating system allows the Moto 360 to connect with various android devices, including the new Moto X. Smart notifications ensure any notification received and dismissed on your Moto 360 will also be dismissed from your smartphone, providing a seamlessly integrated experience. Available in black and stone grey leather $279.99.

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader will win a Moto 360 Android Wear watch valued at $279.99! Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Books & Music

The Trews: New Tour, New Album and Being a Dad

December 9, 2014

Guitarist John-Angus MacDonald of The Trews is on tour with his award-winning band, scheduled to play Toronto’s Massey Hall on Thursday, December 11, 2014.

But playing this “Rise in the Wake” tour is different from shows in the past – MacDonald is a new father. “It’s awesome and exhausting and exhilarating and inspiring and it’s all those things,” he says of parenthood. “It’s a total game changer in so many ways.”

The new album, The Trews, is the band’s fifth studio album and debuted at No. 3 on the Canadian Albums Chart. “We’re promoting a new record that came out in April, and we made the record the whole time my wife was pregnant. The album came out the same time my son was born and we’ve been promoting it ever since. So the material is fun to play on tour.” MacDonald’s favourites to play live are “Where There’s Love” and “Oblivion” from their previous album, “Hope and Ruin.”

Now at the tail end of a two month tour with the rock band which hails from Nova Scotia, this has been the first test of being away from his eight-month-old son and his wife. He admits this tour has been difficult. “I’m on face time at least twice a day with my wife and flew them out a couple of times on the tour. But it’s a work in progress; I don’t have the balance figured out yet but we’re doing the best that we can. You want to be witness to as much as you can because those are the moments you want to cherish.”

MacDonald says being a dad has impacted the way he plays music. “It makes everything more meaningful – performance, writing and playing music.

The Trews have played with bands such as Kiss, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones but one show stands out for MacDonald. “Every now and again we have a show that everything clicks and it feels like the skies part. Two nights ago, we played the Commodore in Vancouver and it was one of those special nights where the audience and the band were really just one.”

The song “Highway of Heroes” has become a Canadian theme song for honouring fallen soldiers, with downloads of the single going to support military families. In honor of Remembrance Day, The Trews made the sheet music available for free download.

The Trews sway from folk to rock in their music, which makes them more appealing and interesting as a band, which consists of vocalist Colin MacDonald, who is MacDonald’s brother, drummer, Sean Dalton (his cousin) and bassist Jack Syperek .

“I think it’s interesting when a band doesn’t pigeon hole itself. In today’s musical landscape, people get confused easily. We like to straddle both worlds – our new album has a song called “In the Morning” which is a total folk ballad and a rock song like “Ride in the Wind”. It adds more depth, it’s all part of having a rounded out sound.”

Dubbed ‘Rise in the Wake,’ the expansive tour kicked off in October in Montreal and runs through to December 31 at Casino Nova Scotia. The Trews are playing the following upcoming dates:

December 11, 2014* Massey Hall Toronto, ON
December 13, 2014 Sudbury Events Centre Sudbury, ON
December 31, 2014 Casino Nova Scotia Halifax, NS

*Additional show dates to be announced

Follow them on Twitter and Facebook and visit their website.

Christmas

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

December 9, 2014

Oh how we love this wonderful time the year! The music, festivities, decorations, parties, shopping, entertaining, family time and of course gift giving! Here is my Holiday Gift Guide 2014. Click on the images to be directed to each Holiday Gift Guide.

Christmas

Gifts for Her Holidays 2014

December 9, 2014

What to buy for that special woman in your life? She deserves your love, attention and a break from the house and kids! But if you want to make her smile, then any one of these gifts this holiday season will do the trick.

Here are some ideas for Gifts for Her Holidays 2014:

Ookpix décor items

Running out of wall space to display your favourite photos? Ookpix has a chic solution with these acrylic décor items called INSTAcrylic. They are 6″x6″ by 1″ thick slab of crystal clear acrylic, perfect for displaying on your desk, mantel, shelves, end table. Use any photo that fits a square – especially your best Instagram shots! Ookpix is easy to order from, create an account so you can go back and order more. Create wall art on canvas or acrylic, photo books and more. INSTAcrylic Single, $39.95; 2-Pack $69.95 and 4-Pack $119.95 Ookpix.

Swarovski Earrings

These trendy “I Love You To Death” skull bead or earrings from the Chamilia brand by Swarovski Group are made in .925 sterling silver with Swarovski crystal accents. $40-$45 at various retailers.

OPI Nail Sets

OPI has some festive new gift sets this holiday season – Wrapped Wild for the Holidays, Holiday Glam’s in the Bag and Plaid About You. Each set includes nail
lacquers ideal for the season plus a special gift in festive packaging, perfect for giving and receiving. Wrapped Wild for the Holidays features three duo gift sets, each containing two nail lacquers paired with a cheetah-print infinity scarf. Holiday Glam’s in the Bag offers two nail lacquers along with two sateen zippered cosmetic cases, tied with a festive bow. Plaid About You includes three nail lacquers plus Start-to-Finish packaged in a plaid cosmetic bag.
$21.50 – $39.50 at various retailers.

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Lipidium

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Lipidium is a new line for very damaged hair that targets the heart of the hair fiber to restore its structure. Absolut Repair Lipidium contains at-home and in-salon treatments: Shampoo Conditioner; Masque; a Blow Dry Cream; and a Sealing Repair double serum for long lasting smoothness and reduction of breakage. Enriched with Lipidium, oils and Ceramides. Provides heat protection and seals the look of split ends.

Cashmere Sweater

There is nothing quite like cashmere. This luxurious cashmere cardigan from Lord & Taylor is the perfect way to keep warm. You’ll love the feel of the fabric against your skin. $179 Hudson’s Bay.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Gift Set

Balance moisture levels and smooth fine lines with Dermalogica’s moisturisers, perfect for skin prone to dryness. Includes Skin Smoothing Cream 100ml which smoothens fine lines and helps shield skin from environmental damage; Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover 30ml – an Oil-free, conditioning gel quickly dissolves makeup (even stubborn mascara) without irritating eyes. Intensive Eye Repair 4ml, an antioxidant-rich eye treatment helps replenish moisture, diminish fine lines and repair damage. All products are formulated without artificial fragrances and colours. $77.50 Dermalogica.

TOMS

Add a touch of shimmer to your style with metallic leather Classics by TOMS. What’s even better, with every product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need. $70 TOMS and various retailers.

Scarf

A woman can never have enough shoes, purses, jewelry and scarves! Love this houndstooth print. $29.99 Winners.

Portable Battery

The kate spade new york 4000mAh Portable Backup Battery conveniently charges your device wherever you are. Designed with eye-catching prints, the powerful backup battery is equipped with 4000mAh of power to charge an average smartphone 2-3 times.$69.99 Telus.

Michael Kors Wallet

The Susannah Quilted-Leather Wallet comes in a glossy patent leather. A secure zip closure allows you to stash it in your handbag or carry it as a clutch. Simply toss in the essentials and you’re ready for a night on the town. $158 Michael Kors.

Sephora Makeup Collection

The Sephora Collection Color Festival Blockbuster Palette is a festive, dazzling makeup palette with 130 colors for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. The design is organized by tray and color intensity to make it easy to find the perfect shade. An ideal gift for the holidays, this palette also features six tutorials for professional application: Perfectly blended eye looks, how to apply cream liner, how to define eyes, how to apply blush for your face shape, how to get perfect lips, and “tips and tricks. Includes two mirrors and four separate lip and cheek stains. $59 Sephora.

Heart Tag Bracelet

With this popular Tiffany motif, one is never lost. Bracelet in sterling silver and it can be engraved. $145 Tiffany.

Moccasins

The CUTE FAUX ME moccasin is made from genuine suede and a faux rabbit fur collar, adding comfort and warmth. $59.99 SoftMoc.

amw

Tips for Baby’s First Christmas Meal

ENTER TO WIN

12 Creative Christmas Crafts

The side ‘do

Go Big or Go Home

What are some of your fabulous hairstyle ideas this holiday?

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake – Vegan too!

Ingredients:

Instructions

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

Five tips for teaching your kids about money

1. Start early

2. Want vs. need

3. Save and plan

4. Money means choice

5. Lead by example

ENTER TO WIN

Good luck!

Wifi Router

Nikon D7100

Plush Cotton Robe

Leather Lace-up Boots

GoPro HERO

Mary Maxim Rink Sweater

BOSS Cologne Set

Phantom Glass

Skinny Tie

Leather Weekender Bag

For the Ladies:

For the music lover:

For the sports enthusiast:

For the connected family member:

ENTER TO WIN

Good luck!

Ookpix décor items

Swarovski Earrings

OPI Nail Sets

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Lipidium

Cashmere Sweater

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Gift Set

TOMS

Scarf

Portable Battery

Michael Kors Wallet

Sephora Makeup Collection

Heart Tag Bracelet

Moccasins