Stay In-touch!

With the holidays over your kiddos might start missing their grandparents or cousins.  Encourage them continue building those bonds through out the year by reaching out to family & friends who live far away.

1. Technology.  Use Facebook or create your own family blog (some good free options are wordpress.com or blogger.com.)  You can upload your kiddos art work or make a movie to post.  Grandpa & grandma will love to be a part of their birthday party or basketball games!
2. Mail.  Encourage your older kiddos to send their cousins funny cards, letters or pictures.   Younger kids will love getting mail or care packages from family.  I.E.  Something as small as starting a sticker club between two young cousins will bring them endless joy & excitement.
3. Telephone. For a young child playing telephone is huge!  Set a date & time for a special loved one to call & let your kiddo answer & do the talking! 

Mommy Magic Presents...Saving with Skye! On Wednesday 1/11at 6:30pm in Carmel FOX 59's own Skye from Saving with Skye will host the first Mommy Magic-Mom's Club class of the year.  Join us to learn how to save hundreds of dollar a month off your grocery bill! Spaces are limited so reserve yours TODAY!  Click here for more information.

         

Mommy Magic Presents - Saving with Skye!

Want a crash course in couponing? Do you want to cut your grocery bill in HALF? Sign up today for the first Mommy Magic class of 2012...Saving with Skye!

FOX 59's own Syke Winslow is here to help you save hundreds of dollars a month on your grocery bill. An average family of four can save $4,000 with this "clipless system." Skye will share her savy secrets and teach you tips and techniques for getting groceries even organic items and toiletries very cheap or even free by using coupons, rebates and sales. Skye is an expert at saving money and is here to take the confusion out of couponing! You'll learn the basics of why and how to use coupons, shop strategically, stay organized and cut your grocery bill in half starting TODAY!!!

Start 2012 off right by sign up for Mommy Magic's Saving with Skye on Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30 PM in Carmel, Indiana for only $25!

Sign up BEFORE January 1st and receive the exclusive early bird special rate of $21 dollars. That over a 15% savings! Your saving all ready! All are welcome and space is limited so sign up at http://mommymagic-savingwithskye.eventbrite.com today!

Hosting a Cookie Exchange

A cookie exchange is a fun family event that allows you to celebrate the season. spend time with family and friends and stock up on holiday treats!!!  Here's how to host one...

 

Step 1  INVITE

 

Call, evite or mail invitations for the cookie exchange.  In addition to time, date & location be sure to include a brief description of what a cookie exchange is (i.e. each guest brings 3-4 dozen cookies) 

 

Step 2 PARTY PREP

 

As the host you are responsible for providing your guests with a take-home container.  It can be anything from holiday themed paper plates from the dollar store, to bakery boxes to seasonal tins.  It's also a good idea to have some appetizers or finger foods on hand to balance out all the sweets.  Fresh fruit or veggies are a great choice.  Classic holiday drinks will add to the parties overall atmosphere.  Hot-chocolate, Egg-no, or a kid friendly holiday punch are fun! 

 

Step 3 THE EXCHANGE

 

When guests arrive have them place their cookies on a separate table from the other refreshments.  It should have plenty of room for their cookies and be accessible from all side to make the exchange easy!    After your guests have mingled a bit pass out the take-home containers and instruct guests to begin collecting cookies one at a time.  I've found it's easiest to start each guest at their own platter and circle the table taking a cookie from each (including their own) until all the cookies are gone! 

   

Easy Homemade Gift Ideas

Have your kiddos make some of their gifts this year.  It's a FANTASTIC way to get the family in the holiday spirit, allow them to show off their creative side and take pride in their gift.  Plus it's a super fun activity too!

 

SWEETS

Everybody loves to indulge in alittle sweet treat around this time of year. 

Option #1 is to actually bake the goodies yourselves.  Showcase your family specialty of cookies, fudge or even fruit cake!  Cook/bake up a storm and let your kiddos wrap individual portions as gifts.

Option #2 is to create a cookie kit.  Help your kiddos fill a Mason jar with the necessary ingredients for your cookie of choice such a flour, sugar and chocolate chips.  Layer the dry ingredients neatly so it will be visually pleasing.  Finish by tying a festive ribbon with the recipe attached for making the cookies. 

 

PHOTOS

The gift of personal photos is one the the recipient will treasure for a lifetime. 

Option #1 is to have your kiddos make a decorative photo frame.  Purchase an unfinished wooden photo frame from your local craft store.  Let your family's imaginations run wild as they decorate with acrylic craft paint and/or embellish with candy, scrapbook paper, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, stickers, etc.  Be sure to fill with a favorite photo before giving. 

 

Option #2 is to put together a scrapbook.  You can decorate and design your own or just fill a pre-designed one.  Either way the recipient is going to treasure all of your carefully selected memories!

Tote Bags
Decorating a tote bag makes a great craft project for kids and adults. You can make a tote bag to reflect your own style and tastes. Make one for different uses, such as a beach bag, library bag and knitting supply bag. They also make great gifts for friends and loved ones at Christmas. You can purchase eco friendly tote bags at most craft stores, or you can recycle tote bags given away at stores or events. There are many ways to decorate a tote bag, so you can get very creative.

   

Fun Outings for your Family over Thanksgiving Break

Get into the holiday spirit with these fun ideas to do as a family over Thanksgiving break!

 

1. Go to the Movies!  Arthur Christmas and The Muppets Movie both open on Thanksgiving Day.  Kick back & enjoy some quality family entertainment!
2. Get Creative!  Build a Gingerbread house, make holiday cards or create a holiday play-list.   Get into the spirit by creating some holiday cheer!
3. Bust out your families favorite holiday traditions!  "ELF on the Shelf", an advent calender or just getting out the holiday decorations.   Kick off the season by starting your families favorite holiday traditions!