Sacramento Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series 
 The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world 
races into Golden 1 Center on January 19-21, 2018.

Hey Sacramento peeps, Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live family entertainment, presents Monster Jam.®  Tickets are on sale now for Sacramento and cities across the U.S. and Canada.  My boys love Monster Jam® and we are looking forward to seeing the show this weekend.  I will have a review of the show here on the blog this Saturday.  

The new season will bring motorsport fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family. Monster Jam® returns to the Golden 1 Center for the second time with a brand new truck lineup!

Featuring the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Sacramento fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs, and the famous Monster Jam trucks. 

These world-class athletes vying to be the Sacramento champion are:
Grave Digger® is driven by Krysten Anderson
El Toro Loco® is driven by Armando Castro
Monster Mutt® Dalmatian is driven by Cynthia Gauthier
Alien Invasion is driven by Bernard Lyght
EarthShaker is driven by Tristan England
Pirate’s Curse driven by Camden Murphy
Zombie™ is driven by Tyler Groth
Megalodon is driven by Travis Groth

Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam takes center stage in the world’s most iconic venues like Golden 1 Center, sporting meticulously manicured dirt tracks created with the sole purpose of pushing these perfectly engineered, larger-than-life trucks to the limit.

Monster Jam is one of the only sports where male and female world-class drivers, some generational rivals, are equals competing for the same championship on the same track. Following racing, new in 2018 across all Monster Jam events, fans in every city will have the chance to vote for the truck winner in the donut, wheelie and freestyle competitions by real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series will be returning to the 
Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for three action-packed events on:
Friday, January 19, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
(Sat. 7PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)
Sunday, January 21, 2018, Event Time:  1:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
(Sun. 1PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)

Tickets available at http://bit.ly/2xc59hd.

For more information on a Monster Jam near you, please log onto MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. 

Monster Jam - January 19-21 2018 | Sacramento, Golden 1 Center
Sacramento Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series 
 The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world 
races into Golden 1 Center on January 19-21, 2018.

Hey Sacramento peeps, Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live family entertainment, presents Monster Jam.®  Tickets are on sale now for Sacramento and cities across the U.S. and Canada.  My boys love Monster Jam® and we are looking forward to seeing the show this weekend.  I will have a review of the show here on the blog this Saturday.  

The new season will bring motorsport fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family. Monster Jam® returns to the Golden 1 Center for the second time with a brand new truck lineup!

Featuring the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Sacramento fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs, and the famous Monster Jam trucks. 

These world-class athletes vying to be the Sacramento champion are:
Grave Digger® is driven by Krysten Anderson
El Toro Loco® is driven by Armando Castro
Monster Mutt® Dalmatian is driven by Cynthia Gauthier
Alien Invasion is driven by Bernard Lyght
EarthShaker is driven by Tristan England
Pirate’s Curse driven by Camden Murphy
Zombie™ is driven by Tyler Groth
Megalodon is driven by Travis Groth

Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam takes center stage in the world’s most iconic venues like Golden 1 Center, sporting meticulously manicured dirt tracks created with the sole purpose of pushing these perfectly engineered, larger-than-life trucks to the limit.

Monster Jam is one of the only sports where male and female world-class drivers, some generational rivals, are equals competing for the same championship on the same track. Following racing, new in 2018 across all Monster Jam events, fans in every city will have the chance to vote for the truck winner in the donut, wheelie and freestyle competitions by real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series will be returning to the 
Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for three action-packed events on:
Friday, January 19, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
(Sat. 7PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)
Sunday, January 21, 2018, Event Time:  1:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
(Sun. 1PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)

Tickets available at http://bit.ly/2xc59hd.

For more information on a Monster Jam near you, please log onto MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. 

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Have you tried making candy with your crock pot?  Yes you read that correctly with your crock pot.  There are a ton of recipes for crock pot chocolate candy on the internet.  I can't remember where I saw this first but I am so glad I made it.   This was super easy to make and delicious.  
Here is a link for 25 Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy Recipes for you to try and I also love Trisha Yearwood's Crock-pot Chocolate shared on Southern Hospitality.

What you need for these White Chocolate Goodies:
12 oz Bag of White Chocolate Chips
1 pound of melting White Chocolate (I used these blocks used for Almond Bark)
1 Baking Bar of White Chocolate
1 Cup of Peanuts
2 Cups of broken pieces of pretzels.
Parchment paper or Silicone mat
Mini ice cream scoop or spoon

Ingredients Pictured Below:
I placed all the chocolate in the crock pot and set it on low.  You let the chocolate melt about 1 hour.  I stirred the chocolate half way through at 30 minutes.  

Once the chocolate was melted I then mixed in the peanuts and pretzel pieces.  I stirred, coating all the peanuts and pretzels.  I used a mini ice cream scoop and placed small scoops onto the parchment paper, then I used christmas sprinkles to top it and let it set, about one hour.  

STEP ONE: Place Chocolate in Crockpot on low.

STEP TWO: Melt (Approximately one hour, stir half way through)
STEP THREE: Stir in peanuts and pretzel pieces.
STEP FOUR: Place scoops on parchment paper and sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
These make great gifts, place them in a mason jar, or include them in a tin of baked goods and deliver them to your neighbors, delivery people or local fire station.  They will so appreciate these yummy treats.

 This is an easy treat to make while you are watching a holiday movie or doing some Holiday Crafts with your kids, I hope you give it a try.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll

Crock Pot White Chocolate Candy
Have you tried making candy with your crock pot?  Yes you read that correctly with your crock pot.  There are a ton of recipes for crock pot chocolate candy on the internet.  I can't remember where I saw this first but I am so glad I made it.   This was super easy to make and delicious.  
Here is a link for 25 Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy Recipes for you to try and I also love Trisha Yearwood's Crock-pot Chocolate shared on Southern Hospitality.

What you need for these White Chocolate Goodies:
12 oz Bag of White Chocolate Chips
1 pound of melting White Chocolate (I used these blocks used for Almond Bark)
1 Baking Bar of White Chocolate
1 Cup of Peanuts
2 Cups of broken pieces of pretzels.
Parchment paper or Silicone mat
Mini ice cream scoop or spoon

Ingredients Pictured Below:
I placed all the chocolate in the crock pot and set it on low.  You let the chocolate melt about 1 hour.  I stirred the chocolate half way through at 30 minutes.  

Once the chocolate was melted I then mixed in the peanuts and pretzel pieces.  I stirred, coating all the peanuts and pretzels.  I used a mini ice cream scoop and placed small scoops onto the parchment paper, then I used christmas sprinkles to top it and let it set, about one hour.  

STEP ONE: Place Chocolate in Crockpot on low.

STEP TWO: Melt (Approximately one hour, stir half way through)
STEP THREE: Stir in peanuts and pretzel pieces.
STEP FOUR: Place scoops on parchment paper and sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
These make great gifts, place them in a mason jar, or include them in a tin of baked goods and deliver them to your neighbors, delivery people or local fire station.  They will so appreciate these yummy treats.

 This is an easy treat to make while you are watching a holiday movie or doing some Holiday Crafts with your kids, I hope you give it a try.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll
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Here are some easy craft ideas that will come in handy over Christmas break or if you are having any family get-togethers with kids.  Hosting a Christmas or New Years get together, these are easy activities to keep little hands busy.  My boys love doing fun holiday-themed crafts.

We recently did these crafts on our Christmas break, and my boys loved it.  A great tip is to use a cupcake pan to hold a variety of craft items (buttons, pom poms, googly eyes, ribbon, etc.)

1. Cardboard Gingerbread Man - This is where all that Amazon Prime shopping comes in handy, use your empty boxes and cut out gingerbread shapes.  You can print a template to trace if you need.  Then let the kids decorate with glitter, pieces of ribbon, buttons, googly eyes, and any other craft items you may have.  They could also use paint, crayons, and markers. 

2. DIY Puff Paint Snowman - All you need is shaving cream, glue, and optional glitter.  Mix a baseball size amount of shaving cream, with about 3-4 Tablespoons of glue I just squeeze the bottle and eyeball it.  You can also stir in some white glitter to make it sparkle. 


 3. Paint Pinecones - I love this one because we usually talk about this ahead of time and go on a hunt for good sized pinecones.  I love to take the boys to the park and let them look for pinecones they know they can turn into painted Christmas trees or DIY ornaments.  If you have star-shaped buttons you can use those or construction paper to create your star.  We used a piece of an empty toilet paper roll on the bottom.  This helps too if you have a leaning pinecone, just position it on the toilet paper roll stump and hot glue it.

Some other tips, throw a movie-themed party if you show the Grinch movie, set out green food, green punch and green treats.  If you show the Frozen movie, make blue rice Krispie treats, let the kids decorate their own snowflake shaped sugar cookie, etc.
I made this Grinch Popcorn from Two Sisters Crating for my boys and they loved it!

You could set up a hot chocolate bar, and let the kids create their own marshmallow skewer to go in their hot chocolate.  
All you need: skewers, 3 large marshmallows per skewer, I used a food marker for eyes and buttons, but you could use mini chocolate chips, candy corn for a carrot nose and pretzel sticks for arms and legs.  
I hope you enjoy this Christmas Season with your family and friends and I hope these ideas help create fun, festive memories with your children.  Although the crafts are fun, the most important thing is the time we spend with our little ones, they grow up so fast.  I know I still look back fondly at the memories I have baking Christmas treats with my mom to deliver to our neighbors and friends. 

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

 You can watch us share about these crafts on Studio 40 Live on Fox 40 News.

Easy Kids Crafts for the Holidays

Here are some easy craft ideas that will come in handy over Christmas break or if you are having any family get-togethers with kids.  Hosting a Christmas or New Years get together, these are easy activities to keep little hands busy.  My boys love doing fun holiday-themed crafts.

We recently did these crafts on our Christmas break, and my boys loved it.  A great tip is to use a cupcake pan to hold a variety of craft items (buttons, pom poms, googly eyes, ribbon, etc.)

1. Cardboard Gingerbread Man - This is where all that Amazon Prime shopping comes in handy, use your empty boxes and cut out gingerbread shapes.  You can print a template to trace if you need.  Then let the kids decorate with glitter, pieces of ribbon, buttons, googly eyes, and any other craft items you may have.  They could also use paint, crayons, and markers. 

2. DIY Puff Paint Snowman - All you need is shaving cream, glue, and optional glitter.  Mix a baseball size amount of shaving cream, with about 3-4 Tablespoons of glue I just squeeze the bottle and eyeball it.  You can also stir in some white glitter to make it sparkle. 


 3. Paint Pinecones - I love this one because we usually talk about this ahead of time and go on a hunt for good sized pinecones.  I love to take the boys to the park and let them look for pinecones they know they can turn into painted Christmas trees or DIY ornaments.  If you have star-shaped buttons you can use those or construction paper to create your star.  We used a piece of an empty toilet paper roll on the bottom.  This helps too if you have a leaning pinecone, just position it on the toilet paper roll stump and hot glue it.

Some other tips, throw a movie-themed party if you show the Grinch movie, set out green food, green punch and green treats.  If you show the Frozen movie, make blue rice Krispie treats, let the kids decorate their own snowflake shaped sugar cookie, etc.
I made this Grinch Popcorn from Two Sisters Crating for my boys and they loved it!

You could set up a hot chocolate bar, and let the kids create their own marshmallow skewer to go in their hot chocolate.  
All you need: skewers, 3 large marshmallows per skewer, I used a food marker for eyes and buttons, but you could use mini chocolate chips, candy corn for a carrot nose and pretzel sticks for arms and legs.  
I hope you enjoy this Christmas Season with your family and friends and I hope these ideas help create fun, festive memories with your children.  Although the crafts are fun, the most important thing is the time we spend with our little ones, they grow up so fast.  I know I still look back fondly at the memories I have baking Christmas treats with my mom to deliver to our neighbors and friends. 

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

 You can watch us share about these crafts on Studio 40 Live on Fox 40 News.

Read more »
I am so looking forward to my kids having two weeks off for Christmas Break.  We have been so busy lately with soccer, school activities, a community Christmas Musical my boys are in and the list goes on.

 I know if I don't have a plan with things scheduled out, the time off will fly by and I will not accomplish all the things I want to.  I encourage you to take some time this week and pencil in your calendar some fun festive things to do with your family.  These things don't have to be set in stone but it helps to have a plan of action.  Someone once told me the most important day to schedule is your day off, and that is so true.  The days I have off seem to go by quicker and if I don't have it scheduled out, then I am disappointed in what I did not accomplish.

 These are some of the fun, festive things I plan on doing with my children in the next two weeks. I hope it helps you with some ideas for your family.  

 1. Baking - We will be baking cookies, here is an easy recipe: http://bit.ly/2z1efgD.  We will be making easy crock-pot chocolate candies and festive Rice Krispie Treats to pass out goodies to our neighbors and friends.  Sometimes we have gathered all the cousins at grandma's house and iced and decorated cookies, that is always a lot of fun. We always build Gingerbread Houses during Christmas break. Sometimes we use the pre-made kits and sometimes we just use graham crackers and bulk candies.  Both ways are fun!

 2. Making Ornaments - My boys love making ornaments, they especially like getting them out the next year and recalling the memories of their creation.  You can find easy all-inclusive kits at the Dollar Store to make ornaments, you can use twigs from outside.  Take them to the park one day, let them find twigs, and pinecones and make these cute Pom Pom Pinecones and Twig Trees and Stars (pictured below).  
You can use empty toilet paper tubes to make snowflakes.  Use leftover buttons from your sewing kit and glitter, kids love making these. 


3. Decorating - We have most of our Christmas decorations displayed already, but I always like to include my children in some DIY decorating, like making paper snowflakes and a chain link Christmas countdown.  Here is an easy idea to include the kids, take a glass cake stand and turn it into a Christmas centerpiece.  Have the kids find things you already have and create your winter/Christmas scene.  We used a nativity scene we had, a Christmas tree salt shaker we've had for years and some other decorative pieces to create this one pictured below.


4.  PJ Movie Day - I also like to schedule some downtime.  With busy schedules, it is nice to stay home and watch our favorite Christmas movies and hang out around the house.  

 5. Reading - It is a family tradition to read the Christmas Story on Christmas and make a cake to sing 'Happy Birthday Jesus'.  I also like to keep the kids reading while they are on Christmas break.  We have seasonal books that I put away on purpose with our Christmas decorations, so when we get them out next year, it's like a brand new book, and they love reading them.  Some of our favorites are The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree, Berenstain Bears The Joy of Giving, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Christmas in the Manger and so many others.

 6. Game Day - If I let my boys they will play on their electronic devices for as long as possible.  I make sure to limit screen time, even while on vacation, they don't always appreciate it at first, but once they get out the Legos and Nerf Guns, they forget about their electronics.  I schedule a Board Gameday, and they love to play some of the oldies but goodies, like Candy Land, Monopoly, Sorry and so many others.  

 7. Free Art - I look for canvases when they are on sale and save them for Christmas break.  The boys love painting on canvas.  I also let them paint and draw on cardboard boxes.  They have fun cutting the boxes to create things.  This is when all that Amazon Prime shopping comes in handy.  If it's a nice day we do chalk art on the trampoline.  Let the kids pick or do a variety of art projects throughout the day.  
8.  Talent Show - My kids love putting on Talent Shows, Puppet Shows, Magic Shows, my oldest loves using his Magic Show Trick box, and now with YouTube channels they follow like Dude Perfect and Evan Tube, for example, they love making their own videos.  I haven't let them post on YouTube yet, but they still love making their own videos of trick shots and skits.

 9.  Lunch Date - We usually schedule a day to go out to lunch to one of their favorite places like John's Incredible Pizza, Chuck E Cheese, or even McDonald's with a play yard.  It's a fun treat and nice to get out of the house.  

 10.  Groupon Adventures - In the months before Christmas I keep my eye out of for deals on Groupon that I can take the kids to during Christmas break.  Sometimes that's been bowling, roller skating, or one of those indoor play places.  Keep this in mind for Spring Break and Summer Break, just make sure you check the expiration date.  
Having fun and being festive during Christmas Break does not have to break the bank.  There are plenty of fun things you can do that cost nothing.  The important things is to spend quality time together and create memories. Lets also not forget to keep everyone from getting bored and annoying each other including mom.  With four boys in my house if I don't have a game plan boredom can quickly lead to quarreling.

 I also know that my boys are getting older and one day they won't want to make paper snowflakes anymore so I am soaking in all the crafting moments with mom and hopefully, they never outgrow baking and decorating cookies.  

 I hope you enjoy this Christmas season with your family and have a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

10 Things to do During Christmas Break
I am so looking forward to my kids having two weeks off for Christmas Break.  We have been so busy lately with soccer, school activities, a community Christmas Musical my boys are in and the list goes on.

 I know if I don't have a plan with things scheduled out, the time off will fly by and I will not accomplish all the things I want to.  I encourage you to take some time this week and pencil in your calendar some fun festive things to do with your family.  These things don't have to be set in stone but it helps to have a plan of action.  Someone once told me the most important day to schedule is your day off, and that is so true.  The days I have off seem to go by quicker and if I don't have it scheduled out, then I am disappointed in what I did not accomplish.

 These are some of the fun, festive things I plan on doing with my children in the next two weeks. I hope it helps you with some ideas for your family.  

 1. Baking - We will be baking cookies, here is an easy recipe: http://bit.ly/2z1efgD.  We will be making easy crock-pot chocolate candies and festive Rice Krispie Treats to pass out goodies to our neighbors and friends.  Sometimes we have gathered all the cousins at grandma's house and iced and decorated cookies, that is always a lot of fun. We always build Gingerbread Houses during Christmas break. Sometimes we use the pre-made kits and sometimes we just use graham crackers and bulk candies.  Both ways are fun!

 2. Making Ornaments - My boys love making ornaments, they especially like getting them out the next year and recalling the memories of their creation.  You can find easy all-inclusive kits at the Dollar Store to make ornaments, you can use twigs from outside.  Take them to the park one day, let them find twigs, and pinecones and make these cute Pom Pom Pinecones and Twig Trees and Stars (pictured below).  
You can use empty toilet paper tubes to make snowflakes.  Use leftover buttons from your sewing kit and glitter, kids love making these. 


3. Decorating - We have most of our Christmas decorations displayed already, but I always like to include my children in some DIY decorating, like making paper snowflakes and a chain link Christmas countdown.  Here is an easy idea to include the kids, take a glass cake stand and turn it into a Christmas centerpiece.  Have the kids find things you already have and create your winter/Christmas scene.  We used a nativity scene we had, a Christmas tree salt shaker we've had for years and some other decorative pieces to create this one pictured below.


4.  PJ Movie Day - I also like to schedule some downtime.  With busy schedules, it is nice to stay home and watch our favorite Christmas movies and hang out around the house.  

 5. Reading - It is a family tradition to read the Christmas Story on Christmas and make a cake to sing 'Happy Birthday Jesus'.  I also like to keep the kids reading while they are on Christmas break.  We have seasonal books that I put away on purpose with our Christmas decorations, so when we get them out next year, it's like a brand new book, and they love reading them.  Some of our favorites are The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree, Berenstain Bears The Joy of Giving, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Christmas in the Manger and so many others.

 6. Game Day - If I let my boys they will play on their electronic devices for as long as possible.  I make sure to limit screen time, even while on vacation, they don't always appreciate it at first, but once they get out the Legos and Nerf Guns, they forget about their electronics.  I schedule a Board Gameday, and they love to play some of the oldies but goodies, like Candy Land, Monopoly, Sorry and so many others.  

 7. Free Art - I look for canvases when they are on sale and save them for Christmas break.  The boys love painting on canvas.  I also let them paint and draw on cardboard boxes.  They have fun cutting the boxes to create things.  This is when all that Amazon Prime shopping comes in handy.  If it's a nice day we do chalk art on the trampoline.  Let the kids pick or do a variety of art projects throughout the day.  
8.  Talent Show - My kids love putting on Talent Shows, Puppet Shows, Magic Shows, my oldest loves using his Magic Show Trick box, and now with YouTube channels they follow like Dude Perfect and Evan Tube, for example, they love making their own videos.  I haven't let them post on YouTube yet, but they still love making their own videos of trick shots and skits.

 9.  Lunch Date - We usually schedule a day to go out to lunch to one of their favorite places like John's Incredible Pizza, Chuck E Cheese, or even McDonald's with a play yard.  It's a fun treat and nice to get out of the house.  

 10.  Groupon Adventures - In the months before Christmas I keep my eye out of for deals on Groupon that I can take the kids to during Christmas break.  Sometimes that's been bowling, roller skating, or one of those indoor play places.  Keep this in mind for Spring Break and Summer Break, just make sure you check the expiration date.  
Having fun and being festive during Christmas Break does not have to break the bank.  There are plenty of fun things you can do that cost nothing.  The important things is to spend quality time together and create memories. Lets also not forget to keep everyone from getting bored and annoying each other including mom.  With four boys in my house if I don't have a game plan boredom can quickly lead to quarreling.

 I also know that my boys are getting older and one day they won't want to make paper snowflakes anymore so I am soaking in all the crafting moments with mom and hopefully, they never outgrow baking and decorating cookies.  

 I hope you enjoy this Christmas season with your family and have a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Read more »
I love mason jars, they are great for DIY gifts and great for DIY decorating.  This past Fall I made leaf covered mason jars and they added a great Fall touch to my mantle and my dining table for Thanksgiving.  

 There are a ton of ideas on Pinterest for DIY Christmas Mason Jars, so I decided to try this snow-covered mason jar.  They turned out beautifully and they were easy to make, which is my kind of craft, with 4 kids and a busy schedule.  

 If you want to try a craft this Christmas definitely make these, you'll love them and probably already have everything you need to make them.  You can find mason jars at the Dollar Store if you don't already have some.  I think these would make a great gift, I sure would love to receive something like this. 

What You Need:
Mason Jars
Mod Podge
Epsom Salt
White Glitter (optional) I think it adds a nice sparkle.
Twine or Ribbon
Greenery, Berries, Pinecones or Bows

 Directions:
1. Pour Epsom Salt and White Glitter in a bowl.  Have a scoop to sprinkle over jars.  I used a sand toy shovel.  
2. Begin by covering the jar with Mod Podge.
3. Sprinkle the mixture of Epsom Salt and Glitter over the jar.  This makes it look like it's covered in snow.  
4. I had spray adhesive so I used it, but I don't think it's necessary, others have recommended a second coat of Mod Podge on top.  I just used the spray I had.  
5. Tie twine around the mouth of the jar and decorate with greenery, berries or small pinecones.  You could also use ribbon if that's what you have.  

 This is a simple and easy craft to make that adds a beautiful winter touch to a mantle or dining table centerpiece.  Place those flameless candles inside and they look great even at night.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  



DIY Snow Covered Mason Jars
I love mason jars, they are great for DIY gifts and great for DIY decorating.  This past Fall I made leaf covered mason jars and they added a great Fall touch to my mantle and my dining table for Thanksgiving.  

 There are a ton of ideas on Pinterest for DIY Christmas Mason Jars, so I decided to try this snow-covered mason jar.  They turned out beautifully and they were easy to make, which is my kind of craft, with 4 kids and a busy schedule.  

 If you want to try a craft this Christmas definitely make these, you'll love them and probably already have everything you need to make them.  You can find mason jars at the Dollar Store if you don't already have some.  I think these would make a great gift, I sure would love to receive something like this. 

What You Need:
Mason Jars
Mod Podge
Epsom Salt
White Glitter (optional) I think it adds a nice sparkle.
Twine or Ribbon
Greenery, Berries, Pinecones or Bows

 Directions:
1. Pour Epsom Salt and White Glitter in a bowl.  Have a scoop to sprinkle over jars.  I used a sand toy shovel.  
2. Begin by covering the jar with Mod Podge.
3. Sprinkle the mixture of Epsom Salt and Glitter over the jar.  This makes it look like it's covered in snow.  
4. I had spray adhesive so I used it, but I don't think it's necessary, others have recommended a second coat of Mod Podge on top.  I just used the spray I had.  
5. Tie twine around the mouth of the jar and decorate with greenery, berries or small pinecones.  You could also use ribbon if that's what you have.  

 This is a simple and easy craft to make that adds a beautiful winter touch to a mantle or dining table centerpiece.  Place those flameless candles inside and they look great even at night.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  



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Christmas is upon us!  My kids usually make a photo ornament at school each year and I love hanging their photo ornaments on the tree and seeing how much they've grown throughout the years.  One thing I've found though is the kid made photo ornaments sometimes break, or fall apart so I was looking for something more durable this Christmas.  My sister-in-law gives each child in our family an ornament with their name on it each Christmas and it's one of my favorite gifts they receive, I love ornaments and the memories they bring.  

Each year I make a photo calendar for my mom, mother-in-law, and sisters and they love that, but they also now know they are getting one.  This year I wanted to change it up a bit and make a photo ornament for my mom and mother-in-law of their grandchildren.  I thought these would make a great gift, something new to go with their annual photo calendar.  

 I saw some wood birch photo ornaments on Pinterest that I loved, but when looking at the craft stores all the wood birch pieces I saw were too small for what I had in mind or super thick.  While I was at Target I saw these wood coasters and although they are a little larger than I had in mind, I went with it.  I love the way these turned out and they were easy to make.

 What You Need:
Wood Pieces
Pictures Printed out
Mod Podge 
Foam Paint Brush
Drill
Twine or Ribbon

 Directions: 
1. Print out your picture, I did mine in black and white on my laser printer at home.  I figured black and white will go with any color Christmas Tree decorations. I also typed out their name and the year before printing.

 2. Cut out the picture to the size of the wood piece you are using.

 3. Place Mod Podge first on the wood, then stick on the picture.

 4. Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the picture, let dry (about 30 minutes). 

 5. Drill a hole (if needed).

 6. Add in Twine or Ribbon, I like the rustic look of Twine.

 If you are still looking for a gift for a grandparent or parent, I think they would love and cherish these through the years.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com




I shared how to make these photo ornaments and these DIY Snow Covered Mason Jars on Fox 40 News in the Morning here is the video clip.



 2018 UPDATE
I made these in color this year, and LOVE how they turned out.  This year Target had these four pack of coasters with red sparkles on the back and some with a green felt tree cutout.  They are only $3 for a four pack. Here are some pictures of this year's ornaments.

PIN IT FOR LATER: https://pin.it/4gztcimaikp6ry

DIY Photo Christmas Ornament
Christmas is upon us!  My kids usually make a photo ornament at school each year and I love hanging their photo ornaments on the tree and seeing how much they've grown throughout the years.  One thing I've found though is the kid made photo ornaments sometimes break, or fall apart so I was looking for something more durable this Christmas.  My sister-in-law gives each child in our family an ornament with their name on it each Christmas and it's one of my favorite gifts they receive, I love ornaments and the memories they bring.  

Each year I make a photo calendar for my mom, mother-in-law, and sisters and they love that, but they also now know they are getting one.  This year I wanted to change it up a bit and make a photo ornament for my mom and mother-in-law of their grandchildren.  I thought these would make a great gift, something new to go with their annual photo calendar.  

 I saw some wood birch photo ornaments on Pinterest that I loved, but when looking at the craft stores all the wood birch pieces I saw were too small for what I had in mind or super thick.  While I was at Target I saw these wood coasters and although they are a little larger than I had in mind, I went with it.  I love the way these turned out and they were easy to make.

 What You Need:
Wood Pieces
Pictures Printed out
Mod Podge 
Foam Paint Brush
Drill
Twine or Ribbon

 Directions: 
1. Print out your picture, I did mine in black and white on my laser printer at home.  I figured black and white will go with any color Christmas Tree decorations. I also typed out their name and the year before printing.

 2. Cut out the picture to the size of the wood piece you are using.

 3. Place Mod Podge first on the wood, then stick on the picture.

 4. Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the picture, let dry (about 30 minutes). 

 5. Drill a hole (if needed).

 6. Add in Twine or Ribbon, I like the rustic look of Twine.

 If you are still looking for a gift for a grandparent or parent, I think they would love and cherish these through the years.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com




I shared how to make these photo ornaments and these DIY Snow Covered Mason Jars on Fox 40 News in the Morning here is the video clip.



 2018 UPDATE
I made these in color this year, and LOVE how they turned out.  This year Target had these four pack of coasters with red sparkles on the back and some with a green felt tree cutout.  They are only $3 for a four pack. Here are some pictures of this year's ornaments.

PIN IT FOR LATER: https://pin.it/4gztcimaikp6ry

Read more »

Looking for a great recipe to make Christmas Cookies?  This is my favorite recipe for Soft Christmas Cookies.  

I found this great Sugar Cookie Recipe on AllRecipes.com I have made a few adjustments thanks to the comments by others and this is my go-to recipe for Sugar Cookies.  My mom and mother-in-law make delicious sugar cookie cutouts.  My mother-in-law is famous for her sugar cookies and they have kindly shared their recipes with me, but every time I try their recipe, they don’t come out like theirs do.  So I have tried many recipes to find the perfect one that my family loves.  With this recipe, the sugar cookies come out soft and keep their shape I love them frosted and un-frosted. 

Here is the link to the original recipe: http://armagazine.com/2g4jEcj 
Ingredients:
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup margarine, softened
 
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

The changes I make: Use butter instead of margarine, I only use 3 ¼ cups of flour and when I roll them out I use powdered sugar on the flat surface instead of flour.  Tip, keep the dough nice and thick when you cut out your shapes, this helps give a soft sugar cookie if your cut-outs are too thin they will be crisp, still good but not as good in my opinion.

I find with my oven I bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

Looking for a great recipe to make Christmas Cookies?  This is my favorite recipe for Soft Christmas Cookies.  

I found this great Sugar Cookie Recipe on AllRecipes.com I have made a few adjustments thanks to the comments by others and this is my go-to recipe for Sugar Cookies.  My mom and mother-in-law make delicious sugar cookie cutouts.  My mother-in-law is famous for her sugar cookies and they have kindly shared their recipes with me, but every time I try their recipe, they don’t come out like theirs do.  So I have tried many recipes to find the perfect one that my family loves.  With this recipe, the sugar cookies come out soft and keep their shape I love them frosted and un-frosted. 

Here is the link to the original recipe: http://armagazine.com/2g4jEcj 
Ingredients:
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup margarine, softened
 
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

The changes I make: Use butter instead of margarine, I only use 3 ¼ cups of flour and when I roll them out I use powdered sugar on the flat surface instead of flour.  Tip, keep the dough nice and thick when you cut out your shapes, this helps give a soft sugar cookie if your cut-outs are too thin they will be crisp, still good but not as good in my opinion.

I find with my oven I bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

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Have you checked out the Black Friday ad’s yet?  I've noticed many stores are starting early with their Black Friday Deals. 
I usually participate in Black Friday shopping on a small scale.  I have gone out before at the break of dawn and shopped at every store and it was fun but after many years of Black Friday shopping, I have found that it is a much more pleasant experience to pick one to two stores and have a targeted plan.

I find if you have a strategy to your Black Friday Shopping it will be easier on your budget.  I know there are great deals and it is easy to get sucked into “this is only $10!”  If you do not have a plan and list of what you want to shop for, it is easy to start throwing lots of different items into your cart and it adds up quick.  I know there are great deals; if you don’t want to go into debt or spend more than you should you should ask yourself do I really need this?

Ideally, you saved money all year long for your Black Friday shopping.  If you have not, I recommend you set a limit for yourself, only take that set amount in cash and leave your credit cards at home.  I know when you are in the store you will feel like you are missing out by not picking up that thing that is not on your list at such a great price, but when you get home, you will thank yourself.  You will feel so much better about your shopping experience if you stay within a budget.

In times past when you had to actually wait for the Black Friday ads to come out on Thanksgiving, my mom, sister and I would go through the ads and devise our plan of attack.  Nowadays thanks to the internet you can see the Black Friday ads well in advance which is great for planning.  


We have gone out at 2 AM and stood in line for some large ticket items, one year I roped my husband into going and standing in line for a ticket to purchase a laptop at a great deal.  I think some years they really do have great prices on TV’s, Computers, and other large ticket items.  It is a great idea for the future, if you know you will be needing one of these larger ticket items to save all year and wait for the Black Friday Deals, it’s definitely worth it.  Of course, the deals are not always great every year, but it is better to plan and prepare ahead of time.

Some of my favorite Black Friday finds are kids’ pajamas and socks, towels and bedding.  I usually get my four boys matching pajama sets that they open on Christmas Eve.  If you have little kids or nieces and nephews pajamas are a great Christmas Gift, stocking stuffer, or something extra to go with the gift you’ve already purchased and usually priced at $5 or less, makes it easy on the budget.  If you need towels and bedding this is a great time to replenish on those items too and other household items, I’ve purchased things like a vacuum cleaner, coffee pot, and other appliances at a great price during this time too.   There are usually some great deals on kids’ toys as well.  Board games make great group gifts and I find are great Black Friday finds.  This is a great time to pick up a board game or extra toy to donate to a local toy drive.

Instead of getting sucked into overspending and filling your cart which is easy to do.  Plan your shopping trip!  Set your budget, go through the ads circle the items that you actually need.  Have your spouse or shopping buddy look over your list and offer any thoughts of things you might scratch off, or wait on.  Double check and make sure the things on your list are within budget, remember to add in tax.  

It is fun to shop with a friend, but you need to know yourself and your shopping buddy.  Are they going to help you stick to your budget or are they going to encourage you to overspend?  These are all things to think about, because although I know it is fun to shop with a friend, if sticking to your budget and not going into debt is your goal, then you need to be willing to shop alone.  I find the times I have gone alone, I go in, get the things on my list and get out, when I have shopped with a friend, you look around, you see something there getting and feel the need to make the same purchase, etc.  My mom is a great one to shop with because she goes in on her mission, purchases the items on the list and get’s out.  Many times we will have similar things on our list and we will split up, she will take one half of the list, I the other and we find what we need and are out quickly.  

Another thing I have found, you do not need to go as soon as the doors open, one exception is the electronics and large ticket items, if those are on your list then yes go as soon possible because each store is allocated only a specific amount of those items.  If your shopping list is the other items though, pajamas, household goods, toys, etc. it has been my experience that they do not run out.  I have gone later in the day even next day Saturday shopping and there are plenty of those items, no need to leave your Thanksgiving guests and run out to make sure you get your stuff.  

If you have not planned accordingly and saved money for Black Friday shopping, start saving now for next year.  Get an envelope that you can place cash in for Black Friday shopping, start a change jar, where you place all loose change in a jar, open a Christmas Account and have a set amount automatically deposited into from each paycheck.  Another year will go by quickly and another Black Friday will be here before you know it so purpose to save for next year.  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, enjoy your family and friends, and remind yourself that although it is a great time to get a deal, there is no need to miss out on family time.  No one thing is more important than having quality time with your family and slowing down and enjoying the day.  Remember the same deals and sometimes better ones will come again next year and even at times around Christmas and Cyber Monday do not buy into the lie that this is the “only” time you can get this at this price.

8 Black Friday Shopping Tips:
1. Browse the ads, make your list!
2. Have your spouse look over your shopping list.
3. Pick one to two stores
4. Set a budget, take that money in cash.
5. Leave your credit cards at home.
6. Stick to your list!
7. Know your shopping buddy – maybe shop alone; remember the main goal is to stay within budget.
8. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, don’t rush out for stuff, value what is really important family and friends!

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com

8 Black Friday Shopping Tips
Have you checked out the Black Friday ad’s yet?  I've noticed many stores are starting early with their Black Friday Deals. 
I usually participate in Black Friday shopping on a small scale.  I have gone out before at the break of dawn and shopped at every store and it was fun but after many years of Black Friday shopping, I have found that it is a much more pleasant experience to pick one to two stores and have a targeted plan.

I find if you have a strategy to your Black Friday Shopping it will be easier on your budget.  I know there are great deals and it is easy to get sucked into “this is only $10!”  If you do not have a plan and list of what you want to shop for, it is easy to start throwing lots of different items into your cart and it adds up quick.  I know there are great deals; if you don’t want to go into debt or spend more than you should you should ask yourself do I really need this?

Ideally, you saved money all year long for your Black Friday shopping.  If you have not, I recommend you set a limit for yourself, only take that set amount in cash and leave your credit cards at home.  I know when you are in the store you will feel like you are missing out by not picking up that thing that is not on your list at such a great price, but when you get home, you will thank yourself.  You will feel so much better about your shopping experience if you stay within a budget.

In times past when you had to actually wait for the Black Friday ads to come out on Thanksgiving, my mom, sister and I would go through the ads and devise our plan of attack.  Nowadays thanks to the internet you can see the Black Friday ads well in advance which is great for planning.  


We have gone out at 2 AM and stood in line for some large ticket items, one year I roped my husband into going and standing in line for a ticket to purchase a laptop at a great deal.  I think some years they really do have great prices on TV’s, Computers, and other large ticket items.  It is a great idea for the future, if you know you will be needing one of these larger ticket items to save all year and wait for the Black Friday Deals, it’s definitely worth it.  Of course, the deals are not always great every year, but it is better to plan and prepare ahead of time.

Some of my favorite Black Friday finds are kids’ pajamas and socks, towels and bedding.  I usually get my four boys matching pajama sets that they open on Christmas Eve.  If you have little kids or nieces and nephews pajamas are a great Christmas Gift, stocking stuffer, or something extra to go with the gift you’ve already purchased and usually priced at $5 or less, makes it easy on the budget.  If you need towels and bedding this is a great time to replenish on those items too and other household items, I’ve purchased things like a vacuum cleaner, coffee pot, and other appliances at a great price during this time too.   There are usually some great deals on kids’ toys as well.  Board games make great group gifts and I find are great Black Friday finds.  This is a great time to pick up a board game or extra toy to donate to a local toy drive.

Instead of getting sucked into overspending and filling your cart which is easy to do.  Plan your shopping trip!  Set your budget, go through the ads circle the items that you actually need.  Have your spouse or shopping buddy look over your list and offer any thoughts of things you might scratch off, or wait on.  Double check and make sure the things on your list are within budget, remember to add in tax.  

It is fun to shop with a friend, but you need to know yourself and your shopping buddy.  Are they going to help you stick to your budget or are they going to encourage you to overspend?  These are all things to think about, because although I know it is fun to shop with a friend, if sticking to your budget and not going into debt is your goal, then you need to be willing to shop alone.  I find the times I have gone alone, I go in, get the things on my list and get out, when I have shopped with a friend, you look around, you see something there getting and feel the need to make the same purchase, etc.  My mom is a great one to shop with because she goes in on her mission, purchases the items on the list and get’s out.  Many times we will have similar things on our list and we will split up, she will take one half of the list, I the other and we find what we need and are out quickly.  

Another thing I have found, you do not need to go as soon as the doors open, one exception is the electronics and large ticket items, if those are on your list then yes go as soon possible because each store is allocated only a specific amount of those items.  If your shopping list is the other items though, pajamas, household goods, toys, etc. it has been my experience that they do not run out.  I have gone later in the day even next day Saturday shopping and there are plenty of those items, no need to leave your Thanksgiving guests and run out to make sure you get your stuff.  

If you have not planned accordingly and saved money for Black Friday shopping, start saving now for next year.  Get an envelope that you can place cash in for Black Friday shopping, start a change jar, where you place all loose change in a jar, open a Christmas Account and have a set amount automatically deposited into from each paycheck.  Another year will go by quickly and another Black Friday will be here before you know it so purpose to save for next year.  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, enjoy your family and friends, and remind yourself that although it is a great time to get a deal, there is no need to miss out on family time.  No one thing is more important than having quality time with your family and slowing down and enjoying the day.  Remember the same deals and sometimes better ones will come again next year and even at times around Christmas and Cyber Monday do not buy into the lie that this is the “only” time you can get this at this price.

8 Black Friday Shopping Tips:
1. Browse the ads, make your list!
2. Have your spouse look over your shopping list.
3. Pick one to two stores
4. Set a budget, take that money in cash.
5. Leave your credit cards at home.
6. Stick to your list!
7. Know your shopping buddy – maybe shop alone; remember the main goal is to stay within budget.
8. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, don’t rush out for stuff, value what is really important family and friends!

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Read more »

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