Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all 2x the joy this holiday season! :)

Here have a candy cane!

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Homemade Vanilla Extract holiday gifts

Several months ago, during the summer, I started planning and making this year's Christmas gifts - homemade pure vanilla extract.

Why so early? Real Vanilla Extract takes months to brew, but is very simple to do. Just cut and put some vanilla beans in a bottle and cover them with vodka (or dark rum for a gluten-free option). Let it sit for a few months or more and you've got amazing authentic vanilla extract, that smells amazing and is an unique handmade gift for friends and family.  

Homemade Vanilla Extract Directions:

I ordered Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans that arrived in a vacuum sealed package in two days thanks to Amazon Mom Prime. You only need to order one bunch, as you'll have plenty leftover.

Then split each bean in half, along the spine lengthwise with a knife, revealing the tiny beans inside. This part was tedious, but after I was done it belatedly occurred to me that I could have simply used a kitchen scissor instead of a knife to speed up the process. I put 6 or so cut beans into Boston Round Bottles and a dozen beans in some bigger Mason Jars for a larger sized gift\ for those that I know like to bake more.

Now simply fill the jar and cover the beans with plain vodka (I used organic) and store in a cool dark place until ready. As you can see above, it looks like clear water at first, but it will soon turn the dark vanilla color you'd expect after two months like in the photo below. You’ll need at least 3 vanilla beans in there for at least 3 weeks to get a good extract going, but it’s fine to use more beans like I did too. Your extract is ready when it is a lovely brown color and the vanilla smell is overwhelming. The amount of vodka needed can be expensive, so for our second batch I bought a cheaper bottle from Costco in bulk.

Decorating Your Vanilla Extract Bottles

For a holiday touch, I decorated the bottles with custom vanilla extract labels from Etsy with the year, a greeting and my name printed on them. I applied a sticker to each bottle and jar and tied a holiday ribbon around the neck of the Boston round bottles.

For the mason jars, I also put  holiday cupcake liners in between the lid and band, for an extra decorative touch.

Best yet, when your giftee uses up all of their extract, they can simply replenish it by refilling it with vodka and storing it again for a bit. You may also want to create a card with refill instructions to go with each bottle, but I got lazy come December and just told people verbally about what to do when they run out.

If you want to make Vanilla Extract holiday gifts next year, be sure and Pin this post and get started in the early Fall! :) Have fun!

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Holiday Gift Guide for Her 2013

This one's for the girls!

Here are some fun & fabulous gift ideas for your girlfriend, coworker, friend, mom, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, etc. These are my personal picks for all the great ladies in your life or some new wish list suggestions for yourself, all for under $50 too.

• 1. Give the gift of an at-home spa with the Spa Sonic Face and Body Polisher ($45 at Target and $39.99 at Costco with rebate). The Spa Sonic includes four brush head attachments unlike other spin brushes on the market today and at a more budget-friendly price point. A small brush for the face, a large brush for the body, a pumice pad for rough areas, and a facial sponge for microdermabrasion and reduction of fine lines; all of which are included with the device. The multiple attachment options for the waterproof device make deep cleansing, exfoliating, tightening and minimizing of pores possible for both the face and body. With gentle, Clear Skin Technology, Spa Sonic is a specially designed with anti-irritating comfort bristles and can be used daily. Other brushes can be harsh on sensitive skin leaving it red and irritated. I have used the more expensive Clarisonic device too and find that the Spa Sonic doesn’t irritate my skin like the Clarisonic does, I think any woman would love it and their smooth skin after. Available in white, lavender and pink shades too.
• 2. Three Hands Crown Ring Holder on GILT.com for $10 (Originally $15). This ring holder is chic and practical. I'd love to have this by my bathroom sink or on my night stand. Even better if it came with a ring ;)
• 3. Let me introduce you to a cult UK natural beauty brand STEAMCREAM – an all-in-one natural skin-friendly everyday moisturizer in a cool metal tin in a variety of designs. It is handmade in the UK and Japan by a unique steam process with fresh ingredients and is vegan approved. STEAMCREAM is formulated for your face, but as it’s so light you can use it all over your body and hands too. Some of the beautiful natural ingredients in STEAMCREAM, which are ideal for sensitive skin, are chamomile, rose, almond oil and an infusion of oatmeal. Their anti-inflammatory powers help to keep even the most easily affected skin feeling calm. The limited-edition tin above is "Holly" and is so festive that it doesn't even need wrapping paper. Best of all, it's only $20 and is available online and Duane Reade’s Look Boutiques. 
• 4. Now, how cool is this? Stack Wines’ ultra convenient packaging allows your and your guests to enjoy tasty wine without extra glassware and corkscrews. This unique concept offers the only tear apart, single serve packages shaped like a stem-less wine glass, and features four individual containers that stack on top of one another to form the equivalent of one full bottle of wine. Essentially, this bottle of wine comes with built-in cups and individual portions so you can have a glass of wine without opening an entire bottle. It's perfect for the impromptu office party, the beach, a picnic, concert, watching Cougar Town or like right now! I also love that you can reuse and repurpose the durable plastic containers. Available for $12.99 in four varietals - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet and Charisma a red blend.
• 5. My dentist years ago told me Philips Sonicare was the best powered toothbrush, but it was always so expensive. We actually registered for it for our wedding, lol. Luckily, now the new Sonicare PowerUp from Philips Sonicare, the #1 dentist recommended power toothbrush brand, provides a Sonicare-worthy clean for just $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target and Drugstore.com. It delivers more than 15,000 brush strokes per minute (that's more strokes in 1 day than your manual in a month) and is proven to gently remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush, reduce the risk of cavities and improve gum health. Perfect for a stocking stuffer! And if she already has one like me, this could be her travel brush, so you can always have great hygiene routine when traveling too. Available in orange and blue colors.
• 6. Cold Brew Tea Set Kit from The Tea Spot $14.95. I've blogged about the Steep & Go before and now you can get that and 10 single servings of organic loose leaf cold infusions tea for making iced tea on-the-go in under 10 minutes. No need to boil water as this tea brews in cool water. Just add their loose tea to your water bottle and screw in the Steep & Go infuser and you're all set. I recently used mine in Florida to stay hydrated and healthy.
• 7. And for hot tea, there's the Mighty Leaf TeaTop Brew Mug $14.50, perfect for tea lovers who commute. The used tea pouch nestles in the lid – no mess! Plus, this prevents your tea from getting too bitter or having to get your hands wet trying to remove a pouch from hot water or finding a place to dispose of it. I often take to-go cups for when I'm on the train going into the city and toss both the cup and soggy t-bag, but this would be a more Eco-friendly option and just as easy. I'll also be able to save the used tea leaves for my compost and rose bushes.

More Wonderful Ideas (Some of these I haven't personally tried though):

• Homedics Shiatsu Neck Massager with Vibration & Heat - $39.99
• Le Creuset honey pot with silicone honey dipper - $28
• Teleflora Christmas Flowers, Plants & Table Decor - 20% off
• Ugly Holiday Sweater that benefits Stand Up to Cancer - $29.99
• Cooking Light Annual Recipes - $26.13 (I gave this as a gift) 

Stocking Stuffers

• Vanilla Snowflake Mason Jar Candle - $12 - (I have this, smells great!)
• Jean Straps - Boot Cuffs - $14.99 (such a great accessory)
• Mia Beauty Tony Ties 3 pack of holiday sparkle - $6
• Archipelago Botanicals Travel Tin Soy Candles (cute holiday graphics & scents) - $5.25-$10.50

Homemade Gifts

• Bottles of Homemade Vanilla Extract 
• Candy Ornaments 

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The Ultimate Family Guide to Disney World, Florida

This is a partnered post

If you are about to visit Disney World, Florida for the first time - particularly if you are doing so with children - then underneath the excitement there may be lurking just a hint of dread. Is it really possible for an adult to have fun in the froth and glitter that is Disney World? What are the chances that the grown-ups will spend most of the time grinning through gritted teeth and counting down the days to their return flight? Well, the good news is that it is entirely possible for adults to have a wonderful time at the world's biggest and most visited holiday resort. All it takes is a little planning.  

Range of Attractions
There are four theme parks to experience on your Disney holidays in the Sunshine State (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom), plus two water parks and a downtown area which contains restaurants, shops and theatres. Cirque du Soleil is currently performing in downtown Disney World, to staggeringly good reviews. If you only attend one show, make it this one.

Of the theme parks, Epcot is probably the most adult-friendly, being based on geography and technology. The celebrated fireworks and laser show, Illuminations: Reflections of the Earth, is staged every night and is well worth seeing. Food lovers are also well advised to visit Epcot for the range of international cuisines available.  

Food and Drink
Speaking of which, Disney holidays are not all burgers and fries - far from it. There is a vast choice of dining options, from 1950s-style diners to authentic seafood and fine restaurants. If food is your thing, you can have a great time at Disney World, even if you loathe animated characters and theme parks. Disney World also has several dining shows, where you can have your fill of delicious food while being entertained. These are great fun: some are aimed squarely at children, but some, such as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the Spirit of Aloha Show, have plenty for diners of all ages. They are highly recommended, but some must be booked in advance. I used the free official My Disney Experience mobile app to instantly make dining reservations inside the parks.

Final Tips
Regardless of the nature of your visit (all-inclusive or not, with or without dining included), make sure you take some change for tips. It is de rigueur to tip in the US, much more frequently than in the UK. Take your own sunscreen and a lightweight waterproof coat because it can rain, even in Florida. Most of all, take your sense of fun and imagination - armed with these, even the most cynical adult will have fun in Disney World!

Also, be sure and take advantage of Disney's Magical Express if available with your hotel.

More Disney World tips:

  

  

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Are you #FanEnough?

This season, Diet Pepsi is celebrating the NFL by asking, Are You #FanEnough? Challenge accepted. Take a look at how we flaunt our fandom on game day and some tips!

My husband is a Denver Broncos fan and when we got married I agreed to be a Broncos fan too, as long as I could pick the MLB team (Yankees!). But I didn't merely switch teams, I went all in.

Dress for Success (your team's that is!): 
We have official gear, but I also like getting the babies outfitted in football attire too. Sure they don't know a pass from a pacifier, but no reason why they can't partake in the fun. I picked up these football onesies from The Children's Place.

Team Colors Nail Art:

Anyone can put on a t-shirt with your team's colors, but why not be proud and paint them on your fingers too! I used brazilliant (orange) and mesmerize (blue) by essie to create my Denver Broncos nail art above. I painted my left hand with the orange polish except for my index finger, which I painted blue. Then, I simply did the opposite for my right hand, creating a fun and easy team spirit look.

 The Ultimate Football Party Dip:

• 8oz tub of Soft Cream Cheese
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 can of Hormel chili with no beans
• 1 bag of Tortilla scoops
  

Directions: Line the bottom and sides of a deep bowl with the cream cheese, making a creamy bowl inside it. Then, pour the chili over it and sprinkle a handful of cheddar cheese to cover the top. Put in microwave for 3 minutes. Do not stir, as this will ruin the layers for your chip to dive through and cause the dip to look unappetizing. Overall, it's not the prettiest or complicated of dips, but I guarantee that you'll love it. Everyone ends up scraping the edges to get all three layers.You can also make some lighter substitutes by using light cream cheese and multigrain scoops too.

Football cupcakes?
Cake decorator I'm not, below is my attempt to make football cupcakes. They tasted good at least. 

Diet Pepsi #fanenough Contest
You can get in on the fun too by entering the Diet Pepsi #fanenough photo contest (official rules can be found here). All you have to do is share your Sunday funday pics on your social channels and tag them using both #fanenough and #dietpepsi for a chance to win game day packs, Covergirl fanicure sets and more!

Disclaimer: Diet Pepsi provided me with a gift card to sweeten our game day viewing.

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Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette Giveaway

In honor of the holidays I am giving away the luxurious and sophisticated Vice 2 palette with 20 all-new eyeshadow shades from Urban Decay a $59 value. Enjoy:

Description:
Experiment with insanely cool brights, not-your-average neutrals, and sexy hits of smoke, all in our decadent, revamped formula. In case you weren’t around for the frenzy of the original Vice Palette, here’s the deal: yes, Vice 2 is limited edition and it WILL sell out. (With 20 EXCLUSIVE shades you won’t find anywhere else, what would you expect!?)

Read more to enter

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Twins 1st Birthday Photo & Cupcake Smashing

My boys recently celebrated an important first -- their first birthday and first cupcake!! Take a look at the cute mess that resulted all while in Swaddlers and bow-ties :)

 

From babies first breath, to their first roll, Pampers Swaddlers was there. And now Pampers’ softest diaper ever is available through size 5, for many more firsts to come! To celebrate Swaddlers sizes 4 & 5, Pampers has 30 days of incredible giveaways and a grand prize of FREE Swaddlers diapers & wipes for a year. Join the celebration and enter their 30 days of sweeps on the Pampers Facebook page Swaddlers Sweeps tab where you can win daily prize bundles, plus the grand prize of free Swaddlers diapers & wipes for one year!

For more great Pampers prizes, be sure and participate in their upcoming @Pampers #SwaddlersFirsts Twitter Party on Thursday, December 5th at 9 p.m. EST. You can RSVP here.

You can also win here too! Pampers provided me with the following Celebrating Firsts Prize Pack Bundle Giveaway. Good luck!

• Baby’s First Friend Plush Doll 
• Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl Treasure Box 
• Baby’s First Words Book 
• Baby’s First Steps Push Toy 
• Pampers Swaddlers

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

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