Cold Products!

Did you know that Vicks Vaporub now makes one for babies??

And have you ever tried one of these handy little do-hickies? (I no longer have the "official" name for them, but if you're interested, just leave a comment and I can find out for you!)

They're battery powered little fans that you put a "vapour stick" into and it turns you babies room into a wonderfully menthol smelling paradise! I'm considering getting one for my room...

And have you ever heard of "Fever-Bugz"?

They're these nifty little stickers you literally stick to your kids forehead and they show you your child's temp! No thermometers or fighting necessary! Personally I haven't used them but a friend of mine loves them.

Did I seriously just post an entry dedicated to kid's cold/flu products?

You bet I did!

Cleaning

This year it was a little difficult for me to get into the spirit of Christmas towards the end.

Hubby had to work both Christmas eve and Christmas day nights, which left me, sick, alone and playing Santa by my lonesome and ever so Scroogy.

Last night I did a mid-night run to the hospital (our "after hours clinic") to have a Dr look at me. He confirmed that I have an ear infection in both ears, plus a sinus infection. When he listened to my breathing and looked in my throat all he said was "hmmm" and "yep", so I have no idea what that means. I'm on stuff now though, to make me feel better, which is all I wanted!

Because I'm starting to get some energy back, we decided to take our decorations down today which normally leaves me feeling a little deflated. This year though it doesn't really feel like Christmas actually came. The only remaining proof is all the new loot (which I am not at all complaining about!). I wasn't sad to put anything away except the stockings my mother made us. I think I could have them up all year round! I love them so much!

The body of the stocking is quilted and she's hand embroidered our names along the top of each. She's been making them the past couple of years and with two new grandbabies on the way this year (not from me) she's going to have her hands busy again. It's proven to be quite the labour of love on her part, but what could be a better family heirloom?

A Memorable Few Days

I hope your last few days have been magical and full of wonderful memories.

Ours has been full of snotty noses, sore throats, a few fevers, lots of wonderful gifts and two sleepy boys. Everyone was starting to feel better and I thought we were finally kicking this darn bug to the curb, but Zac woke up this morning sick to his stomach again and he has spent most of the morning throwing up in our bed and all over the living room.

I'm thinking the next few days will be spent trying to make everyone well and

cleaning this mess of a house...

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

I have a confession to make...

I'm a bit of a cookie snob.

I only like the chewy ones...

I'm really not a fan of hard, crunchy cookies. I mean REALLY not a fan...

Sorry if you are! It's just not my thing.

I do love gingersnap cookies though and have been on a search for years to find a yummy, quality recipe for chewy gingersnap cookies, that still scream comfort and holidays and remind me of my grandmother without the shattering of my teeth in order to enjoy them.

I am in love with this recipe!

It makes a bunch, but they freeze really well.

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp ginger

1 cup butter or margarine

2 eggs

2 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup molasses

Combine the first 6 ingredients (the dry ingredients) in a large bowl and set aside.

Cream butter, brown sugar and molasses until blended and then add the eggs, one at a time until completely combined. Gradually add the flour/dry mixture into the sugar/molasses mixture and mix until combined. Drop onto a greased (or parchment paper covered) cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

I had some left over vanilla icing laying around the house that accidentally made it's way on top of some of these and let me just say,

HEAVEN!

I would even make the extra effort in the future to have vanilla icing on hand when I make these.

Seriously. So. Good.

I can't believe it, but I think I managed to share my entire baking list for the holidays!

I honestly made everything I shared this past month at least once and we've finished it all already...

that might account for the 10 pound weight gain I am facing at the moment!

I hope you all have a wonderfully, magical Christmas Day with your families and loved ones!

xo

Lisa

Cookies 'n' Cream Fudge

I forgot to take a picture of MY fudge, and now that it's all gone, I took a picture of the recipe card...

It's yummy stuff!

Cookies & Cream Fudge

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine

2/3 cup evaporated milk

2 cups white chocolate chips

1 jar (7oz) marshmallow creme

1/2 cup finely crushed oreo cookies

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup crumbled oreo cookies

Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.

Bring sugar, butter and evaporated milk to a rolling boil in a sauce pan stirring constantly. Keep stirring it while it boils for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Stir in white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, crushed cookies and vanilla. Pour into the pan and sprinkle the crumbled cookies on top. Gently swirl cookies into the fudge base using a knife, without touching the bottom of the pan.

Put in the fridge until it's firm, cut and then eat!

Skor Cookies

My mother-in-law makes these cookies and my hubby loves them so I couldn't not bake them for the holidays.

Skor Cookies

1/2 cup yellow crisco

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2-1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 pkg toffee bits

Blend crisco and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla. Add flour and baking soda and beat until combined. Fold in toffee bits.

Bake at 350 on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.

I think Santa will enjoy these!

Musical Tuesday? Meghan Smith, Silver Bells

I didn't forget about my weekly music video for you! I'm just a day late...

Have no fear!!

I love Meghan Smith. I've shared some of her music before and when I heard her singing Silver Bells it made me smile. It's just so bouncy, fun and Christmas-y!!

A wave of sickness is making it's way through our home at the moment. Hubby has managed to avoid it so far, but Eli and I are in full battle mode with it, stuffy noses, sore throats, coughing...

I'm just hoping we can all be happy and healthy come Saturday morning!!