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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
From our family to yours…
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Jolly whatever-you-may-celebrate!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Hanukkah from the PJ Library
Roo has been asking a lot of questions about being Jewish this year. She was excited about Hanukkah as early as Thanksgiving! I'm glad that she is curious about her heritage but I'm a little overwhelmed since my formal Hebrew school and Jewish education stopped when my parents split up when I was 9. (I also quit Japanese school around this time, another regrettable decision.) I haven't been to temple in years and have been fumbling with the Hebrew prayers. Roo asked me to write them down for her, so she could say them, too, and I had to admit that I've been saying them phonetically. Lame!
Yeah, yeah, I know… Wikipedia helps*. But kids want to know more about tradition and culture, real-life stuff, not just the whys and wherefores. I'm a big believer in the concept of family literacy and lifelong learning, so I was extremely excited to learn about the PJ Library, an organization that shares the gift of free Jewish children’s books and the message of Jewish values with families across the globe.
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books to children in underserved areas of the US, PJ Library founder Harold Grinspoon sought to adapt the same concept to engage Jewish families. In 2005, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation started sending 200 free Jewish children’s books monthly. Now, more than 200,000 books go out each month to children in 155 communities across North America and Israel and the number is growing every day.
"PJ” stands for the pajamas worn at bedtime. Program organizers say a bond is formed between children and their parents during typical bedtime reading sessions and reading these PJ Library books together can encourage learning about the Jewish culture, religion, and traditions for both the parents and children. We received a great box to get started with:
Both kids love the books- especially the silly ones! Roo has already been trying out the Hebrew words from the CD, too. It's been fun to try and explain borscht and the concept of keeping kosher to them. On a monthly basis the PJ Library mails a Jewish children’s book or CD to participating homes addressed to the child, helping them to build their own library and inspire a passion for reading.
Currently 85,000 children between the ages of six months and eight years in more than 155 communities in the United States and Canada are enrolled in the PJ Library program. I was impressed to see that there is a PJ Library community here in Wichita! Check the website to see if there is a PJ Library community located near you.
New York stands out as the largest PJ Library program in the US with 10,000 monthly deliveries – and the expectation is that it will double within the next year to 20,000 families. With two million Jews in New York, the city is second only to Tel Aviv in the size of its Jewish population.
*FYI: My aunt pointed me to the excellent web resource Judaism 101, which I will be cribbing from, liberally, too. She printed out the prayers for everyone to say the other night at my grandpa's.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received the box of books shown to facilitate our understanding of the PJ Library and their good works. All opinions are my own, as usual.
Both kids love the books- especially the silly ones! Roo has already been trying out the Hebrew words from the CD, too. It's been fun to try and explain borscht and the concept of keeping kosher to them. On a monthly basis the PJ Library mails a Jewish children’s book or CD to participating homes addressed to the child, helping them to build their own library and inspire a passion for reading.
Currently 85,000 children between the ages of six months and eight years in more than 155 communities in the United States and Canada are enrolled in the PJ Library program. I was impressed to see that there is a PJ Library community here in Wichita! Check the website to see if there is a PJ Library community located near you.
New York stands out as the largest PJ Library program in the US with 10,000 monthly deliveries – and the expectation is that it will double within the next year to 20,000 families. With two million Jews in New York, the city is second only to Tel Aviv in the size of its Jewish population.
*FYI: My aunt pointed me to the excellent web resource Judaism 101, which I will be cribbing from, liberally, too. She printed out the prayers for everyone to say the other night at my grandpa's.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received the box of books shown to facilitate our understanding of the PJ Library and their good works. All opinions are my own, as usual.
Gearing Up for Christmas with #SearsRealCheer
It's a really good thing I went shopping for holiday accoutrements last week. The mall would be a horrible place to be the nearer we get to the Big Day, especially since I seem to have developed the plague*. You'll be pleased to note that my holiday decor has progressed past one Santa towel in the bathroom. We even got the tree up and festooned with all the tchotkes I bought at Sears! I'm not quite decking the halls with boughs of holly, but but for me, this is festive.
We've been lighting Hanukkah candles every night before we plug in the tree, very multicultural and festive.
*Well, it's probably just a cold or the flu but I like to be dramatic. Not least because I had a bad reaction to platelet donation on Monday that made my arm swell up and turn all sorts of freaky inhuman colors. It's back into the realm of black and blue but still looks revolting. Jasper is excited because he thinks I might be turning into a zombie. Sigh.
We've been lighting Hanukkah candles every night before we plug in the tree, very multicultural and festive.
No, Bob is not the unabomber. Thanks for asking.
I really like how well the ornaments I bought from Sears blend in with the few that we already had. They have kind of a vintage vibe and seem very well made. Only one glass ornament broke during Operation Tree Decoration and it was entirely my fault. RIP peppermint candy, RIP. As much as I like all of the decorative decorations (I know, that sounds weird), I think my favorite purchase was the multipack of wintery trees meant for dioramas or trainsets. The kids have been moving them all over the house, making little tableaux of Polly Pockets and Star Wars guys. Totally the reason for the season, y'all.
*Well, it's probably just a cold or the flu but I like to be dramatic. Not least because I had a bad reaction to platelet donation on Monday that made my arm swell up and turn all sorts of freaky inhuman colors. It's back into the realm of black and blue but still looks revolting. Jasper is excited because he thinks I might be turning into a zombie. Sigh.
I hope you're well beyond where I am for holiday preparedness but if not, remember you can avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of your own home any time, day or night at sears.com/holidayshop. If you need extra-added help stoking your holiday spirit, the Sears Cheer Tree can help with hints and stories from their Holiday Cheer Squad and a Cheer Tree mosaic that you can add your own holiday decorating photos to and search for special offers and deals. You can even order fresh live Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery online!
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions (especially the Grinchy ones!) are my own, as usual. #CBias
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Keep Busy Over the Holidays with Pottery Barn Kids
The kids have been out of school since last week and are already underfoot. They take after me and are reluctant to head outside when the temperature dips, unlike their stalwart father. Also, I'm a bit under the weather, a fact which is particularly inconvenient since I am a procrastinator and still have unwrapped gifts, un-sent cards (sorry far-flung relatives, look for 'em around New Year's…) and a messy house to deal with. Blargh.
The holidays are in full swing already, being the third day of Hanukkah. Roo is incredibly interested in all things Jewish this year, so we've been lighting the menorah and I've been reciting the prayers in Hebrew school dropout mode, much to her delight.
I got a bunch of fabulous and timely craft ideas from the Pottery Barn Kids Design Studio via email, yay! Now if they would only send us new bedroom furniture so I could replace Roo's evil green bunkbed of doom…obviously my fever is making me delusional.
Here are a couple of their great ideas to help your family share the joy of Hanukkah! This crafty Menorah is easy to assemble – and best of all, kids can "light" the candles on their own to celebrate each night of Hanukkah.
Bring a little sparkle to Hanukkah celebrations with creative Glittery Dreidel Place Cards. They're simple for kids to make and add a fun element of festivity to the table – plus, they make great party favors. Jasper loves to sing "Dreidel, Dreidel" over and over again, even though he only remembers the one line. Heh.
Even non-Jews will agree that holiday treats are extra sweet when shared in homemade containers. Part party favor and part accessory, these Personalized Take-Out Containers, Glass Cookie Jars and Cookie Boxes are fun for kids to customize and then fill with delicious cookies and candies! A craft and a gift, all in one adorable package…
Check out these tips for planning a Christmas Cookie Exchange, including recipes, invitations and “how to” videos.
Last-minute wrapping to do? Give your presents that extra little flourish of hand-crafted care, and try one of our creative approaches to gift wrapping. Make your presents even more magical this season with Starry Wrap, Keepsake Footprint Paper and Rudolph’s Nose Wrap. My cats would go nuts for that yarn "nose"
For more holiday ideas or for inspiration and advice year-round, visit the Pottery Barn Kids Design Studio. I was not compensated for this post, just thought my readers might like some busywork with attractive results for their kiddos, too.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I He♥rt Jonathan Toubin
A million, trillion years ago, way back when I was in college, my roommate Jennifer and I did ridiculous things like bake ugly cakes for a Donny Osmond birthday celebration. Here's a fine example:
One of our friends and fellow DJs at the student radio station was a guy named Jonathan Toubin. Eccentric and loveable, he was a constant presence in the Austin music scene, both as a fan and player. I think this photo was taken when we were still underage, prior to him growing the biggest, fuzziest mutton chops I had ever seen…
Jonathan still DJs rock and roll dance parties, in his home base of Brooklyn and beyond, under the name New York Night Train. A few weeks back he was in Portland for a show when he fell victim to a truly horrific accident. He never did anything that wasn't opulent but this was a shocker. He has had several operations and is still in the hospital.
Friends from all over have been organizing benefits to raise money for Jonathan's recovery. The website I Heart Jonathan Toubin has a list of these events, check and see if there is one near you! You can also donate money via PayPal or buy a super-duper cool t-shirt (as seen on Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!) to help.
Jennifer and I have vowed that when Jonathan DJs his next show, we'll fly out to make it and shake a tailfeather or two…
Wordless Wednesday
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Friday, December 16, 2011
GameStop "Jingle in Your Pocket" at Mom Spark
GameStop is sponsoring a crazy contest over at Mom Spark to promote their trade-in program this holiday season. It's not only used games and consoles that you can trade: you can also bring in your old iPods, iPhones and iPads for cash or store credit.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have written this for a chance to win the aforementioned gift card. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own, as usual.
It would be awfully nice to win the $1000 gift card, don't you think? Roo definitely thinks so– she's already picked out the first thing she'd buy…
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have written this for a chance to win the aforementioned gift card. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own, as usual.
#SearsRealCheer Holiday Shopping
I am a bit of a "Bah, Humbug!" girl. Not because I'm cheap or mean, necessarily, but because the holiday season is not my favorite time of year. If I didn't have kids, I would probably blow off the whole thing and hole up at home to watch all four seasons of Sons of Anarchy. In deference to Roo and Jasper, however, I am trying to get into the holiday spirit.
Our sole tradition, started when we moved into the house six years ago, was to buy a potted dwarf pine tree to decorate and then plant it in our yard once the ground thaws in springtime. This past summer was so hot and dry, though, that it killed all of our previous trees. I think we're going to go with a faux pine this year, borrowed from my mom who has somehow gone Christmas decor crazy. I was raised Jewish and my mother has never been remotely interested in home decor, so her obsession with nutcrackers and angels and anything that lights up kind of freaks me out. They have a 15' faux tree that the kids helped grandpa decorate a couple of weeks back but my mom has amassed several others, so one won't be missed.
It's not easy to change my ways, especially when all of our family holiday decorations fit into a couple of hatboxes in the pantry. Luckily, I was asked to check out the holiday decor selection at Sears to scope out ideas. They're open extra early in the morning and late at night for your shopping convenience this time of year, so I went right after dropping the kids off at school. The trademark red Craftsman color always reminds me of Christmas and walking in through the tool department is like entering a winter wonderland.
I finally found the holiday nook, a corner of the store dedicated to seasonal finery. I thought this was the cutest backyard shed, ever, with a greeting line of favorite characters in Christmas gear.
A lot of people are into collectible ornaments and buy special ones every year. These special ones are Christopher Radko for Sears Platinum Shoppe and they're pretty fancy. I'm not sure Jasper's ready for that quite yet.
There are plenty of ornament options, obviously, but I didn't expect such well-stocked, color-coordinated collections. It makes having a decorator-inspired tree a cinch. I like the wintery blue and silver although it's a bit too elegant for our house.
After I plundered the ornament selection, I wandered over to housewares to see if there was any holiday gear there. Of course! Everything from welcoming doormats to hostess aprons. If you collect snowglobes or nutcrackers, here's your display!
Our sole tradition, started when we moved into the house six years ago, was to buy a potted dwarf pine tree to decorate and then plant it in our yard once the ground thaws in springtime. This past summer was so hot and dry, though, that it killed all of our previous trees. I think we're going to go with a faux pine this year, borrowed from my mom who has somehow gone Christmas decor crazy. I was raised Jewish and my mother has never been remotely interested in home decor, so her obsession with nutcrackers and angels and anything that lights up kind of freaks me out. They have a 15' faux tree that the kids helped grandpa decorate a couple of weeks back but my mom has amassed several others, so one won't be missed.
This is my idea of holiday decorating:
It's not easy to change my ways, especially when all of our family holiday decorations fit into a couple of hatboxes in the pantry. Luckily, I was asked to check out the holiday decor selection at Sears to scope out ideas. They're open extra early in the morning and late at night for your shopping convenience this time of year, so I went right after dropping the kids off at school. The trademark red Craftsman color always reminds me of Christmas and walking in through the tool department is like entering a winter wonderland.
I had to remind myself that I was looking for holiday decor, not gifts. Hard to do in a place littered with bright red temptation on every aisle. Like this saucy Kenmore front-loader set. Please, Santa?
I finally found the holiday nook, a corner of the store dedicated to seasonal finery. I thought this was the cutest backyard shed, ever, with a greeting line of favorite characters in Christmas gear.
A lot of people are into collectible ornaments and buy special ones every year. These special ones are Christopher Radko for Sears Platinum Shoppe and they're pretty fancy. I'm not sure Jasper's ready for that quite yet.
There are plenty of ornament options, obviously, but I didn't expect such well-stocked, color-coordinated collections. It makes having a decorator-inspired tree a cinch. I like the wintery blue and silver although it's a bit too elegant for our house.
This is probably more our speed:
After I plundered the ornament selection, I wandered over to housewares to see if there was any holiday gear there. Of course! Everything from welcoming doormats to hostess aprons. If you collect snowglobes or nutcrackers, here's your display!
I ended up buying way more stuff than I expected to. Here it is all spread out on our dining table:
I have to say my shopping trip was really pleasant, quick and convenient. Now I just have to work on getting everything put together. I am sure my little helpers will love that!
To see exactly how my shopping trip went, check out the play-by-play in my voluminous Google+ album.
If you're mall-phobic, you can avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of your own home any time, day or night at sears.com/holidayshop. If you need extra-added help stoking your holiday spirit, the Sears Cheer Tree can help with hints and stories from their Holiday Cheer Squad and a Cheer Tree mosaic that you can add your own holiday decorating photos to and search for special offers and deals. You can even order fresh live Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery online!
For more info:
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions (especially the Grinchy ones!) are my own, as usual. #CBias
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Free Holiday Printables from Thank You Cards
My kids have their last day of school tomorrow, before the impending doom holiday vacation. Naturally, I haven't gotten any gifts in order, so I will throw together the awesome homemade presents that I've had in mind for weeks overnight. I am awesome, I tell you.
In a stroke of (super) dumb luck, I got an email today from Amy at Thank You Cards telling me about the Free Holiday Printables on their blog. You'd better believe I checked them out in a hot minute and they are really, really cute. Here's a peek:
In a stroke of (super) dumb luck, I got an email today from Amy at Thank You Cards telling me about the Free Holiday Printables on their blog. You'd better believe I checked them out in a hot minute and they are really, really cute. Here's a peek:
I highly suggest you take a gander for any gift tagging or recipe card needs you might have. And while you're at it, take a look at the Thank You Cards shop. If you've been good, you'll probably want to take advantage of their special discount offer to order some lovely printed gratitude for all those fantastic gifts you're expecting!
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's Not Too Late For Holiday Greetings with Minted #HGG2011
I have become a notoriously crummy correspondent via snail mail. This is especially embarrassing given what a fantastic pen pal I was through high school. I've always been lousy on the phone but I used to write voluminous letters, waxing poetic on punk rock, existential philosophers and, uh, how totally sucky my so-called life was. Oh, youth!
Anyway, my lameness is particularly opulent in the realm of Christmas cards. Envision me blushing as I tell you that I still have last year's cards sitting beside me right now. Whoops. They're really cool, too, so I have no excuse. This year's are going to be awesome, too, although I'm waffling over the tremendous selection of indie designs at Minted: which do you like the best?
Thankfully, you can design your custom photo holiday cards online through this Friday, December 16th and receive them by December 23rd, just in time for Christmas. Phew! I just need to get them physically mailed out this year…or should I just go ahead and make New Year's cards? Hmm…
Enjoy 15% off when you buy a combination of 3 gift items* with coupon code GIFTS15 through 12/16. This promotion may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one coupon code per order.
Extra special bonus: TODAY ONLY (12/12), receive free upgrade to 2-Day shipping on holiday card orders (excluding minibooks, sorry).
For more great deals:
Anyway, my lameness is particularly opulent in the realm of Christmas cards. Envision me blushing as I tell you that I still have last year's cards sitting beside me right now. Whoops. They're really cool, too, so I have no excuse. This year's are going to be awesome, too, although I'm waffling over the tremendous selection of indie designs at Minted: which do you like the best?
Enjoy 15% off when you buy a combination of 3 gift items* with coupon code GIFTS15 through 12/16. This promotion may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one coupon code per order.
Order gifts by Friday December 16th for delivery by 12/23!
Extra special bonus: TODAY ONLY (12/12), receive free upgrade to 2-Day shipping on holiday card orders (excluding minibooks, sorry).
- Like Minted on Facebook
- Follow Minted on Twitter
- Refer a friend: Each person you invite to Minted will get $25 off his or her first order, and you'll get $25 Minted credit once their order ships. Details.
In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a gift code to facilitate this review although I have been the happy recipient of quite a few cards from Minted in the past and have oohed and aahed over their gorgeousness– not just the cuteness of my friends' kids. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own.
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