School is officially out for Summer!  Little One just completed her first year of school!  Forgive me if I get a little bit weepy!  I cannot believe our little preemie is now a Junior Kindergarten graduate!

With the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer, what better way to celebrate than kicking the Canada Day long weekend off a little early?

Oh, Canada!  How we love thee! 

We also love BBQ season...especially with a Canadian favourite ingredient --maple syrup!

Check out my Maple BBQ Ribs recipe. Gotta love adding a little bit of Canadiana with some maple syrup made on our farm!


For outdoor entertaining,  I've also got my Filipino BBQ recipe (which was featured in Eat In Eat Out Magazine!) and my Manitoulin Shawarma recipe (which recently made the Eat In Eat Out Blogger Spotlight).

I have a bunch of favourites my family and friends request that I make, but I'm always on the look out for new recipes to try.  When I'm stumped, I frequent the Life Made Delicious website for recipe ideas.  The recipes are quick, easy, and made with busy parents in mind, I'm sure!  The neat thing is that for most of the recipes, Little One gets to help me from prep, cook, to assembly and plating!

Of course, nothing is sweeter than enjoying quality time with loved ones and a light, refreshing beverage and  a scrumptious dessert together!  Outdoor dining and spending time on the patio is what we look forward to in the Summer!

Some great ones to try are:

• Peach-Berry Smoothies
• Watermelon Cooler
• Creamy Mango Smoothies
• Key Lime Yogurt Pie
• Chocolate Mousse Macadamia Tart

I've found these and countless other recipes on lifemadedelicious.ca. They've quickly become family favourites.

Check out the lifemadedelicious.ca website and let me know which recipes you'll be serving up this Summer!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious. Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Spring has sprung and this time of the year, I feel exceptionally giddy! The weather is warmer and everything comes out of slumber. It's also time for Easter, Mother's Day and followed by Father's Day and Graduation time.

Recently, my four year old daughter watched the movie, Bambi.  She fell in love with Bambi's friend, Thumper. Surprisingly, we were sent a Thumpin' Thumper from Hallmark and it is the cutest, most cuddly stuffy she's got! She was so thrilled when she received it!

Thumper thumps his foot and says one of three greetings. He quickly became a favourite with Little One! ($14.95 w/ 3 card purchase. Reg. $24.95)

Hallmark has gift ideas for everyone. I was thinking for Mother's Day, the Blooming Expressions with music would be a great idea for moms!

The fabric petals open and reveal a special message and a glittery butterfly. Each flower is showcased in a beautiful vase. The Blooming Expressions with music sell for $24.95. Flowers without music sell for $19.95.

For dads, the One-of-a-kind Creation Frames are a fabulous idea! New Shutterfly gifts allow customers to customize their digital photos for special and unique gifts. I really love the look of these frames! If you visit our home, you'll know how addicted I am to photo frames and family photos!

Another great gift idea for a special person in your life is Mason Interactive Story Buddy. I was going to keep him for Little One (mainly because I fell in love with him)! Mason is a love-worn bear who has been left behind by his previous owner, only to be rediscovered and loved again by his new friend, Jacob.

Mason is so adorable and so soft! He comes with a storybook and an audio CD. You can get coordinating books for $9.95. The new Mason Interactive Story Buddy & Mason's New Friends Interactive Storybook 2.0 sells for $34.95.

Little One gave Mason to one of her best friends since he loves his stuffed animals.


One of my absolute favourite items from Hallmark are the Magic Prints. Little ones don't stay little long, so I love capturing snippets of my daughter's childhood and keeping them for posterity. These Magic Prints are a great way to create personalized gifts.

Mess-free Crayola Magic Solution reveals handprints or footprints from children or pets. Each applicator-Magic Mitt- comes with enough solution for 2 child-sized handprints. To clean up, wipe solution off and wash with soap and water. Solution only works on Magic Paper and is safe and non-toxic. ($24.95)


This time of the year always reminds me of graduation! After the first signs of Spring, it always seems like Summer's in a rush to come. Kids are ending school for the year and beginning a new chapter in their lives. For many, this means graduation.

This year, our niece is graduating from high school and will be going off to college in the Fall. I thought these Pics 'N' Props were so cool! Tell stories or show your love with photos in a creative way, using Pics 'N' Props. Each kit comes with special props and a frame or album to store your memories. I really wish we had these when I graduated from kindergarten, elementary school, high school, college and university! So fun! I know my niece will love it!


As you can see, Hallmark has so many amazing gift ideas for all the special people and special moments in your life. Great ways to show your love and capture moments and memories.

Connect with Hallmark Canada on Twitter and Facebook. Check out their website for great cards. products and gift ideas!

Disclosure - I am a member of the #HallmarkPressPause Panel.  As a member, I receive various perks and info to share with my readers. As always, all the thoughts and opinions on this blog are honest and my own.

I'm from the city. My husband is from the country. He's of very Anglo-Saxon heritage and I'm what some endearingly call a "Heinz 57". A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Spanish-Filipina-Caribbean-Chinese is as multicultural as we get over here.

Hubby and I come from two very different worlds. Sometimes, though English is my first language and I majored in English Lit, minored in Linguistics, and taught English as a Second Language, I don't think Hubby and I speak the same language. Our expressions, phrases, and sayings are like night and day. "Oh, it's about ten minutes by the crow flies" and "It's six of one half a dozen of the other" had me clueless in the beginning.

I remember the first Valentine's Day we shared, he said "Here are some Valentine's Love Berries for you".

"Love Berries"???

He went on to show me that when cut in half, a strawberry looks like the shape of a heart.
He wasn't lying. Strawberries do look like hearts when sliced in half.

Now, Hubby and our four year old call strawberries "Love Berries".

Because I'm a frugal farmer's wife, I make sure that I always keep strawberries on hand for any occasion. After harvesting our berries, we eat the strawberries fresh, use them to make jams and other preserves, and I process them and freeze them in our produce freezer for Winter use.

Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I'm going to surprise Hubby and Little One with something I don't make often. We're basically very conscious of what we eat, but every once in a while Hubby and Little One want a little treat. You're going to be shocked at how simple this dessert is. Okay, it's one of those "half-made, homemade" desserts.

{ Super Easy Homemade Ice Cream Cake }

Ingredients:
16 ice cream sandwiches
1 container frozen whipped topping (16 oz)
1 jar chocolate fudge topping (12 oz)
Strawberries, sliced
Optional
Shaved chocolate and mint to garnish

Instructions: 
In a 9x13 baking dish, place 8 ice cream sandwiches side by side. Spread chocolate fudge topping evenly over the ice cream sandwiches. Next, spread half the whipped topping, making an even layer. Repeat with another layer of ice cream sandwiches and toppings. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of cake. You can garnish with chocolate shavings and/or mint if you wish.

Chill in freezer. Remove about 15-20 min prior to serving so you can let it thaw a little.

Although, I have been perusing the Life Made Delicious website, and have to say that these recipes look very appealing! I'll have to try them out! Anyone want to be a taste tester?

• Valentine Sandwich Cookies 
• Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
• Berry Ice Cream Pie
• Turtle Brownie Ice Cream Dessert

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

After having spent almost two weeks away from home and catching up on quality time with family and friends in Montreal, Kingston, and Ottawa, we returned to "the Island" late last night.

One of the things that I think of (apart from the reason we celebrate Christmas and the spending time with family) is the scents and fragrances of the holidays. Freshly cut pine, cinnamon, apple cider, homemade baked goods fresh from the oven...The scents just bring me to my happy place!

The Christmas season has been a fabulous one! We really enjoyed our time with the people we love the most. This said, it was an 11 hour drive and as always, too short! Lots of rushing around and it was a crazy busy one for us. Now that we're back home, it's time to settle into our regular busy schedules, but this year one of my resolutions/goals is finding time to rest and relax a bit. Even if it's something as little as having soothing fragrances to help me relax or lighting candles and playing soft music in the background, I need to find a way to make things less stressful.

Thanks to Glade, I'm using the help of Glade's Winter Collection to bring some of my favourite fragrances into our home.



The holiday season may be over, but the spirit of giving continues.

One lucky Life on Manitoulin reader will win a Glade Winter Collection basket of their own! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure - I received a Glade Winter Collections basket to facilitate this review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.

I was raised Roman Catholic.  My grandparents were devout Catholics. Religion played a large role in our family.

I grew up with friends of various faiths, religions, and cultural backgrounds.

In college and university, most of the people I hung out with were Jewish. Being included in Seder dinners were the highlight of my year back then! I took everything in and marveled at the traditions different from my own. To this day, my friends know that if you share a knish, latke, matzo ball soup or gefilte fish with me, I'm your best friend forever.

I ended up marrying someone who belonged to the United Church. I thought my grandmother was going to be upset. I knew how pious she was. Her response when I told her Hubby was United was, "It's okay! We all believe in the same God."

My friends are Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Anglican, United, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i, etc. It never really mattered to any of us. Though religion and faith are a large part of who a person is or becomes, it does not define them. What matters most is the way people treat one another.

I realize writing all of those religions in the same sentence may anger some. I really don't mean to offend (and, I hope I'm not!) anyone by including everyone in the same sentence. To me, it's all about the person. It's the mutual respect and love for people as human beings.

Every December, I run into the same dilemma. How do I address the Holiday Season to people of various faiths and religions? I used to send out Christmas cards, but then some friends mentioned that they felt it offensive because they didn't celebrate Christmas. To me, it was more about the message of love and thanks...and also a simple "I'm thinking of you".

I started sending out Happy Hanukkah cards and Happy Kwanzaa cards, etc. I soon discovered it was too hard for me to keep up with all the different celebrations. I still wanted to let people know I was thinking of them, so I started sending out  generic/non-religious Happy Holidays cards.

It didn't sit right with me though. I felt that I wasn't celebrating the religion I believe in.

I do realize saying Merry Christmas to people on the street, at the bank, at the mall, and at restaurants may be a faux pas, because there are many who do not celebrate Christmas and may take offense. At the same time, is it okay to say Happy Christmuskkah or Merry Kwanzmaskkah? Hmmm...

I thought this Ben Stein commentary was interesting.  I even checked out some more Ben Stein info on Snopes (because I'm nerdy like that).

For me, no matter what your faith is or what you believe in, Merry Christmas to me means offering kindness and love to all. What are your thoughts?

 How do you greet people during the Holidays? What are your opinions on things like "the holiday tree instead of Christmas tree" or "Holiday party instead of Christmas party"?


To all of our friends and family: Our warmest wishes, whatever Holiday you are celebrating! Thank you for being part of our life here Life on Manitoulin and in real life.

You're probably thinking, "Why is that Christine offering us a P&G Holiday Survival Kit for after the Holidays?"

Right?

I know you're wondering!

If you're anything like me, you'll be exhausted after all the build up for the holidays, the visiting, prepping, cooking, cleaning, eating, visiting, cooking, cleaning, eating (repeat three or four times). You'll say that you love the holidays because you get to spend time with your beloved family and friends. You'll rehash favourite memories, make new memories, tell stories of yesteryear. Maybe you'll embarrass a friend or family member. Maybe you'll be the object of those embarrassing "Remember when?" moments. All in all, you will relish your time with your loved ones because the holidays are largely about being able to be with those most near and dear to your heart.

Then you'll be excited when it's time for everyone to go back to their normal lives and routines, because by gosh, the holidays are exhausting. Fun, but exhausting.

The truth is, for us, the celebrating doesn't really end after Christmas. I actually consider January as still the holidays. We still have friends and family events - New Year's, birthdays, etc.

{ Some items I find that save me during the holidays are }

Venus & Olay Razor and Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel
Okay, I have a confession. I'm Asian (not that you hadn't realized that already) and many Asians aren't very hairy. My confession is that I only have to shave my legs once every few months. How is that possible? Like I said. I'm Asian. I can go the entire Winter or Summer and never have to shave. This said, I absolutely love, love, love the Venus & Olay Razer and the Satin Care with a touch of Olay Shave Gel. It makes the shaving process an enjoyable, easy, and fun one. Yes, I do get excited about shaving my legs! Who doesn't love silky, smooth legs?

CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara and CoverGirl Blast Flipstick
As I mentioned already, I'm Asian. This means I've been blessed with puny, skimpy, barely there lashes. I'm not-so-quiet about how envious I am about my husband's and daughter's lashes! They both have incredibly long, beautiful lashes. No fair!  CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara is great because it gives good coverage and lasts 24 hours. You know, for all the partying you're going to be doing and for all the photo opps you'll be having! The CoverGirl Blast Flipstick is also one of my favourites. I love the dual tones to mix things up or add new depth and go from a daytime to nighttime look.

Secret Outlast Deodorant
Crazy busy getting things ready for your parties or entertaining the troops? Keep your cool with 48 hours of odour protection, designed to outlast your day. My Momma always said "Never forget to wear deodorant". True story.

Tide to Go
So handy to keep a Tide to Go pen handy in your purse in case of spills. Trust me. I'm the girl who spills things on my shirt. ALL. THE. TIME. Never fails.

Duracell Batteries
What's worse than getting your kid a gift that they really wanted so badly that they were willing to sell they're younger brother for (errrr...I mean do their  homework without prompting and clean up their room, the bathroom, the living room without so much as a peep from Mom) and only to discover that batteries are not included?! DOH!! Said in my best Homer Simpson voice. So many holiday gadgets and toys require batteries. Having a good stockpile of Duracell products on hand is key. I mean, c'mon. "Here, little Jimmy! Do you like your new toy? Awww...too bad you can't play with it. We don't have batteries".

What do you think of my favourite Holiday Survival Kit items? You want some of your own? Today is your lucky day! Giveaway open to residents of Canada.
  Holiday Survival giveaway pack includes one of each: Pantene Moisture Mask, Venus & Olay razor and Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel, Herbal Essences Set Me Up Heat Protection Spray, CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, CoverGirl Blast Flipstick, Secret Outlast deodorant, Tide to Go and Duracell.  Valued at $65*
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure - As a #PGMom, I receive special perks. Despite my affiliation, all the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.

Despite my best efforts to not raise a girlie girl, Little One is indeed a fan of all things pink, purple, frilly, frou-frou shi-shi, and full of bling. The more bling, the better. She's one of those "Go big or go home" kind of girls. Kind of like her grandmother (my mom).  In fact, Little One is so much like my mom, the similarities are uncanny.

I'm sure you won't be surprised at her reaction when we were asked to test out a variety of Piggy Paint nail polish from NailPolishCanada.com!

Let me first introduce you to NailPolishCanada.

Imagine having all your favourite nail polish products available online and in one place? Oh, and if you're in Canada, even better, because they're a Canadian online store! Hooray! I can't begin to tell you how devastated I get when I complete my online shopping and am ready to "check out", only to be informed that there is no shipping to Canada. Oooof! Totally disappointing.

Now, I can peruse tons of favourite items and buy them because I know that NailPolishCanada will send them to me! Oh, and in my experience with them, they have been super fast in getting our items to us!

I was excited to see that NailPolishCanada has nail polish for kids! Many of the websites that carry Piggy Paint are American, so to have Piggy Paint accessible online for Canadians, that is a treat for us!

I let Little One select the shades she wanted to try out. Of course it had to be purples, pinks, and bling!

Here are her selections:

• Fairy Fabulous 
• Glamour Girl
•  Pocketful of Posies
• Glitter Bug 

 I wanted to post photos of Little One's adorable mani and pedi, but she got really shy and said she doesn't want you to see her hands and feet.

We tried ALL the colours and had great results. My favourite is Glamour Girl. The colour is really pretty and the shine and shimmer is a great touch. Little One loves them all, especially the Fairy Fabulous because she loves all things fairy right  now.

We did have to put on a few coats of each. I really like that Piggy Paint is safe to use on chidlren's nails and that it's non-toxic, low odour, and "Natural as Mud".

Piggy Paint makes a great stocking stuffer for all the little fashionistas on your list! I've bought some in the past for all my little nieces and for some of Little One's friends. I'm so happy we can buy them online at NailPolishCanada.com!

For a limited time, NailPolishCanada is offering FREE Canadian Shipping for orders over $25 or flat rate $3!

For more info, check out NailPolishCanada via their website or connect with them on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure - We were given the products mentioned in this post for review purposes. All the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.

Hands up if you have a fur baby at home!  If you do have a furry member of the family (of the canine or feline variety and not the human variety!), you'll know just how special they are and how very much part of the family they are. I am reminded of this often...especially during the holidays.

Let me introduce you to our fur baby.

This is Chance.
Chance - Not pronounced the English way, but the French way. Chance as in "Bonne chance!" (good luck). In case you weren't already aware, my Twitter handle, @chancesmommy was selected because Chance was my baby long before Little One was even a glimmer in my eye.

Chance was my first baby. In fact, I cannot even fathom a sweet pup like Chance not having a family to live with.  This always reminds me of the fact that there are so many dogs and cats that are without homes...and this makes me really sad.

Did you know that  IAMS HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS is in its 14th year of setting out to find forever homes for orphaned animals?

The Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive enters its 14th year and remains focused on raising awareness of pet adoption while also ensuring proper nutrition for more homeless pets this year. The program which runs Oct. 1, 2012 through Jan. 2, 2013 celebrates over 7 million pets adopted out since its inaugural year and continues to educate potential pet owners about the wonderful animals available at local shelters and rescue organizations. This year, Iams will again work in conjunction with founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and more than 4,000 animal organizations worldwide to encourage pet adoption.

“Shelters and rescues around the country are overflowing with great adoptable animals awaiting forever homes,” said Mike Arms, founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. "Last year a tiny, starved dachshund was brought into a shelter, weighing maybe one pound soaking wet, and very cold and miserable. The shelter helped nurse her back to health and she was adopted by a wonderful couple that fell in love with her and named her Baby. Stories like these show us the importance of promoting pet adoption and how a program like Iams Home 4 the Holidays can make a huge difference in the life of a pet.”
{What Can You Do To Help?}

Canadians can participate in the program in more ways than one. Lend a hand by:
 
* Donating through Bags 4 Bowls – For those who are already pet parents, Iams will donate one bowl of food to a participating Iams Home 4 the Holidays animal organization for every specially marked package of Iams pet food purchased during the campaign
* Adopting from a local shelter – Every day more and more animals end up in shelters or in rescue care, and more than 25 per cent are pure breeds*. This is important to keep in mind when deciding to bring a pet into your life, the animal you’re looking for is probably in your neighbourhood shelter. To find a participating animal shelter or rescue organization near you, visit iams.ca or facebook.com/iams
* Volunteering – Shelters need volunteers to do everything from feeding, caring for and keeping rescue animals company, to assisting at events and fundraisers. If you can’t adopt but would still love to help do so as a volunteer
* Visiting Facebook.com/iams – Visit the Iams Facebook page and click to “Like” the page or various messages, photos, videos, etc. For each “Like” comment Iams will donate meals to participating animal shelters

For more information about the campaign or to find out how to get involved, become a fan of the Iams Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Iams or visit www.iams.ca.

One of the great things about being a P&Gmom is that we get to learn more about the company and the products we've been using for years. Sure, I knew about most of the products in the P&G family, but there were a few new ones to me.

My husband wants me to tell you that the best present ever is the Duracell Instant Charger!  I know, right? So easy to please.  What man doesn't love gadgets, batteries, and toys?!

The Instant Charger was such a hit with Hubby, that he said his brother-in-law and my brothers and father  would probably love this as stocking stuffers for Christmas this year.

I  have to agree that this is one of my favourites too. I've actually had to use it several times already. Perfect when you're out and about and your cell phone or iPod battery are dead! Just charge 'em up with the Duracell Instant Charger! It fits nicely in my purse too! Love, love, love!!!
I may have to get one for every family member this year!

Amongst all the items P&G sent us (which just so happen to be items I buy regularly!), were the UNSTOPABLES! The Downy UNSTOPABLES were introduced to me at the #PGmom event in Toronto last month.

In our little focus group, we were chatting about laundry and related products. Two of the ones I hadn't used were the Tide pods and the UNSTOPABLES. To be honest, I was in awe as Sassy Modern Mom raved about this amazing product that she could not get enough of.

After having had the opportunity to try them out, I can see what all the fuss was about! They really do keep your clothes smelling good for days upon days! I live in an old farm house with a farmer and a four year old. Enough said. These UNSTOPABLES are heaven sent.

Just shake the tiny fragrance beads into the cup, toss into washing machine before you start your load, add your fabric softener, drop in your laundry, and wash! Presto!
I have to say that usually, my husband, daughter and I react to fragrances because of our sensitive skin. I'm happy (and relieved) to report that we did not react adversely at all. Another thing is that you don't need to use a lot of the UNSTOPABLES in your load. I used less than a cap-full and the clothes were still fragrant!

I'm extremely sensitive to fragrances. I'm not kidding. I can't even go into the fragrance/perfume department at large department stores. One whiff of the perfumes and the gag reflexes kick in instantly.  Usually if something is overpowering, I get really ill (and it happens really quickly too!). So odd, because at the same time I really appreciate my clothing, blankets, towels, and pillows smelling fresh all the time.  Like I said, I married a farmer who spends most of his time in the barn. Fresh smelling clothes are something I really, really value and appreciate!

The UNSTOPABLES are great! I have to thank Sassy Modern Mom for highly recommending praising   them and P&G for sending us some to try!

I'll be posting more about all the great items we were sent by P&G. Stay tuned!

Disclosure- I am a #PGmom. Although I am affiliated with P&G, all the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.

 I don't know about you, but I've always found a certain charm in all things homemade.  No, seriously! There's something so special about a handmade card and knowing that someone put the time, effort, love, and thought into making your present.

Sure, a completely renovated basement and a new 53 inch TV would be great. Oh, and a trip to either Disney World or Hawaii would be greatly appreciated as well. Hubby, are you reading this?!

All kidding aside, in the past few years I've been all about the DIY gifts. Now that Little One is a little older and can  help more (Read: Not destroy the kitchen completely), it's really a lot of fun to create things with her.
For me, the Holidays are all about FAMILY.
It's about the turkey and stuffing,the Bûche de Noël, singing Christmas carols, watching Frosty the Snowman and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the kids excited to see if Santa came to deliver presents and just being together. Of course, it's also a time for us to remember the true meaning of Christmas and the reason we celebrate. I remember going to midnight mass every Christmas. We haven't done that in a while since Little One wouldn't last until midnight.

For me, Christmas is all of those things, and it's also about the BAKING!

My husband finds it interesting that I love to bake, but I am not big into sweets. I do enjoy concocting things that make people happy. I pretty much bake only on special occasions.

Resurrected from the blog vault:  You may have seen some of these before, as I like to recreate these during the Holidays. Since it is the Season of Giving, I will share this recipe! I can't remember where I got the recipe. I've been making these since 2007 though!  When you see these, you'll know why I only bring these bad boys out at Christmas!

{ CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE CUPCAKES }

Ingredients:
Filling
1 pkg cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
1 egg, beaten
1/3 c sugar
a pinch of salt (and over the shoulder for good luck. Kidding!)
1 pkg chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, 6 oz)

Cupcake
1 c sugar
1 1/2 c flour
1/4 c baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c water
1/2 c oil
1 tbsp vanilla

* Cute festive candies, sprinkles and other embellishments are the perfect finishing touch - along with your go-to cream cheese frosting.

Instructions:

• Combine the cream cheese, egg, sugar and salt in a bowl.
• Add chocolate chips. 
• In a separate bowl, mix sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, water, oil, and vanilla. Make sure to mix well and until smooth.
• Line muffin tin with paper cups. Fill 1/3 of the way. If you're feeling a little daring, fill 1/2 full.
• Drop a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into each cup.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
• Once baked, remove and let cool before icing and decorating.

Above: Cross section of the Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcake. The minty candy cane decorations are really festive and perfect for the Holidays!

Below: It's not Christmas without Shortbread Cookies!!! I used the same Holiday decorations/embellishments on these, but with a Royal Icing.


 As for the crafts, I love the idea of having Little One make a decoration for the Christmas tree each year. I also love reusing, recycling, and re-purposing items around the house.  These ornaments were made before Little One was born. After Hubs and I got married, I wanted a Christmas ornament for the tree each year. I made one for Hubs and one for me using old light bulbs.

This is a great thing to make if you don't know what to do with all those burnt out light bulbs! Don't throw them away!

What are your favourite Christmas recipes?  Do you also make Christmas crafts? What do you think of homemade/handmade presents?

For lots of fun holiday cookie and baking ideas, check out the LMD Facebook page. Pillsbury will be sharing their ideas from December 3rd to the 15th and Betty Crocker will be sharing their ideas from December 17th to the 31st.
Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own

I remember my very first cell phone.  It was 1998 and I was living and teaching in Japan.  In Japan, everyone (from kids to grandmothers) had cell phones! Back home in Canada, it wasn't as commonplace to have a cell phone as it was in Japan back then. Even if you had one, it was one of those huge, clunky, monstrous ones!

I had a really sleek, compact, beautiful (yes, beautiful! I was in love with my phone) cell phone. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen! Compared to the huge, honkin' eye sores I  had seen in North America at the time, this thing was super small and thin! I didn't think I'd ever get that excited about a phone again until now.

It's the Season of Giving, and we are so excited to announce that...

This Lil Piglet, Mommy Matter, Life On Manitoulin and Sober Julie are giving away 4 Red Samsung Galaxy SIII!!

The Samsung Galaxy S III

Perfect for: the guy on the go or the socialista who wants the world at their fingertips.

The phone on everyone’s wish list this year, the Samsung Galaxy S III can literally do it all, from social networking to taking care of business. The 8 MP camera can also snap up to 20 pictures in just seconds. Available in sleek blue and white, this hot device is also available in a festive red for the holiday season. The Samsung Galaxy S III is available at TELUS for $159.99 (16 MB of memory) and $209.99 (32 MB of memory) on a three-year term with a minimum $50 plan/add-on.

Enter to WIN 1 of 4 Samsung Galaxy SIII

Entry is simple, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. Be sure to fill out the required information as entries will be verified. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada 18+ and will end December 31st. Winner will be notified and have 48 hours to respond. Telus is always interested in interacting with you all, you can find them on their Facebook Page or Twitter @Telus where they always do their best to answer questions. Right now they have an app on their Facebook Page where you can upload photos and make personalized Holiday Cards! Good luck everyone, we know someone will love receiving these red Samsung Galaxy SIII phones!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can you believe the Holidays are just around the corner?  I can and I can't.  It's hard to believe that a year has flown by.  The hot chocolate with candy cane swirls, the Christmas baking and comfort food making all signify the approach of the Holidays, but part of me does not know where the year whizzed by!

Thinking of my year as a Fisher-Price Mom, I have learned so much about the products and the company I have loved since I was a child.  I'm just glad that my daughter can enjoy the fun and learning I had with Fisher-Price as well! 

Last year, Little One received Jingle (the fluffy puppy that barksand interacts when he hears certain words and phrases in the story book that he comes with.  This year, Little One will be surprised to find Bell (the girl version of Jingle!) under the Christmas tree!
The Wireless Children's Angel Choir:
This singing angel choir has got to be my absolute favourite items this year! These adorable choir members sing solo or together. When they sing together, it is so beautiful! We received these two, who are part of a collection of four. We may just have to get the other two angels since Little One just loves them and wants a quartet!

Another favourite is the Dancing Lights Holiday Frame.  We just may be sharing this one with one of Little One's grandparents!

Check out the Hallmark Canada website for more gift ideas. Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter as well!

In the Spirit of Giving, Hallmark is giving one lucky Life on Manitoulin reader an
Until We Hug Again, Bunny Recordable Plush (MSRP: $29.95)
To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to residents of Canada and ends on December 18th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway