Crystal Marcos's Blog - Posts Tagged "family"
Upcoming Book Signing and Block Party
I will be signing my children's novel BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale at The 2010 Summer Union Hill Block Party from 11am-3pm at Veneta Avenue Bremerton WA 98337 August 14th! Come for a day of fun with the family! Live Music, Entertainment, Food, Children's Parade, and more! I would love to meet you!
Growing Up With Kaylee-Fall Fun & Two Books
I wanted to share some “firsts” shared with Kaylee this fall season. Although, around here it sure feels like winter! Record setting lows! The following pictures are of a trip to the pumpkin patch with her cousin Max. We picked out a pumpkin that stood out in the crowd, a gourmet white. After the trip she wanted to see pumpkins all the time and when she did, she was very excited. I even bought her a novelty Halloween book Little Jack. See our short review here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70....
[image error]
[image error]
The next pictures are of our haunted garage and my little angel, Kaylee and her cousins Max & Alyssa. There is only 6 months between them, Kaylee is very tall and Alyssa is very small. For 3 years, my family has put our thinking caps on and built our haunted garage. The neighborhood kids absolutely love it. We skipped the year when Kaylee was born. The kids were disappointed, but I think they understood. I knew this was something we would continue to do. I wanted to introduce Kaylee to it early so she wouldn’t be afraid. We took her around and showed her when we were creating it. She thought it was funny. I also introduced her to the book Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody. I thought this was a great book for aiding against Kaylee being afraid of the dark or monsters. See my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31...
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
The next pictures are of our haunted garage and my little angel, Kaylee and her cousins Max & Alyssa. There is only 6 months between them, Kaylee is very tall and Alyssa is very small. For 3 years, my family has put our thinking caps on and built our haunted garage. The neighborhood kids absolutely love it. We skipped the year when Kaylee was born. The kids were disappointed, but I think they understood. I knew this was something we would continue to do. I wanted to introduce Kaylee to it early so she wouldn’t be afraid. We took her around and showed her when we were creating it. She thought it was funny. I also introduced her to the book Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody. I thought this was a great book for aiding against Kaylee being afraid of the dark or monsters. See my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31...
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
Cupcake Fans-Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes that Rule was a definitely delicious find. Let me start by saying I love cupcakes! Not just eating them, but looking at them. They are just so cute! I guess that is why I call my daughter “Cupcake” as a term of endearment.
Even though I have only made two recipes from this book, I feel I can leave a confident review. Well written, easy to follow directions, extra added tips, and the healthy factor makes this a cupcake book I will return to over and over. Both recipes I made were not 100% vegan; partially because I am not a vegan and partially because I could not find some of the ingredients. Through conversations here on goodreads with vegan friends, I am now prepared to make 100% vegan cupcakes to get the full experience. The two recipes I made were the Dulce Sin Leche Cupcakes (I used regular powdered milk instead of soy powdered milk) and the Golden Vanilla Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping. I made both in double batches for church parties. Each recipe makes 12 cupcakes. I only had to make one serving of the Ganache; there was plenty for all 24 cupcakes and enough to indulge in before throwing the pan in the sink. Oh my, was that divine! I made a substitution on both recipes one calling for maple syrup and the other for brown rice syrup. I used agave syrup instead. I never used it before and wanted to try it. I will say I will continue to use it, it is a winner. The cupcakes were a hit. I decorated the Golden Vanilla’s to look like reindeer which I saw in a FamilyFun magazine http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/rudol... If you are a parent or anyone who cares for children you really should check out this magazine. I am always finding something in it of value. If you don’t want to get the magazine they have a wonderful website. The candies used to make the reindeer were not vegan. Either way the kids and adults loved the cupcakes! My little girl wanted to be lifted up several times to see them on the counter. I also felt better about letting her eat the cake portion of these cupcakes. My hubby snapped two pictures for me to share with you. He is not a professional photographer, no lighting or any fancy stuff was used. You have to admit these cuppies (my little girl’s word for cupcakes) say “EAT ME.”
Even though I have only made two recipes from this book, I feel I can leave a confident review. Well written, easy to follow directions, extra added tips, and the healthy factor makes this a cupcake book I will return to over and over. Both recipes I made were not 100% vegan; partially because I am not a vegan and partially because I could not find some of the ingredients. Through conversations here on goodreads with vegan friends, I am now prepared to make 100% vegan cupcakes to get the full experience. The two recipes I made were the Dulce Sin Leche Cupcakes (I used regular powdered milk instead of soy powdered milk) and the Golden Vanilla Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping. I made both in double batches for church parties. Each recipe makes 12 cupcakes. I only had to make one serving of the Ganache; there was plenty for all 24 cupcakes and enough to indulge in before throwing the pan in the sink. Oh my, was that divine! I made a substitution on both recipes one calling for maple syrup and the other for brown rice syrup. I used agave syrup instead. I never used it before and wanted to try it. I will say I will continue to use it, it is a winner. The cupcakes were a hit. I decorated the Golden Vanilla’s to look like reindeer which I saw in a FamilyFun magazine http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/rudol... If you are a parent or anyone who cares for children you really should check out this magazine. I am always finding something in it of value. If you don’t want to get the magazine they have a wonderful website. The candies used to make the reindeer were not vegan. Either way the kids and adults loved the cupcakes! My little girl wanted to be lifted up several times to see them on the counter. I also felt better about letting her eat the cake portion of these cupcakes. My hubby snapped two pictures for me to share with you. He is not a professional photographer, no lighting or any fancy stuff was used. You have to admit these cuppies (my little girl’s word for cupcakes) say “EAT ME.”
Growing Up With Kaylee- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Christmas
I wanted to share some holiday fun we had as a family this year. Everyone always says the favorite thing babies get for Christmas are the boxes the gifts come in. I saw this project in Family Fun magazine and knew instantly this would be a hit, http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/cardbo.... It certainly was! Here are some pictures of a Recycled Kitchen we made from boxes that presents were delivered in.
My daughter Kaylee, Maxwell, and Alyssa love it. They have played with it every day they have been to Nana’s house. It was so worth the time and effort. The supplies to make it cost about $15 and it took a few evenings to construct. Many of the items we already had at home. The smile on the kids’ faces priceless! Take a look at how wide Kaylee’s smile is! It has been about a month with three babies playing with it on a regular basis and it has held up quite well. It just goes to show you that you don’t have to spend tons of money for your children to have a happy Christmas.
For the past couple years, on Christmas Eve, we play a super fun game we call “Recycled Christmas”. Everyone has something at their house in great or maybe even in new condition that they have never opened but it continues to sit at your home taking up space. The object of the game is very simple you bring a gift perhaps even 2 that someone else could use. (You will go home with the same amount of gifts you brought.) Some suggestions for wrapping your gift: in newspaper, recycled wrapping paper, or your children’s drawings. Have everyone draw a number to see who goes first. You could use a deck of cards to avoid wasting paper. (If you brought 2 gifts you take 2 numbers) The first person chooses a gift and opens it to show everyone, the next person has the choice to take that gift or choose a new gift. The play goes on until everyone has had a turn. A present can only be stolen 3 times until it is out of play. When the last person goes, anyone who agrees to trade a gift with another person can.
A few other suggestions for making your Christmas a little more green (both earth friendly and pocket friendly):
~Shop at secondhand stores or consignment shops-I picked up a cash register that just needed a little elbow grease and my sister didn't believe it was the same one when I was done with it. My daughter loves it! Books are great to buy there as well. Many look brand new.
~Reuse gift tags and bows
~If you buy wrapping paper, wait for the after Christmas sales and look for 100% recycled paper.
~Give someone a book you have already read with a special note inside about why you are giving it to them now.
My daughter Kaylee, Maxwell, and Alyssa love it. They have played with it every day they have been to Nana’s house. It was so worth the time and effort. The supplies to make it cost about $15 and it took a few evenings to construct. Many of the items we already had at home. The smile on the kids’ faces priceless! Take a look at how wide Kaylee’s smile is! It has been about a month with three babies playing with it on a regular basis and it has held up quite well. It just goes to show you that you don’t have to spend tons of money for your children to have a happy Christmas.
For the past couple years, on Christmas Eve, we play a super fun game we call “Recycled Christmas”. Everyone has something at their house in great or maybe even in new condition that they have never opened but it continues to sit at your home taking up space. The object of the game is very simple you bring a gift perhaps even 2 that someone else could use. (You will go home with the same amount of gifts you brought.) Some suggestions for wrapping your gift: in newspaper, recycled wrapping paper, or your children’s drawings. Have everyone draw a number to see who goes first. You could use a deck of cards to avoid wasting paper. (If you brought 2 gifts you take 2 numbers) The first person chooses a gift and opens it to show everyone, the next person has the choice to take that gift or choose a new gift. The play goes on until everyone has had a turn. A present can only be stolen 3 times until it is out of play. When the last person goes, anyone who agrees to trade a gift with another person can.
A few other suggestions for making your Christmas a little more green (both earth friendly and pocket friendly):
~Shop at secondhand stores or consignment shops-I picked up a cash register that just needed a little elbow grease and my sister didn't believe it was the same one when I was done with it. My daughter loves it! Books are great to buy there as well. Many look brand new.
~Reuse gift tags and bows
~If you buy wrapping paper, wait for the after Christmas sales and look for 100% recycled paper.
~Give someone a book you have already read with a special note inside about why you are giving it to them now.
Simple Stories of Love
Jill Moore has interviewed me for her wonderful site called Simple Stories of Love.
Let The Phone Ring: My Simple Story of Love Read others. Have your story told.
http://simplestoriesoflove.com/2011/0...
Let The Phone Ring: My Simple Story of Love Read others. Have your story told.
http://simplestoriesoflove.com/2011/0...
Growing Up With Kaylee-Spring Sprung Bubbles & Fun!
~~It has been awhile since I have posted about Kaylee. I wanted to share some things we have enjoyed since spring arrived, that include bubbles.~~
We are still wearing winter coats here in Washington State. We have had some of the coldest days on record for this month.
The sun was out despite the chill and I was looking for some inexpensive entertainment for the little ones. I found it in the form of a bubble machine. I purchased it with a 50% off coupon at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Store. For about $8.50 we have had days of fun with this item. I have taken it to church to entertain the babies and toddlers and plan to use it at my daughter's 2nd birthday coming up. In the pictures below you will see Kaylee with her cousins Max and Alyssa.
My husband and I also took Kaylee and her cousin Max to their first Library Toddler Dance Party. It included dancing, a bubble machine, balloons, a giant parachute, a giant earth ball, and more. They had such a blast! My husband and I had just as much fun watching them boogie! We attended another dance party this morning. It is very nice that this event is free.
I asked my daughter last week if she wanted to go to the library.
She said, "Yes, I love the library!"
I answered thrilled, "You do? You love the library?"
She replied, "I want to hug it!"
That's my girl!
She heads right to the children's book section. A section I love myself!
A couple other "bubbling" events included Kaylee's first bubble bath (she wasn't so sure of the bubbles at first) and the book pictured here, courtesy of one of the groups I am involved in found here: Children's Group.
It is about a king in a bath full of bubbles who doesn't want to get out. See our review here: Review
We are still wearing winter coats here in Washington State. We have had some of the coldest days on record for this month.
The sun was out despite the chill and I was looking for some inexpensive entertainment for the little ones. I found it in the form of a bubble machine. I purchased it with a 50% off coupon at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Store. For about $8.50 we have had days of fun with this item. I have taken it to church to entertain the babies and toddlers and plan to use it at my daughter's 2nd birthday coming up. In the pictures below you will see Kaylee with her cousins Max and Alyssa.
My husband and I also took Kaylee and her cousin Max to their first Library Toddler Dance Party. It included dancing, a bubble machine, balloons, a giant parachute, a giant earth ball, and more. They had such a blast! My husband and I had just as much fun watching them boogie! We attended another dance party this morning. It is very nice that this event is free.
I asked my daughter last week if she wanted to go to the library.
She said, "Yes, I love the library!"
I answered thrilled, "You do? You love the library?"
She replied, "I want to hug it!"
That's my girl!
She heads right to the children's book section. A section I love myself!
A couple other "bubbling" events included Kaylee's first bubble bath (she wasn't so sure of the bubbles at first) and the book pictured here, courtesy of one of the groups I am involved in found here: Children's Group.
It is about a king in a bath full of bubbles who doesn't want to get out. See our review here: Review
Growing Up With Kaylee-My Little Cupcake Turned Two!
I can't believe it, my little cupcake turned two years old last month! Everyone told me it would go by fast and they were right! You really have to cherish every moment. My husband said, "Next thing you know she will be driving a car!" Don't say that, not yet!
We built up the event for Kaylee by reading her lots of birthday themed books. A great list can be found at the Children's Group I am a member of here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
We sent out Yo Gabba Gabba evites which are convenient and free. http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/...
We had the party at Nana's & Papa's; it is the usual family hangout.
We had such a good time on her birthday! She is a fan of the show Yo Gabba Gabba. Naturally, I thought a Gabba party would be perfect. Little did I know I would end up making most everything, because you can't readily find Gabba items at any store. Hey Nickelodean, if you are reading this you may consider doing so! My husband had fun helping me with some necessary computer projects. Thankfully Nick Jr provides free printables and projects ideas too. These helped me get creative and make some ideas of my own. http://www.nickjr.com/printables/yo-g...
It took some work, but it was well worth the effort. The kids had so much fun with it. We all did! I got the idea for Kaylee's cake from a very essential website for Gabba party planners. http://www.gabbafriends.com/ I had never used fondant before and was very nervous. It wasn't as hard as I thought and I managed to fit it right the first try. I made the cake using fondant I bought at Michael's with a 40% off coupon. Next time, I will try this recipe for marshmallow fondant which sounds very easy, supposed to be delicious, and is a fraction of the cost. http://candy.about.com/od/fondantcand...
I also used white cake mix and added food coloring for separate colors to pour together which made for a very cool effect when it was cut into. Kaylee enjoyed mixing the different colors. The cupcakes were a blast to make as well. I invited my sister over and we decorated them together. We knew what the characters looked like and just went with it. They turned out very nice, people thought I bought the goodies. The toddlers were so cute trying so hard to look, but not touch!
The kids got a real kick out of the character masks. Since they are all toddlers, I decided to cut out a stick from cardboard instead of trying to put rubber bands on their little ears. They wouldn't have that! We had an "Birthday" egg hunt. This was so much fun for everyone. I filled the eggs with raisins, graham cracker bunnies, cheddar bunnies, and stickers. We took out the bubble machine which I had posted about before finding it at Joann's fabrics and using a 50% coupon. That little machine was worth every penny. Pin the ball on Plex was another winner. We pumped up the music and let the kiddies have a dance party. We found a balloon animal making kit for under $3.00 at Walgreens. I have spotted them a few other places too. My husband made the kids flowers, turtles, ladybugs and dogs. My sister made these really awesome felt characters which I know took her forever to make. Kaylee adores them!
The Preserve dinnerware we owned and just so happen to be the perfect color for a Gabba party. It is eco friendly and I feel better knowing I am not wasting. You just have to remember to announce to your guests not to throw it away. Not to worry though, after a couple parties they remember on their own. http://www.preserveproducts.com/produ...
When all was said and done, there was only two things that mattered, Kaylee's smile and laughter. I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing pics of Kaylee's party, I have certainly enjoyed sharing it!
We built up the event for Kaylee by reading her lots of birthday themed books. A great list can be found at the Children's Group I am a member of here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
We sent out Yo Gabba Gabba evites which are convenient and free. http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/...
We had the party at Nana's & Papa's; it is the usual family hangout.
We had such a good time on her birthday! She is a fan of the show Yo Gabba Gabba. Naturally, I thought a Gabba party would be perfect. Little did I know I would end up making most everything, because you can't readily find Gabba items at any store. Hey Nickelodean, if you are reading this you may consider doing so! My husband had fun helping me with some necessary computer projects. Thankfully Nick Jr provides free printables and projects ideas too. These helped me get creative and make some ideas of my own. http://www.nickjr.com/printables/yo-g...
It took some work, but it was well worth the effort. The kids had so much fun with it. We all did! I got the idea for Kaylee's cake from a very essential website for Gabba party planners. http://www.gabbafriends.com/ I had never used fondant before and was very nervous. It wasn't as hard as I thought and I managed to fit it right the first try. I made the cake using fondant I bought at Michael's with a 40% off coupon. Next time, I will try this recipe for marshmallow fondant which sounds very easy, supposed to be delicious, and is a fraction of the cost. http://candy.about.com/od/fondantcand...
I also used white cake mix and added food coloring for separate colors to pour together which made for a very cool effect when it was cut into. Kaylee enjoyed mixing the different colors. The cupcakes were a blast to make as well. I invited my sister over and we decorated them together. We knew what the characters looked like and just went with it. They turned out very nice, people thought I bought the goodies. The toddlers were so cute trying so hard to look, but not touch!
The kids got a real kick out of the character masks. Since they are all toddlers, I decided to cut out a stick from cardboard instead of trying to put rubber bands on their little ears. They wouldn't have that! We had an "Birthday" egg hunt. This was so much fun for everyone. I filled the eggs with raisins, graham cracker bunnies, cheddar bunnies, and stickers. We took out the bubble machine which I had posted about before finding it at Joann's fabrics and using a 50% coupon. That little machine was worth every penny. Pin the ball on Plex was another winner. We pumped up the music and let the kiddies have a dance party. We found a balloon animal making kit for under $3.00 at Walgreens. I have spotted them a few other places too. My husband made the kids flowers, turtles, ladybugs and dogs. My sister made these really awesome felt characters which I know took her forever to make. Kaylee adores them!
The Preserve dinnerware we owned and just so happen to be the perfect color for a Gabba party. It is eco friendly and I feel better knowing I am not wasting. You just have to remember to announce to your guests not to throw it away. Not to worry though, after a couple parties they remember on their own. http://www.preserveproducts.com/produ...
When all was said and done, there was only two things that mattered, Kaylee's smile and laughter. I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing pics of Kaylee's party, I have certainly enjoyed sharing it!
Second Annual UNION HILL BLOCK PARTY
The Union Hill Block Party is back again. I had so much fun last year, I am returning this year. I even invited another local author. My family will join in the fun again. Now that the babies are toddlers they will enjoy it even more!
Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 12pm-6pm
Crystal will be signing BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale along with Matthew Hoggins who will be signing his book Nora's Pink Boots at:
The Union Hill Block Party
Veneta Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
Free Food, Vendor Booths, Raffle Drawings, Live Music, Kids Games and Activities, Car Show, and More! Come join in on the fun!
Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 12pm-6pm
Crystal will be signing BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale along with Matthew Hoggins who will be signing his book Nora's Pink Boots at:
The Union Hill Block Party
Veneta Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
Free Food, Vendor Booths, Raffle Drawings, Live Music, Kids Games and Activities, Car Show, and More! Come join in on the fun!
Elf Yourself featuring Toddlers
I just had to post a link to the video ecard we created featuring the toddlers in our life using Elf Yourself by Office Max. Have fun and make one for yourself! The kids wanted to watch it over and over and so did we. Enjoy, it takes a moment to load but well worth the smile you will receive from watching! Happy Holidays!
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/IU...
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/IU...
It's a Buzzing Kids World
My books made the front page of this fabulous site for family bonding! Encouraging kids to read this summer. Check this great site out for ideas for family fun!
http://www.buzzingkidsworld.com/
http://www.buzzingkidsworld.com/
