Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Orange Ornaments

Supplies:
Oranges
Twine, String, or Ribbon

1. Cut oranges crosswise into 3/4-inch even slices to create a pinwheel effect.

2.Lay orange slices on a baking sheet, bake at 150 degrees or the lowest temperature your oven has.

3. Bake for about four hours checking every hour and turning with spatula.  Remove from oven when orange slices still have a little moisture but are almost dried out (oranges will continue to dry out after you take them out of oven).

4. Make a small hole in the top of each slice and string twine (or string or ribbon) through each hole to hang on your tree.

Unique Holiday Recipes

Here are a few ideas for some unique and yummy holiday dishes you can try, and you won't have to worry about someone else bringing the same thing to your Holiday dinner.  If you have a recipe you would like to submit to this blog please comment below or email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Christmas Guacamole
Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 white onion, minced
• 4 serrano chile peppers, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 pear - peeled, cored and diced
• 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions

1. Mix the onion, chile peppers, and salt in a bowl. Fold in the avocados and lime juice. Stir in pear, grapes, and pomegranate. Chill until serving.

Green Beans with Almond Brittle
Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/3 cup whole natural almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Place green beans in a baking pan and toss with olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place almonds on a baking sheet. Roast almonds and green beans for 10 minutes. Set almonds aside. Cover green beans with foil and roast for an additional 30 minutes.
3. While green beans are roasting, make the brittle. Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray and set aside. Place sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small, very clean saucepan, ensuring sugar is completely covered with water. Turn heat to high and bring to a simmer. Let caramelize until deep, golden brown, watching constantly as this happens fairly quickly. Stir in chopped almonds, still warm from the oven. Spread this sticky brittle on prepared foil. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and let cool. Combine green beans and almond brittle then serve.

 

Popcorn And Almond Christmas Brittle

Ingredients

• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup red and green candied cherries, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a greased 13-in.x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan, combine popcorn, almonds and cherries. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Turn oven off and keep mixture warm in the oven. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt; cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 305 degrees F-310 degrees F (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Immediately pour over popcorn mixture; toss gently. Spread onto a greased baking sheet. When cool, break into small pieces.

Target Toy Deals On Top Brands

Here is a great way to save money on kids toys for Christmas, this week Target will be having a buy one get one half off sale on top toy brands.  The brands include:

Barbie

Little People

Disney Princess

Cars 2

NERF

Thomas & Friends

LEGO city

Offer details via Target:
Purchase 1 or more items from a select toy brand and receive 50% off an additional item from the same toy brand. Discount will be applied at Checkout. Discount not applicable to gift wrap, tax, or shipping and handling charges. May not be applied to previous orders. Offer expires 12/10/11 at 11:59 PM EST.

Do It Yourself - Christmas Cinnamon Star

This is an easy DIY project you can put together or do with the kids.

Christmas Cinnamon Star

Materials Needed:
6 Cinnamon Sticks
Glue
Twine

Step One
Take sticks and lay them on top of each other to form a 5 point star (basically create two triangles).

Step Two
Secure the ends by adding a dab of glue and binding it with decorative twine.  Do this to all the points of the star.

Step Three
Glue a loop of twine onto the top as a hanger.

Got a DIY idea you want to put on the blog?  Email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Upcoming Holiday Events For Denton County

There will be a lot of tree lighting and holiday festivals this weekend, here are the ones in Denton County, there might be some bad weather is the forecast Saturday so be sure to double check before you head out.

December 2, 2011
Denton Holiday Festival
The festivities start at 5:45 p.m. on the Courthouse Square. Event include: Lighting of Christmas Tree on Historic Courthouse Lawn, Visits with Santa, a children's arts and crafts area, and live music featuring Brave Combo.
Location: Downtown Square, 110 W Hickory
Website: www.DentonHolidayLighting.com

December 3rd
Holiday In the Park - The Colony
Time: 6:00pm
Perryman Park
http://www.thecolonytx.gov/Depts/PARD/Documents/HolidayInThePark2011.pdf


December 3rd
Little Elm Tree Lighting
Time: 6:00pm
Beard Park
http://www.littleelm.org/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=8221

December 3rd
Holiday at the Hall Festival
Old Town Lewisville
Kick off the holiday season at Lewisville's award winning Holiday at the Hall festival with an assortment of free family events and activities. Festival activities include visits with Santa Claus, Motorcycle Toy Run, and Breakfast with Santa. Nominal admission fee may apply for individual events held during the festival. For more information, call 972.219.3401.Click here for a public event parking locations and road detour map.

December 3rd
Lake Dallas Tree Lighting
Time: 5:00pm
Tree lighting, Santa, music, and crafts.
http://www.lakedallas.com/holidaylightingcelebration.html

December 5th

Argyle Tree Lighting

First Baptist Church of Argyle

http://www.argylechamber.org/Section/Visitor_Information/Community_Calendar/index.html?PHPSESSID=5cb9d70e0bf4051eced4a55eec0bf4e9

December 5th

Corinth Christmas Tree LightingTime: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Corinth City Hall
Ages: Allhttp://cityofcorinth.com/index.aspx?NID=138

Do It Yourself Teacup Candles

This is an easy and inexpensive gift for the holidays.  Dig out your old teacups or pick them up for cheap at garage sales or places like Goodwill.

Supplies You Will Need
Candle wicks
Wax (bought or from old candles)
Teacups (make sure they are sturdy with no cracks or the hot wax can break them)
Fragrance

Step One
Melt wax in a double boiler, add any fragrance you choose.

Step Two
Support the wick standing in the teacup while carefully filling the cup with wax. As the wax cools, it will contract and form a well.

Step Three (if needed)
Add more melted wax of the same color or add another shade.


Have a DIY idea?  I would love to hear it, comment below or email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Dallas Zoo Events

The Dallas Zoo will host two great events this week:

November 22, 2011
The Dallas Zoo will host Dollar Day, for those 3 and up admission will be just $1 from 9am to 4pm (ages 2 and under will be free).  Food and gifts through out the zoo will also be a dollar.  With the new train running through Denton County you can connect to the rail system and take it all the way there saving yourself gas and parking fees.  For more info visit http://www.dallaszoo.com/events/ev3_events.htm

November 27, 2011

Symphony of Toys
Sunday, 2:30 pm, November 27, 2011
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

This show is free with a toy donation and will feature animals from the zoo and a concert.  Several ways to get tickets; at Tom Thumb, www.NewConservatory.org, by calling 972-503-8486.  For more info visit http://www.dallaszoo.com/events/ev3_events.htm

Have an event?  Email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Holiday Gift Card Deals

This time of year many of the retails offer incentives to buy their gift cards, here are some of the one current promotions to stores and restaurants:

Brunswick Zone
Get a $5 gift certificate with purchase of a $25 gift card.
http://www.bowlbrunswick.com/

California Pizza Kitchen
Get a $20 reward card when you purchase $100 in gift cards.  Also, they have a promotion where you can get a free $5 credit when you sign up for their e-mail list.
http://www.cpkcard.com/splash.aspx

Carrabba's Italian Grill
Free $20 gift card when you purchase $100 worth of gift cards
http://www.carrabbas.com/gift-cards/

Cosco
It varies by store which gift cards, but Coscos will be selling $100 worth of gift cards for $80 (I know last I saw the Starbucks cards at Cosco).

Half Price Books
Get a $5 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card
http://www.hpb.com/

Joe's Crab Shack
Get $5 bonus bucks for every $25 spent in gift cards
http://www.pac-crabshack.com/storefrontB2CWEB/

Little Caesar's Pizza
Get $5 gift card for every $25 spent in gift cards
http://www.littlecaesars.com/default.asp

Outback Steakhouse
Free $20 gift card with purchase of $100 worth of gift cards
http://www.outback.com/gift-card/

Steak N' Shake
Free $5 certificate for each $20 spent in gift cards
http://www.steaknshake.com/e-giftcards

T.G.I. Fridays
Get a $5 bonus bites card when you send $25 worth e-gift card
http://www.tgifridays.com/home/welcome.aspx

Know of another promotion?  Comment below or email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Free Stuff From Around The Web

Here are some new offerings from around the web.  If you know of any more please feel free to comment or email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com .  You can always find free stuff under the tab at the top of the page.


White's Dog Food is offering a free sample, visit:
http://www.whites-premium.com/free-sample



Kotex is offer a free sample pack, visit:
http://www.kotex.com/NA/samples/



For those collecting Pampers Gifts To Grow this code will get you 10 free points:
FAC1111PYWFNXRD



Coupon for Kid Essentials, Free Poise sample,  free Tena sample, and free eye glass cloth cleaner all on Walmart's sample page:
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples-and-Savings.aspx

American Heros Salute To Veteran's - The Colony

Today the Colony will host an all day festival - The American Heroes Salute To Veteran's at the Colony Five Star Complex.  Admission is free.  There will be a tribute for Vietnam Veterans at the traveling memorial, The Wall That Heals.  The event will also include several activities including a concert by Denton County's own Bowling For Soup, a carnival and midway, car show, fun run, silent auction, and fireworks finale.  For more info visit www.SaluteAmericanHeroes.com

Free Meals For Military and Veterans on Veteran's Day

Here is a list of places active military and veteran's will be able to receive free meals for Veteran's Day 11/11/11 (except Golden Corral which is 11/14).  I believe some sort of ID or proof will be required at all of the following:


Applebee's - Free meal to active duty or veteran's. 

Military ID or proof of service required. http://applebees.com/

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Fri. Nov. 11th. Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.

Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available from 11am – 5pm on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only.

Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2011. Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran.

Fox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Bar.  Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive a free item from the 7 under $7 menu.  

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide.  For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/

Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is offering 10 Free Wings – Boneless or Regular, drink purchase required. Offer valid at participating Hooters only.  For more information visit:
www.HootersVeteransDay.com.


Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th.


Little Caesars® Pizza. Little Caesars will have free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide.

TGI Fridays (at participating locations) offers a buy one meal get one free meal to US Military personal and veterans on Nov. 11th.

Seven Eleven is offering up a free Slurpee from 11am to 7pm on Veteran’s Day.

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Thought this was a fun and yummy idea for your kids, thank you Miss Holly for sharing!

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Bugles - Shaped like a cornucopia, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels - Arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country.

Candy Corn - The sacrifices of the Pilgrim's first winter when food was so scarce they survived on a few kernels of corn a day.

Sunflower Seeds - Promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligent care.

Dried Fruits - Harvest gifts from our bountiful land.

M&M's  - The love of family and friends that sweeten our lives.

Have an idea for this blog?  Leave a comment below or email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

New Facebook Page

Today I have started a new facebook page to coincide with the Denton County Mommy blog.  On facebook it is listed under "Denton County Moms," here is the link:
 http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Denton-County-Moms/299369810081482


Have an idea for this site?  Email me at dentoncountymom@gmail.com

Walmart Holiday Toyland Event This Saturday November 5th

Walmart Holiday Toyland

Dates: 11/5/2011 11:00 - 4:00pm

If you are shopping at Walmart tomorrow (which I imagine quite a few parents are!) be sure to stop by the Bright Ideas Station at your Walmart and pick up your toy catalog, free stickers, and free cupcake (while supplies last).

http://www.walmart.com/

Off To A Great Start!

I looked at the blog stats today and was excited to see so many page views right off the bat!  The last few days I have been working on adding content to the page tabs at the top of the site and will continue to do so.  On the right side of the page you might notice a new feature added today, it is a video stream from YouTube of "Cute Babies," hope you enjoy! 

I hope to make this site helpful to parents and easy to navigate.  If you have any ideas or comments I am more than happy to hear them, the e-mail is dentoncountymom@gmail.com. 

A Blog Is Born

       While there are a lot of "mommy" blogs out there, I have been unable to find any specifically tailored to the many hardworking mamas of Denton County, and therefore have decided to embark on one myself.  This site will be dedicated to all the parents in Denton County and it's many cities and towns.  I hope that you will enjoy the site, find lots of great information here, and have a little fun.  Welcome to Denton County Mommy!