Breakfast and Charity

Recently I was fortunate to help with a local club and their annual fundraising Christmas Breakfast. The Barrie Trojan Swim Club worked hard to raise money to support families through the Barrie Seasons Center for Grieving Children. There was an incredible turn out and I'll tell you later how you can help too! *

We had secured a wonderful venue, here in Barrie at the Masonic Hall (99 Morrow Road), with their wonderful staff and two floors that they made available to us we were all set! Right from the entrance we wanted Guests to know that the Christmas Spirit was there!

The "theme" of the event was "Wish Upon a Snowflake" and so not only were snowflakes hung throughout the rooms it inspired us to create a special area for the kids to keep busy in, so the main floor was turned into "Santa's Wish Upon a Snowflake Lounge" and was full of activities for kids of all different ages.

Santa's Wish Upon a Snowflake Lounge

Colouring Station, Children were encouraged to write and draw special messages for the Seasons Center Families

Of course we had a station for children to write their letters for Santa

And we had a spot waiting for the big guy when he arrived!

 By far the most popular activity was the FACEPINTING! And I will share the perfect way to offer this activity when you have little to no skill in the art of facepainting!

Facepainting made easy!

Purchase a pack of themed stamps (in this case Christmas and Winter), a hypo-allergenic set of face paints and you are good to go! First step is to "paint" the stamp with chosen colour(s) and then you press on the cheek, forehead, arm or hand, some times you do have to fill in some of the areas BUT it is way easier to do it this way then trying to paint a snowflake on a child who is buzzing after some maple syruped slathered pancakes!
TIP: You have to "prime" the stamps by using them a little before they really take hold of some paint and transfer it to skin.
Other activities that were available were Puzzles both easy board puzzles and more complicated (500+ pieces) for kids (and grownups) to work on! As well as two more active games; Reindeer Ring Toss-where we had an older kid wear an adorable "Antler" hat while particpants tried to score points with rings by tossing them onto the antlers. And also Hot Gingerbread Cookie (think of Hot potato, but with an inflatable Gingerbreadman)! Some how we got through these activities without any pictures being taken!
Upstairs was the main eating area, Guests were guided to it up the stairs with garland and bows;

Looking up toward the entry to the main Hall

Close up of the bows and garland

They walked through an entryway of Snowflakes;

As they entered there was a table that reminded them that this was a charity event,

We not only had information about the Seasons Center and all that they do for local families who are grieving, but also we were able to feature the stories of the families who the Trojan organization were helping this year. I think that this table had some of my favorite tabletop decor on it;

We had three food stations set up throughout the room, the Main Buffet table near the kitchen where the hot food was available (Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, and of course Pancakes);

We also had along one side of the large room beside the coffee, tea, and juice boxes; a "Continental" table that was full of home made goodies and fruit;

Picks were made and randomly inserted throughout the tables

I realize that the photo's do not do the event justice, I have put in a request to Santa to help me with this both in the form a a better camera and a few lessons from someone with WAY more photography experience! Hopefully by the new year I will have much better photo's and techniques to share!
The most popular Station was the "Smoothie Bar", where guests had the oppourtunity to create their own smoothie creation; choosing from frozen fruit, yogurt and juice that was available OR they could partake in some popular flavours (like Strawberry and Banana) that were made up ahead of time!
The food tables were all laid simply with just a few snowflake details here and there. The walls above the tables had fun wall decals decorating them.

On the dinning tables we alternated the centerpieces between a live tree, and the ornament/mirror (stay tuned for more on this one!), as well as having Menu Cards.

We were also very excited to offer two games, "Guess the Number of Candy" and a Secret Stocking Raffle; each stocking was valued at $200 with prizes being donated by Best Buy, Future Shop, Telus and more!

So much candy! And the adorable HANDKNIT stockings that went with the raffle winners!

Raffle tickets and tickets for the Guessing game.

A list of the AWESOME prizes available!

And a list of FAB business' who donated raffle prizes

 Not only that but a parent was also kind enough to donate his DJ-ing services to provide us with music and a microphone for when Nancy (who represented the Seasons Center) spoke, so no one missed a word!

Terry Bujold from Keep Them Dancing had the perfect mix of music!

This was an incredible event to be part of! The Trojan families had a Great time socializing together and were able to raise over $2000! They were able to add 2 additional families as well as support another event the Seasons Center was having. Boys and Girls came out the next week to shop for the families and it was another GREAT experience to see them all so excited to be part of helping someone else. It was truly touching to see them understand that they could do something that was going to bring a smile to another child who was going through a difficult time this year and many of them said they felt good to be a part of it! Thanks again to all the Trojan families who were able to support such an amazing cause!

*Remember how I said you could help? Well here is how, I have some extra centerpieces that I will sell with all the proceed's going to the Seasons Center for Grieving Children. Please take a minute to check out their site, there is an incredible video that will help you understand how important an organization like this is to a community. If you are interested in purchasing one of these Ornament centerpieces;

Please contact me through my e-mail (allkindsofshindigs@bell.net) and we will make arrangements! Unfortunately due to time I won't be able to gaurantee mail delivery before December 25th, however if you are local to me we can discuss Hand Delivery!

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON!

On the 2nd Day of Christmas Blogging ...

My Blog gives to you; A Special Spotlight feature on two wonderful local designers!
First up is;
Jodie Munshaw of Landscape Design by Jodie Munshaw;



I have know Jodie for a "few" summers (we met back in high school) and although we lost touch for awhile; through the magic of Social Media we reconnected just before she started her own Landscape Design company. It has been exciting to hear of her successes and see the incredible work that she does. The reason why I decided to invite her to be a part of my 12 Days of Christmas Blog Series is because not only does she do incredible work to design outdoor spaces such as walkways and back yards (seen  here on Facebook) , but she designs custom items that enhance entryways, patio's and porches. Here are a few samples of some of her custom Wreaths and Urns that she has created for clients this season;

 This is definitely one of my favourites this year! I can not decide if it is the square shape, the use of Boxwood (I think?) or the unexpected colour scheme of the silver and black? Most likely it is a combination of all three, whatever the reason I feel more stylish just looking at this beauty!
This second Wreath design is a little more "Traditional",

 She has used the BC Cedar and White Pine for the Greenery. I am smitten with the silver bow "weaved" through and set off with the beautifully tied bow. The punch of colour with the use of the Red Ornament is a wonderful compliment to the whimsical Owl detail, Owls seem to be gaining in popularity on the trend-ometer.
This final Wreath is what I call "Traditional with a Twist";



By traditional, I mean the use of the Cedar and Pine and  the use of the circular form. The Twist comes in with an incredibly modern take on the "Red and Green" Colour scheme. The vibrancy of colour Sings "Happy Holidays" loud and clear! This one is such fun that I can see any Ebenezer arriving at your door crack a smile and losing that "Bah Hum-Bug" feel! I am starting to see more and more of those "Yarn Balls" everywhere and becoming available in a host of colours!

She has also been busy creating Custom Urns and Urn inserts for clients that are incredibly Chic! For example;



This masterpiece done for a commercial Client is a wonderful example of her use of Materials, I love the addition of the silvery-white apples and pine cone!

Another Urn custom designed for another Commercial Client;



Here she uses silver Yarn balls and a few items I am not familiar with, the birch adds such a strong element that blends nicely and her use of berries and the vibrant red twigs is a nice punch of colour!

She also has designed several custom urn insert, this example was done for a school;



Simple and fun you can check out it's "mate" HERE on Jodie's Facebook page. I LOVE how she made it look even taller by "binding" the stick element together to draw your eye up, and the pop of red will brighten any school day for the little ones!

Feel free to contact Jodie through her website HERE or Facebook HERE if you are interested in having some custom holiday decor done or if you're interested in setting up a Landscape consult, you won't be disappointed!

Second feature today goes to... Evelyn Patterson of Evelyn's Special Event Decorating;



I had the pleasure of meeting Evelyn this summer and was immediately impressed by not only her professionalism but her immense creativity and attention to every detail of her work.  You can see some of her stunning work on weddings on her facebook page HERE, but for now I will focus on her most recent Holiday work.

The first of her wreaths that I will showcase is the following;



While I absolutely LOVE poinsettia's, these white ones are just stunning, I also am quite taken with the sparkle and shine of several of the elements used by Evelyn to create this wonderful "Welcome to the Holidays".

This delightful Door Embellishment;



while designed for a fund raising event would be a spectacular way to welcome guests to any home! The use of the brown ribbon gives a rich feel to the entire piece and the shimmer of some of the other elements is definitely eye catching!

The urn that was designed for the same function shows how Evelyn is great at taking a few "simple" elements and putting them together to create something FABULOUS!

The greenery that Evelyn chose is a wonderful foundation to the piece and the use of the White Poinsettia's is again an elegant detail. That wonderful Lime Green that has been so popular this year for all types of gatherings adds the perfect hit of "modern" colour. The birch (once again I'm using my limited tree knowledge, I apologise if I have completely missed the mark!) as well as the Red twigs add the perfect height that is needed for this entryway!

Another Urn designed by Evelyn;



Shows the use of some of the same materials in a completely different way for another Impressive Festive look! I love the addition here of the berries and the earth tones of the Ornaments that Evelyn has used so  perfectly!

Lastly from Evelyn, I just had to share this incredible mantle that she designed.



The use of lighting here brings an intimate feel, and the combination of metallic and greenery is a perfect match up.

Whatever your special event you should definitely consider contacting Evelyn, you can reach her at her website HERE OR through Facebook HERE.

Well there you have it on this my 2nd post of Holiday fun! I just have to say that while I have good intentions of blogging everyday, it does not always work the way that I want it to. I am continually learning how best to create posts and add them, and some days my other "Life" as Mom and Wife, etc., has to interrupt good intentions, I LOVE being able to share with you findings and TRULY hope that you enjoy what I have offered so far! Until next time! May your Holiday Spirit Shine Bright for all to see!

Blog Days of Christmas -Kind of Like The 12 Days of... Only Blog-style!

You know the old Christmas Tune with the Turtle doves, Golden Rings, etc. Well this is my Blog version that starts today and runs for 12 days, where I will feature some inspiration, tips and ideas on things that might help the Holidays go more smoothly! To kick it off this December 1st, it's all about one of my favourite topics

-FOOD-

From the days where you've been out shopping at the mall all day long and don't have the energy to dial the phone for take out, let alone cook up a delish (and healthy) meal for you and the fam, to Apps to serve at your next cocktail party and dishes for the main event - I've gathered Internet inspiration and have a few things of my own to share. I hope you'll enjoy!

DINNER IN A HURRY
*To start off, a couple of links for those perfect holiday HUSTLE and BUSTLE menu items, or should I say dinner ideas for those nights where you barely have time to hang your hat and scarf, let alone cook anything! One of my favourite sites to go to for cooking inspiration is KRAFT foods Canada. I love their simple to cook recipes, how you can plug in the ingredients that you want to use and then they give you a list of recipes that you can cook, and I love the "Cooking School" button!
A recipe from them that falls into this category perfectly;

Slow-Cooker Orange-Ginger Beef

Noddles or Rice-YUM!

With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe can be busy at home while you're out grabbing those last minute deals! Add some rice or noodles and a salad and call your meal complete! Just be ready for the pats on the back, KISSES on the cheek and what ever else others choose to bestow you with to show their appreciation!

*The slow-cooker can definitely become your best friend this time of year, but there are also the Make-Aheads. My ALL-TIME FAVE cookbook author has penned many Make-Ahead recipes that will have the hungry masses you feed RAVING! None other than Jean Pare

and her Company's Coming Series . One of my Favourites (+my 3 boys, well 4 if you count Hubby) is the Sloppy-Joes!

Whether using the slow-cooker or prepping in the skillet on the weekend to get ready for a busy week of Christmas concerts, shopping and parties this one is a "KEEPER" recipe!

TASTY MORSELS
*Now if you happen to be hosting  a SHIN-DIG of your own let me share some DEVINE apps that won't have you running from Guest to kitchen all night long, leaving you no time for actual visiting!
My "Go To" appetiser is something I can remember my Mom making for company when I was little;

Bacon-Wrapped Maraschino Cherries!
Yum!!

And then a few years ago my Very Best Friend, Amy L., showed me a delish variation that I now make all the time as well -

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts!
MMMMmmm!

These are both VERY ADDICTIVE! Note: do not - I repeat - DO NOT stand or sit next to the plate/tray or platter that you serve these morsels on, it is all to easy to eat the whole plateful! The recipe is very simple though!
INGREDIENTS:

 1 lb. Bacon (Maple flavour add a nice sweetness too)

 1 Jar Red Maraschino Cherries-you could use the green ones too, I've just always used red.

 1 Can Water Chestnuts

HOW TO:

 1) Cut bacon into thirds

 2) Drain Cherries and Water Chestnuts

 3) Wrap 1 Cherry with 1 piece of bacon, skewer with toothpick individually or onto a full skewer (5 or 6 will fit nicely). Repeat with remaining Cherries and water chestnuts until all the bacon is gone.

 4) Cook in Pre-heated oven at 350 F. for 10-15 minutes until Bacon is cooked to desired. Remove and place on paper towel then serving dish.

 5) ENJOY!

These won't last long but along with a veggie platter, fruit tray, Cheese and Cracker Plate all will be Well!

*Don't forget M & M's has several collections of appetiser's that are quick and make you look FAB. From their Gourmet Hot Dips to their International Collection, you can create a bountiful spread for sure! My new favourite is the Jumbo Coconut Shrimp!

All I can say is that this is Yummy!!

ALL HAIL KING GOBBLER!
*So we all know that Turkey is KING when it comes to the Family Holiday Dinner. But every once in a while-especially when I am hosting- I like to SPICE things up a little! If I do, I ALWAYS (well almost always ;) ) offer some Turkey for the "Traditionalists" at my table! Usually cooking a Turkey Breast is enough.

My friend Darrell from D's Quality Meats has an AMAZING selection of Ontario Meats that would be perfect to offer Guests, whether you're serving Turkey (Don't forget to order one soon!) or something else.



If you're looking for an alternative to the Turkey King this year, Darrell has this to say;

"Prime Rib Roasts are always very popular, lamb is becoming more and more popular every year. At my house everyone loves Ham!"

Don't forget to stop in if you are in the Angus, Ontario area, he is located at 4 Pine River Road. Darrell along with his staff Mike and Dan are there Happy to help make your meals (every day or Holiday) GREAT!

*Along with Turkey, you have to have STUFFING, well according to my Sweetheart anyway! After trying several times to duplicate my Mother's Stuffing success or that of my Mother in Law (and failing miserably), I decided it was time to find my own "MUST HAVE STUFFING". I searched and tested everything from cornbread and Rice to Nuts and Mushrooms, finally I found a recipe that I could call my own!

From Pampered Chef in their Fall/Winter Catalogue 2007 there it was; Sausage and Apple Herbed Stuffing! It makes LOADS (which equals lots of leftovers=Happy Hubby!), is simple to make. You don't need any oddity ingredient and dare I say it "Tastes GRRReat!" (It's okay to think Tony T. I did!). If you're interested in this recipe let me know, it's a TASTY addition to your Holiday Table!

 Now for my favourite subject......

SWEETS!

With so many to choose from at this time of year, and all of us having our Family Must haves it's difficult to narrow down to a few new things to try, but I've done my best and here are my Top 5!

1) 2Sweeties: This is a wonderful business that was started by two Moms who were looking for tasty treats that were a little bit different form the same-ol-same-ol.  After one creative and tasty Holiday, other Occasions and themes soon followed! Serving the Toronto/GTA, they are located in Markham, their mission is
"To create delicious and unique treats specially tailored to the occasion large or small. " Find them on Facebook or e-mail them at twosweeties@live.com

Adorable Santa Hat and Tree Cake Pops!

2) Cupcakes with SWEET Toppers, such as;



From Half-Baked find a tutorial here



Santa Hat toppers from Edible Details featured at Celebrations At Home for a party styled by Shindig Parties to Go

And one for good measure (because I LOVE Snowmen!)



From Cup Cake Creations

3) I have recently discovered this next business, I just found out yesterday that they will deliver to Canada! I can say I have never seen anything like the products available at Madyson's Marshmallows! This wonderful company started with a child's curiosity and 4 years later this Husband and Wife team  have an incredibly successful Gourmet Marshmallow business! Offering so many delectable designs, I'll tease you with just one, but you really MUST go and check them out!

These Ornaments would make a perfect gift for Teacher/Friend/Many others on your List!



4) So excited that just this week this next business announced a new partnership, and will soon be debuting a Holiday menu! Don't miss ordering a smorsel from Cutie Pies! Serving the Orangeville area, they can be reached by e-mail cutiepies@hotmail.ca They can also be found on Facebook, couldn't decide what to show you so you lucky-duckies get a sneak peek at two tasty numbers!



Maple Pecan Scones-YUM!



Candy Cane Biscotti!

5) Simply Cakes and Sweets! Is an amazing bakery that is located in Midland at 212 King St. Jen offers and incredible selection of sweets and custom cakes, super great to work with and is incredibly creative! Be sure to check out her Holiday Treats throughout the month of December! Here's a peek at one of Jen's Special Occasions Cakes that she has done;



Because I love this topic so much, there will be more said about Sweets throughout the month of December! Including some Bakery features as well as some Favourite family recipes!

So there you have it! The first instalment in my 12 Days of Christmas feature-just to get you thinking!