Slumber Party...for 2!

Wouldn't it be fun once-in-a-while to have a little "sleepover" with your spouse!

This would be great for couples without kids or for those that do, for one of those evenings that you can't get a babysitter and you've put the kids to bed!

Get into your PJ's and pile a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor. Then, watch a couple of DVD's or a marathon of TV episodes. Pop some corn, have treats close by, and cuddle up together. If you're still awake, play a board game and then talk until you fall asleep.

It seems too simple, but really it can be a lot of fun with just the two of you. And sometimes, simple is exactly what is needed.

What's fun is that I found this fun website How Does She which had a little post about THIS blog where JeLisa wrote about Slumber Parties being a "Marriage Perk" for her and her hubby. So cute!

...oh, and the best part about your one-on-one slumber parties, there's no one around to tell you to shhsh! or go to bed!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to You and Yours....

.... From Me and Mine

The Romantic's Guide to Hot Cocoa

What's so romantic about hot cocoa, you ask?

What's not romantic about hot cocoa? Just the very thought of cuddling up with my hubby on a cold winter day with a cup of hot cocoa is enough to make me wish for a winter storm to blow in that shuts everything down!

Hopefully it won't take a winter storm to make you sit down and enjoy talking with your spouse over a cup of hot chocolate one evening during the winter. Here are some ideas to help inspire this mini-date of sorts...

How About Orange posted a DIY tutorial for this clever cocoa dusting.

Martha Stewart tells her secret for making these cute heart-shaped marshmallows!

LollyChops provides the idea, recipe, and free downloads to make both of these hot cocoa packages! I especially like the first. I'd attach a tag that says, "You make me Hot! Hot! Hot!"

Kellie Fortin created these fun "Hot Cocoa for Two" cones...this could make a fun gift for any other couples you are friends with, too.

Personalization Mall offers some creative inspiration for the serious hot cocoa lover who would appreciate their own mug!

Our Best Bites has the Ultimate Hot Chocolate recipe...with all sorts of possible variations (Mint, Peppermint, Hazelnut, Mexican Hot Chocolate....) Yum!


Don't think I've forgotten about those of you in a long-distance relationship! No matter the distance, hot cocoa can still bring you closer together this winter!

This would be a really light-weight item to ship to your hunny and no doubt it'd leave a warm spot in their heart for you!

Or, send a couple of individual cocoa packs along with a tag that says:

Ha.Ha.

If you want the kiddos to help you make a little surprise for mom or dad, this would be a fun and easy little project. (Of course...I'd write something cute on that mug...like any of the above sentiments)

(I found this by doing a google search...so I have no idea where it's from)

One of Love, Actually's readers submitted a link to her blog where she posted about a "Hot Chocolate Date" her and her hubby had just a while ago.

She writes, "After putting up our AWESOME tree we finished our night with a Hot Cocoa date. Jonathan found this HUGE mug. Even bigger than the soup mugs.. and he made a big cup of Hot Cocoa, we went and sat in front of our tree while sharing our GIANT cup of Hot Cocoa. Definitely a fun little date to share a warm cup this time of year. I would recommend it to anyone!"

I swear--I didn't tell her to post that! :) Thanks for sharing, Chelsea!

If you have any additions to my "Romantic's Guide to Hot Cocoa", please, do tell!

Divine Diva Media Launch!

I'm excited to announce that Love Actually is joining forces with Family Home Evening Blog and Modern Molly Mormon in the creation of the Divine Diva Media social networking group! It's a brand new site revolved around this goal:

Divine Diva will be the host site for all three blogs where you can find lots of inspiration, hands on activities, and tips to better yourself!

Modern Molly Mormon helps with self-enrichment; Family Home Evening helps to strengthen family bonds; and of course, you know that Love Actually is the best place on the web for the most creative romance ideas on a budget!

Mark your calendars for the Divine Diva Media Launch Party on January 1st! Of course there will be fun giveaways to lure you over there!

Also, if you have a business, site or blog and you would like to advertise with Divine Diva Media, check out the great deals we have going!

Snowman Date: Just Add Snow!

Here's a great and simple date to do over the holidays...(and of course you can involve the kids if applicable). This can be thrown together rather quickly because how hard is it really to build a snowman? The hard part might be getting your spouse to participate...if that's your concern, then I suggest trying what I try. If that doesn't work, then you're outta luck. :)

Sometimes, when I just suggest doing something together, I get the "nahh...". But, when I make it a surprise date or put a little twist to it he'll see that I've put work into planning a date and he wouldn't dream of saying "nahh..." So, even though it's not on the top of his list of fun things to do, he'll do it with me....and then he actually ends up having a fun time. That's my trick. Nothing grandiose, but it works for me everytime!

Okay,
Snowman Date.
Here it goes.

Round up the necessary snowman items:

• Rocks (painted black if necessary) to resemble the Eyes, Buttons, and Mouth
• Scarf
• Hat (any kind will do)
• Pipe [if your snowman smokes, that is.. :) ]
• A carrot
• Put them all in a box with a bow on it (or wrapped)and inside have a note which says, "Just Add Snow"

Dress up in your warm winter attire (try to look cute...this could turn into a snowball fight...and proceed to a snow wrestling match...followed by, well, use your imagination). Gather all of his winter attire, too, so it's ready to go.

Then, when you're all dressed up and ready to go, give the box to your spouse to open. (imagine his look of bewilderment now...). Then give him his winter stuff. The more you look excited, the more he's gonna go along with it (generally speaking...)

Then...build that snowman, make a few snow angels, throw a few snowballs...
and then just when your toes are about to fall off.... head inside for some hot cocoa!

*Want to spice it up?*
(recommended for use with no kids around...)

Build "Snow lovers" – If you have a secluded back yard, gather your lingerie and boxers to dress up down your snow lovers. Then you can watch them melt into one big puddle of love!


Come on back on Wednesday for some romantic hot cocoa ideas to complete this date!!

There's Still Time!!

There's still time to order a Date of the Month Club digital kit for your hunny! I can do them pretty quickly (after making them for 20 of my followers!)

It costs you only $9.99 for a customized kit!

Please email me at loveactuallyblog@hotmail.com by Tuesday night in order to receive your digital kit by Wednesday! (That gives you at least a day to print and put together your gift.)

Here are a couple of examples of customized styles I've created for purchasers:

Click HERE for all the details!

Spa Night Customized Kit

I’m sure everyone has heard about a romantic spa night at home, but I’ve taken all the detail work out of it for you…You just worry about getting those hands in good shape so they can handle a night of pampering the one you love!

for $7.99

• I will customize my Spa Brochure and Spa Bucks to include the name of "your" spa (rather than "La Cher").
• Custom color of Spa Bucks
• Custom $ amounts of Spa Bucks (up to 3 different dollar amounts)
• Custom wording changes to the brochure if desired. (you can add dollar amounts next to each package option as well)

You'll receive the *digital* PDFs of the Brochure and Spa Bucks for easy printing!

Here are some parts from my original post about this Spa Night:

I planned ahead so my husband would have something to look forward to. I planned the Spa Night for Friday, but on Monday, I started giving him these “spa bucks”—which hinted at what he could expect, but still left him in suspense. After he took out the trash, or fixed something in the house, killed a spider, or did the dishes---pretty much ANYTHING good, I would give him either a $5 or $10 spa buck coupon. So, he collected and he caught on quick! He figured the more bucks, the better… so he was scrubbing the house, SEARCHING for spiders, making me laugh, and finding anything possible that could be taken to the trash!

Then, on Friday…all of his collecting paid off. I presented him with the “La Cher Spa” Brochure, which included all the spa options that he could purchase with his spa bucks. {I think when it came down to it, I said to heck with counting and redeeming the spa bucks…he got the whole spa package!}

Brochure Page 1:Brochure Page 2:

You must check out my original post HERE with all the details to pull off this wonderfully romantic evening.

How to Order:
Email loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com with a request for the customized Spa Package.

Note: No items will be shipped. This purchase is for digital items only which you must print or have printed.

Christmas Lights Date

Are you ready for Christmas?

Wouldn't it be great if the presents bought themselves...and wrapped themselves, and Christmas dinner magically appeared on the table, and you just had time to cuddle up and watch the snow fall?

Yeah right.

Even though there's much to be done around the holidays, reserve one night to go out for a romantic evening of christmas light viewing. Drive through local neighborhoods and pick out your favorite lighted houses. Take along some hot chocolate (or pick some up from the convenience store) and have holiday music playing in the car.

{editor's note: this is not my house, though it is lovely}

I know this may not be some of your husbands favorite pick, but hey, sometimes they gotta give a little! I'll be dragging my husband along with me this year. :) How's that for romantic?

Holiday Greetings

Spice up your holidays this year with a few holiday greetings romantic and sexy texts to your love...

I have a feeling that anyone would get a kick out of receiving these each day as a countdown to Christmas... (however corny they may be)

• Can I have your picture? I need to show santa what I want for christmas!
• I must be a snowflake, cuz I've fallen for you.
• Shouldn't you be sitting on top of the tree, Angel?
• Even Santa doesn’t make candy as sweet as you.
• I can get you off the Naughty List.
• Those aren't sugarplums dancing through my head, it's all you.
  
  There are way more (and many more on the dirtier side...) If you think your spouse would enjoy those better, by all means, check THESE out.

Date of the Month Club: Homemade Christmas Gift

Here's another homemade Christmas gift. For the love in your life who has everything, this ought to be something different....and fun.

Enroll him (or her) in the Date of the Month Club!
(I first heard about this idea from a reader's idea on lovingyou.com)

Here's the jist: You've enrolled them in this club, which has lots of great "membership benefits".

{the membership "brochure"}

You can present this to him anyway you'd like. In a binder with plastic sleeves, in a box, in a folder, or in a 12x12 scrapbook pocket page like I did.

{ A closer look }

So, in case the pictures aren't self-explanatory enough, allow me to explain.

Monthly Date Calendar:
Give your hubby a list of 12+ dates on a card or a full size page (depending on how you are presenting it). The more he can choose from, the better. Keep in mind, these don't all have to be fancy dates from my blog. Guys like simple dates, too...like, throwing a frisbee at the park. Put some of his interests in there as dates with you. Then, provide him another sheet which has each month of the next year listed. He will choose which date he wants for which month. Then, it's up to you keep that card and plan those dates each month (Hence, "date of the month club").


Romance Reward Tickets:
These are "love coupons" of sorts...the trick is actually honoring them when he/she decides to use them throughout the year--no backing out! And, make sure you really personalize them.

Here are the tickets I used:
(I put two of each in the package)

• Breakfast in Bed - hot & ready, or however you like it!
• Mental Health Day - Need a break from the daily grind? Play hookie and we'll have some real fun...anything you want to do!
• Sick Day - Redeem this for some pure pampering on a day you aren't feeling too hot... I'll make you feel better.
• Treat Ticket - Your craving is my command!
• Massage of Your Choice - Where does it hurt? Let me rub it better.

Vacation Packages for Two:
Give him at least 2 options…but only give him as many as you can handle having to plan throughout the year! (make sure he knows these are not REAL getaways...otherwise what’s the need for a homemade Christmas?)

My package included a trip to Las Vegas and one to a romantic bed and breakfast suite--he gets to choose the suite theme.


Hershey Hugs & Kisses:
Redeemable for the real thing....(prepare to receive these after he/she has just made you mad)


Once it's all set, wrap it up and put it under the tree!


Don't have the time to design? Don't have the cute fonts I've used?

I can help.

For a limited time, I'd like to offer you the full set of digital elements for the Date of the Month Club...only personalized with your choice of wording, your date choices, your colors, etc.

Here's what's included:

Membership Brochure - colors, border color, wording, name of recipient (optional)
Tickets - color of ticket and wording on tickets (5 customizable tickets included) $1 each additional (Note: You can print as many of each ticket that you want).
Vacation Packages - wording, related image, border color, (2 customizable packages included) $1 each additional
Calendar - 2 different files: date option list is fully customizable, background color, text color
Title - (text color, striped paper design not included)

All of these items will be saved as a JPEG file (available to you by email or download) so you can insert them into Word, Publisher, etc. and make them any size you want. Then, you can print right from your own computer.

for just $19.99
you will have a unique, personalized and memorable Christmas present!

How to Order:

Email loveactuallyblog @ hotmail.com NOW so I can get started and get your digital products to you in time for you to get this under the Christmas tree!

*If you'd like anything in addition to this package created digitally, let me know and I will quote you a price.


{Credit: For my "romance reward tickets", I used the Tiny Tickets design by Gunhild Storeide}

Love Life Gone Sour?? Rekindle Your Friendship! (Guest Blogger - Mariel "Or so she says...")

Hello, Love Actually readers! What a fun blog this is! So fun, in fact that the readers of "Or so she says..." keep telling me about it! Of course, I had to check it out and now I'm a fan too! My name is Mariel, by the way. I am the co-author of "Or so she says...," a blog I write with my cousin, Jessica. It's a fun blog, updated every single day with a new idea for women! We do posts on relationships, parenting, recipes, fashion, health, holidays, you name it! And we always let women, just like you, share their ideas too! You can find us at www.oneshetwoshe.com, come on by! We would love to have you! We actually have a massive giveaway going on right now too, with 14 adorable shops giving away prizes...all you have to do to enter is leave a comment!

So, today I thought I would stick to the "love" and "relationships" theme of this blog and share one of our previous posts...

It's been a long day. You've changed 43 poopy diapers, 27 of which were full-on blow-outs. You swept up cheerios, grass, and McDonald's toys at least 15 times already. You've made several small meals for the kids, listened to endless complainings and wants, and still haven't showered. There is mold growing on the grout in your shower, dust on the blinds, piles of laundry, and the garbages are overflowing. You start to notice that your armpits stink, and there might possibly be mold growing on you.


You begin to organize the 3 foot stack of papers on the kitchen counter....throw some out, file others, hang some on the fridge, etc. Meanwhile, a little rascal spills orange juice on the floor then slips in it and cries. Another kid is begging for you to take him to his friends house. You lose your organizing focus and realize you have been eating half the pan of brownies that was left out. You wish for a second that you were bulimic but instead decide you are done eating for the rest of the day...except for green beans.

You clean up the orange juice, wipe away tears, and run the dude to his friends house and run out of gas. The cell phone rings and the school needs you to make 3 dozen cookies for the end-of-the-year party, and could you attend to help out? Ugh, another poopie diaper. You can smell it all the way home. At least for a while...then your nose just gets used to it.
You pull out the Hamburger Helper and suddenly, the man responsible for all of this madness walks in the door, drops another foot of papers onto the pile, grabs your butt and asks if you have a minute. You look at him like, "Are you kidding me?" He tells you that it has been 2 days, 6 hours, and 39 minutes since "it" happened last and he's sick of waiting. You give him a nasty look and he gets upset and says that he's not in the mood anymore. Your nasty look ruined it. He's mad. At least the brownies were good.

He goes and turns on golf, super loud, and falls asleep. You go turn it off and he instantly wakes up and says he was watching it. You roll your eyes, sweep the floor again, and then roll your eyes some more. Not only have you had a stressful day but the hubby thinks your a jerk and isn't helping out at all. Ugh...what to do? Run away while everyone is sleeping? See if Wal-greens sells arsenic? Curl up in the fetal position and suck your thumb? You purposely let your husband stay mad so you can avoid "pleasing him" as long as you can. Cause, frankly...you're too tired and so not in the mood. You're even thinking about making him mad again tomorrow.

Please say this sounds familiar. Not that it does to me...at all. I'm just totally creative, that's all...I would never be happy to get "off the hook" with my husband. I mean, seriously. How rude would that be? Besides, I'm horny all the time. It's out of control. Oh, and what luck! I found a picture that reminds me so much of us! See below... But, we can't all have perfect marriages, like me...so let me throw you a bone. Maybe you need to take a step back and pull it together. (Note: from now on, I'm being completly serious.) There is very little that is more satisfying to me than knowing that my husband and I are best friends, partners in everything, and are so in love. But, things seem to cycle and I think that's normal. Things are super great until life gets too stressful and busy, and the relationship slowly starts to lose it's connection. You both have a break down and an understanding and it starts to build back up. The key is to continue communicating, dating, and loving through it all and building it back up every time it slips.

Feeling like we are "close" (I talking EMOTIONALLY here) and truly friends with each other is what I need to bring about romance. So, that's what I like to work on. Because, let's face it...sometimes we just have to be in charge of our own happiness. If we sit around all day waiting for a man to read our mind, we would lose all circulation in our butts and who knows what happens after that! I like to bring about situations that allow us time to be alone, time to have fun, and time to talk:

1. Go for a walk together every night, alone.

2. Take a shower/bath together. I love this because it is one of the only places we can be without the kids and the tv on. It forces my husband to talk to me!...and he gets to listen to me!

3. Start a hobby together. Several years back, my husband and I bought golf clubs for our anniversary. We had never been golfers but thought it would be fun to learn together. To this day, when the weather is right we golf almost weekly! It's so fun. It's a nice, peaceful break from the kids and fun that we have something to do together. You could take a dance class, sports lessons, play raquetball, join a recreational team, enter a marathon, hike every mountain in your area, etc.

4. Have an over-nighter with no kids. If you can afford it, get a hotel room. We love to find a fun hotel that's a city or two away and just try new restaurants and...golf. If you want to save money, let the kids sleep at a relatives and have a special night at home. It's amazing how different the house is with no kids around! Order dinner in, watch a movie, etc., etc. (if you know what I mean...)

5. Get in to a reality show or series together. We love to watch...well, lots of stuff...Survivor, The Bachelor, 24, etc. We love getting the kids to bed, cuddling up and being excited about our shows. It adds some drama to our pretty normal lives.

6. Put the kids to bed early. I used to be really laid back about bed times...until I had 4 kids and all sanity and patience goes out the window by 7pm. So, they have to go to bed. If it's summer time, they don't necessarily have to go to sleep but they need to stay downstairs and let me and their dad have some quiet time together. They like to turn on movies, play games, read books, etc. So, they're not too bothered by it. But, you will LOVE having some time alone together!

7. Start a book together. Take turns reading to each other every night.

8. Go to the gym together. Not only are you spending time together, you are improving your health and body! Set goals together and motivate each other.

9. Go out every weekend. If you can't afford it, do it every other week, or once a month. But, be strict about it. Even better, take turns planning the date just as if you were still "dating". One month you plan it and the next he does. The rule has to be "no complaining" about what they choose...you would have never done that when you were dating! Put some thought and effort into planning it. I have an unspoken rule that I don't cook Fridays and Saturdays. So, if we are going to eat...he had better bring home the bacon. It forces us to go out more...even if we have to take the kids...it feels like we are doing something.

10. Give each other a foot rub and talk about your days!

Tell me, tell me, please! What do you and your significant other do to keep the flame going?? (Not too graphic, please!...for those you can just send me an email...)

Jingle Mingle: Blog Swap

Hey ladies...and maybe a couple of gentlemen! I'm over at Maggie's again today...you can come check out my Cocktail Night In post over there...but not before you read about her fun Christmas group date idea... If you've already got plans for a Christmas party this year, be sure to put this one in the files for next year!!

~~~

What is a Jingle Mingle?

Well… that could be up for interpretation. Usually it is a party hosted by one couple for a few other couples to celebrate the Holiday season. Sometimes it means a sit down dinner, but usually it is more of an after-dinner get-together with appetizers and drinks. As the wanna-be dinner party guru that I am, it has to be something fun and festive with lots of atmosphere! For this blog swap, I have created 3 variations of a Jingle Mingle (and included 3 different invites that you can download, print and send out!!!). Also included are printable accessories to make your table look great!

For this party you first need to decide which invitation to send out.

Invite #1- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- A dinner with friends’


Invite #2- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- Appetizer Bar, games and gift exchange’

Invite #3- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- Christmas Cookie Exchange… Please bring ____ dozen cookies to exchange’ (and if you want to be traditional you can do this as a girls night, but this blog is all about including our men so… try it with the husbands)

Now that you have decided which of these 3 fun parties to host the hard part is over! On to the fun part of planning…..

Invites: Download the invite and print as a 5x7 photo (.39 at Costco). Use a Sharpie fine point permanent marker to write party information onto the invitation. If it is going to be a potluck dinner party make a note at the bottom asking each to ‘Please bring a __________ to share’ (main dish, appetizer, side dish, dessert)

Décor: It’s Christmas time so you should have your house already decked out for the holidays. Very little extra is needed. For a dinner use linen tablecloths and napkins, or at least attractive holiday patterned paper (not plastic) tablecloths. On the buffet put some garlands or poinsettias or those extra decorations that you have in storage. Burn a Christmas candle and play some soft instrumental or easy listening Christmas music. For the Cookie Exchange go a little more casual and crank up the Christmas music!!!!

RSVP: Make a quick call to those that you haven’t heard from to verify if they are coming. In our culture RSVP seems to be optional to many (Having a guest count is crucial to party planning.) Tell them that you are wanting to make sure to have enough of everything. Too many desserts and only one main dish could be very bad! I know because that happened to me at one of my first parties.

Gift Exchange: Make sure that you write on the invite that each person (or couple) needs to bring a gift valued at $5 or $10. Have a couple extras on hand for the person that will forget.

Cookie Exchange: This can be a lot of fun with couples! I have had 12 couples attend with each bringing 5 dozen. We just did quick math to figure out that each couple’s plate would get 4 of each variety with one dozen left on the bar after the exchange for all couples to dig into and sample and drink yummy Wassail or Red Christmas punch. Because December is a busy month only 70-80% of those you invite to come may be able to come, so invite a few extra so that you get the number of couples you want to come. As the host you provide the drinks and the trays for the couples to take the cookies home on. One thought- Since most of the guests (the women) will have been baking that day they may be in the mood for appetizers, rather than more sweets. Instead of eating cookies at the party you could have an appetizer bar with drinks. Some inexpensive appetizers include- Bruschetta, Bacon wrapped waterchestnuts, chips and dip, veggie tray, pizza or bagel bites, and soup in a crockpot. If you don’t want to provide all of them be sure and make a note on the bottom of the invite that they need to also bring an appetizer to share.

Games: See below-

My Craziest/Worst Present Ever- Have guests write the craziest/worst present they ever received on a piece of paper. Don’t share with others what you are writing (not even your husband). Turn them in to the host who will then read them aloud and have all guests guess aloud who they think each present belonged to. This always ends up causing lots of laughs and some fun embarrassment. If there isn’t a lot of time have each person take a turn telling everyone what that gift was. (example- A magazine subscription to Weight Watchers from my mother-in-law)

Family Traditions Truth and Lies- Like the game 2 truths and a lie. Have everyone tell EITHER 2 real traditions and 1 fake tradition and have them guess which tradition is a phony….. or 2 fakes and 1 REAL tradition and have them guess the REAL one. Guests can either write them down on a paper putting their name on the paper to be read aloud… or go around in a circle and let each couple share them on their own trying to disguise the answer. This can be a riot and so tricky!!!

Example- If we were playing the 2 Real Traditions and 1 Fake Tradition version… I would write:
1. We wake up to open presents every year before the sun rises.
2. We give our kids a gift that starts with the first letter of their name to open on Christmas Eve.
3. We don’t have stockings, we set out shoes instead for Santa to fill. It’s a Mexican tradition.
The fake tradition is #2

If I Were A Christmas Cookie- Let each person take a turn telling everyone which type of Christmas cookie they would be and WHY! Or which cookie they think their spouse would be and why! (this would be especially fun at the Cookie Exchange party) Example- My husband would be a Mexican Wedding Cookie because he is the palest guy I know with a cute round gut, a little bit nutty…. But so sweet.

Christmas Memories- This isn’t really a game, but is a more organized way to encourage conversation. Each person takes a turn sharing a favorite funny Christmas memory.

Downloads:

For the menu download print it onto 5x7 photo paper (use a Sharpie to write menu on it as it is glossy) or print onto cardstock. Place it next to each placesetting for guests... or lay it across each plate.

For the placecard it works really well if you download the design and then upload it to Costco or Walmart.com and have printed as wallets. The size is perfect as a wallet and the quality is exceptional. Use a Sharpie to write each guests name on it. You could stand it up next to their water glass, or using a pop dot you can attach to an ornament and have next to guests plates.

Party Favor Idea: The recipe cards on Maggie's Blog can be used for the cookie exchange as a party favor. You can make a recipe book by downloading the recipe cards and printing on matte paper, punch two holes on the left side and make a booklet with ribbon or small metal rings. You could also use the recipe cards as a way to label the different appetizers or cookies. Print off the cards below as wallets. Attach them to kabob sticks, toothpicks, coffee stirrers or whatever you can find. Have guests write the name of their dish on the recipe card with a short description, if necessary and stick into the appetizer or dish. There are lots of other cute recipes cards like this one on Maggie's Blog.

Go check out Maggie's original post to grab all the fun, free downloads!

Choconopoly Winner!

Okay... after a RANDOM pick, Katie Wallace has won the Chocolate Monopoly giveaway!

Congrats, Katie!!

Thank you to everyone who participated and posted my button...and thanks for following!

And, hey--I need a little help with ideas for stocking stuffers for my hubby this year? Anybody have any great ideas from past years or what you're planning this year? (my husband will appreciate your input...)

Homemade Christmas: Family Games

Are you planning a homemade Christmas this year?

Here's a great idea from Angie from A Bushel and a Peck. I simply LOVE this woman and her creativity!

This homemade game is basically a combination of Monopoly, Sorry and Trivial Pursuit. She got the idea from this tutorial on Family Fun.

****

Another great homemade family game is Family Yahtzee by Stacey (who we dearly miss in the blogging world) of The Thrifty Chick

The best part about these...they can be played again and again!

They could also easily be adapted for Valentine's Day, a wedding anniversary, or a birthday gift...just in case you don't have time to complete this project before Christmas.

Coming up next week... more Christmas ideas for you!