I love the season leading up to Christmas. It’s the only time of year when I make all my favorite cookies, and then they’re gone before I know it! This year, I decided to do a Cookie Exchange. After starting to plan and looking into the details, I thought it might get a little expensive. So I began looking into ways to have a beautiful, fun party… on a budget. continued

One of my favorite traditions with Em has been our Advent Calendar. I made it when she was just one and we’ve been using it for the last couple of years. December is here and so we begin another year of traditions.

I love that she actually remembers her calendar. It’s the first thing we get to do together in the morning. Our calendar is a little boring without toys and candy. But I love it because I made it for her. It’s made of cloth ornaments that are easy for her to grasp, plus they won’t break or make a mess.

I’m sure this is going to change the older she gets. This is probably the last year we can get away without having some kind of chocolate or toy, but for the next 24 days I get to enjoy the excitement each morning brings for all of us.

This post was written for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop, 3.) The first of December is upon us! Describe an Advent Calendar or a special way you count down days until Christmas (past or present). (Inspired by Classy Chaos)

I know a lot of us have really picky eaters. This is the one area of parenting that I have finally given up on. I go with the “she’ll eat when she’s hungry” route. Honestly? This kills me and drives me nuts. Lately, it’s not working and I’m going insane.

My 3 year old eats about 10 things. I don’t even want to share with you what some of those 10 things are in fear you will call CPS. I have tried everything including the “no thank-you bite.” She is stubborn and will sit at the table all night without eating a single bite and goes to bed hungry.

I’m really hoping this will change before baby #2 is here and follows in the same foot steps.

I’ve read just about everything out there. We’ve tried about half of the reasonable suggestions. Do you have a picky eater? What are you tips and tricks?