I am strongly recommending that you gather up your children, select some coloured papers, markers, scissors, glue and a few little decorations and spend the time with them to help them create those special Valentines Day cards.

Here is a helping hand for you – just click on the link or the picture and plan to make memories!

Make Valentines Day Cards

Easy Valentines Day Crafts

Enjoy making these and have a wonderful Valentines Day!

It’s all here for you – just click on the links for pages you need detailed information from and enjoy your special Valentines Day!

How to Plan Your Valentines Day Party

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Valentines Day Centerpieces

How to Choose Your Valentines Day Rose

Best Romantic Movies

Have a wonderful and loving Valentines Day and please send me your comments, suggestions and experiences – your input is very welcomed and much appreciated!

Almost 40 years ago, I made Christmas stockings for my two boys. The older one – Dusan – was just little over 2 years old and the younger one – Daniel was only 6 weeks old at the time. I made the stockings form couple of pieces of red quilted material, trimmed them with white and embroidered their names on it. We hang those stockings up every year – no matter where we are. and as the boys got older, the added tradition was to fill the stockings with little goodies and a large Toblerone bar. And as the years went by, I added stockings for new members of our family, When Dusan got married, “Kara: stocking went up, When Daniel got engaged to Nicole. “Nicole” stocking was added and when Abbie got engaged to Dave, “Dave” stocking was another addition. But the best and greatly cherished addition was the stocking that has “Jax” on it – that one is for Dan and Nicole’s son – our precious grandson Jaxson. And that stocking is about 3 feet long and it fill our hearts with joy to try to fill it for him.

Sounds simple and normal – I know that lots of people do this or something similar. But for all of us, one of the stockings became a very special Christmas memory. Dusan died tragically in a car accident in February 2010 and the first Christmas without him was very, very difficult. But that little tradition of putting all our stockings up became even more important. Dusan’s stocking just had to be with us – it was almost as if he was too.

And now – there is the second Christmas without him – and it is now time to start another tradition. . Last week, Daniel asked me if I would make a stocking for Jaxson, one they can put up in their house – just like I did for him and his brother. That made me feel so very, very good – it meant that the Christmas traditions I started are very special and Daniel wants to make sure they continue. I made a special stocking for Jaxson and added two more – one that says “mommy” and another one that has “Daddy” embroidered on it.

Maybe you want to make a special stocking that will start and very special memory for you – so – I am sharing what I did.

Here is a step by step process of how I made Jaxson’s special Christmas stocking:

1. Instead of making one from scratch, I bought a plain – and large – red and white stocking.

I started with just a plain red and white stocking - it had a little holly already embroidered on it, so that was a bonus that suited my design idea well

2. With a thin marker, I sketched Jacson’s name on to get ready for embroidering it into the top part of the stocking

Marking the letters with a thin marker before embroidering the name helps to make sure the letters are nice and even and still have that handmade touch

3. The special design I wanted to make was to start putting Christmas pictures of Jaxson onto the stocking and adding new ones as he is growing up. So far – I had two of them and the way I did it was to create fabric transfers that I could put a nice simple border around and attach them to the stocking. Making your own fabric transfers is not difficult – you will need transfer sheet you can buy at any store that sells office supplies and follow directions on the package.

Transferring pictures onto a plain white piece of fabric was easy, using readily available transfer papers and a hot iron

4. Once I peeled the transfer paper off my pictures, I trimmed the shapes about 1/2″ from the edges and clipped out little notches, getting ready to edge and “frame the pictures, before attaching them to the stocking

Cutting out little notches in the fabric helps when you need to fold the fabric to edge the picture - it won't bunch up on you. I trimmed the picture with a crochet ribbon - easy to make from a pure white material that has a gold tread in it.

5. I decided to add a pretty trim to the stocking, between the white and red part – again just a simple crochet from fun material that is easily purchased from a craft store. You can buy ready made trim of your choice and tack it on with either small stitches or fabric glue.

There are a lot of fun materials you can work with available - the one I used here is a yarn made of different colour little balls with pieces of yarn in between. As you work with it, the balls become connected - fun!

6. And then I attached Jaxson’s pictures to the stocking:

You will need to put a piece of cardboard into the stocking as you are attaching the pictures to make sure your stitches don't catch the back of the stocking. My special stocking now has Jaxson's first and second Christmas - and next year, I will be attaching Christmas #3 for him.

7. Here is what the stocking looks like when completed – with hopes of lots of special memories to come!

One of a kind special stocking for my grandson - with hopes of many special memories to come

8. And here are the two additions to Jaxson’s special stocking :

"Mommy" and "Daddy" stockings - because they deserve the special little goodies that Jaxson can put it for them - I know they have been very very good!

I hope my personal story will inspire you to take a little time and start creating your very own special Christmas memories.

Please send me your comments, suggestions, experiences and pictures – I love sharing with everyone and hope that you do as well!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

You can make your very own Christmas stockings and add a special touch to each one. Use them to decorate with, fill with treats and give as gifts!

Here is a really cute idea! You can easily turn woolen socks into one of a kind Christmas stockings – imagine hanging them on your mantel or accenting your armoire with them.

All you have to do is find the woolen stockings you like, and think how you can complement their look. Adding flannel patches, pieces of wool materials, trims, buttons, bells or a fringe will make these your very own. Most items can be stitched on by using a darning needle and narrow ribbon, yarn or cotton.

Adding a name is easy as well – here are 3 easy steps for you:

Insert a cardboard liner cut slightly larger than the sock, into the sock before decorating. THe liner will prevent stitching chatching the back of the sock

Stitvh letter, using yearn and back stitches - it may be a good idea to mark your letter on the sock first - easier to keep them the same size

Knot a loop of ribbon through top of sock for a hanger. You can put small treats into your sock or stuff it with a tissue paper or polyester fiberfill if you are using it for a decor.

And here is a very cute idea – making stocking for your four-legged friends and filling them with some treats!

treat your pets this Christmas as well - they know they have been good!

Hope you will enjoy making your own Christmas stockings – please send me your comments, suggestion and experiences – and pictures – your input is very welcomed and much appreciated!

First – go through your Christmas decorations and pick pieces that you would like to have on your wreath – set them aside. Then – venture out into your local store (Walmart will do nicely and you will save a few bucks too) and buy a plain artificial wreath and a basic set of mini lights if you want to light up your wreath. The alternative is taking a walk a picking up evergreen branches and then making a really nice, natural wreath – I am actually thinking about doing that.

Then sit down with all your stuff and start creating your very own wreath! And do not worry or get discouraged – remember that if you are not happy with what you are doing – just change it!

Wreaths can be embellished to achieve a variety of looks. You can add ribbons, ornaments, floral materials – anything that will reflect your personal style and add to the theme of your home Christmas decor.Artificial evergreen wreaths are very easy to decorate – you just simply twist the branches around each item to secure them – or use floral wire or hot glue to do that.

Start with using one item at a time, spacing them evenly around the wreath to achieve a balanced look. Add the large items first and fill any bare spaces with smaller ones. Secure items at  the surface as well as closer to inside of your wreath – that is to achieve a sense of depth.

And if you are going to put mini lights on – put them on first, light them and work your other items around them – you will be able to see better what the final result will be.

Here are a few ideas for you:

Artificial evergreen garland is wrapped around a grapevine wreath. A natural look is created by adding birch bark and twig birdhouses, artificial birds and stems of rose hips.

Santa's elf wreath is created by wiring a small elf (or choose another of your liking) figurine to this wreath, creating a focal point. Dried fruit slices, cinnamon sticks and paper twist are added to give this wreath a nice country look

Create this elegant wreath by first attaching a gold wire mesh bow to the top and then adding metal ornaments. This wreath works very well with the addition of mini lights.

Village house becomes the focal point on this wreath. Additional springs of greenery, cones and berries add texture and fullness. For the snowy effect, spray artificial snow over polyester fiberfill

I think these are beautiful wreaths and consider this: if you are still thinking about how to decorate your tree – extend the wreath decorating ideas  - they could be easily applied to that task!

Hope you have enjoyed this information, please send in your comments, suggestions and experiences – and pictures as well! – your input is very welcomed and much appreciated!

Let me tell you a little bit about some of the products.

First - The Recipes in a Jar – it is a group of products that I am very proud of. Mainly because I am so very comfortable that everyone will love them. I have been told many, many times that I make wicked Chili, the best ever Butter tarts, very popular and frequently sought after Chocolate Chip Cookies, great Soups and even my two and half year old grandson checks with me every single time if I am bringing him Muffins.

Each one of these products is now packaged either in a glass jar or a nice gift bag, with a folder that includes the recipe and step-by-step directions. And you can check out all the products in the Mama Knows Online Store

Mama Knows Good Old Fashioned Chili - this jar contains 5 different kinds of beans and my very own premised spices and seasonings. It will make over 20 servings and is great to freeze.

Good Old Fashioned Chili in a Bag - same content as in the jar and of course - every product comes with a special folder with recipe and step by step directions

I have also created Gift Baskets – from the ones filled with cookies and chocolates, to one for the person that likes to bake (that one has a gift bag with my very own Chocolate Chip Cookies mix included) to a special one for the dog lover and another one for the Pasta Lover

Hope this give you a few ideas as to how you can make your very own special Christmas Gifts – and if you want to make it easy on yourself – you can just visit my online store and buy them from me!

For the baker on your list - festive cookie container filled with Betty Crocker utensils and my very own Chocolate Chip Cookie mix

For the Dog Lover - Ceramic food dish, filled with doggie goodies, including a frisbee and treats.

Perfect for you to share with others - whether they are your co-workers or employees or friends. Pretty festive red bowl filled with selections of cookies. chocolates. herbal teas, hot chocolate and candies

Great selection of items that will delight pasta lover on your list - all packaged in a white colander and of course - beautifully wrapped

There is a whole lot more items in the Mama-Knows online store – check them out today!

You most probably have a glass bowl already, so think about filling it with various sizes of pumpkins and colourful gourds – definitely not difficult and not expensive at all. But it does look great and I am sure it will add a special touch to any table

Do you have children’s table to set up? What a great idea this is – just get some colouring placemats. decorate a napkin paper ring and a crayon pouch with Thanksgiving theme pictures (you can use stickers you buy at your local discount store) and you will have something that will keep the kids occupied!

I love the simplicity of this setting and the use of colour. Adding a little pumpkin adds just the right accent and the moss green colour is very effective in contrast. matching the potted, simple centerpieces.

How adorable is this centerpiece? And all it will take is a pumpkin – fresh or a plastic one can be used here. Collecting some branches outside and adding colourful leaves, little birds and a cute little bird house can be very easy and very inexpensive. i have seen all these items in our local dollar store – and this is the centerpiece I am definitely going to make! I would recommend placing a florist foam into the pumpkin first and securing all decoration in that way.

Again  – simplicity is what makes this decoration effective. Most items used can be gathered outside – why not take your kids out for a nature walk and make several of these beautiful decorations together?

One of my favourites – using different heights and colours of pillar style candles – especially adding a metallic one, nestled on a bed of fall leaves, along with a few colourful gourds will make a centerpiece all your guests will admire! And think about using this concept for your Christmas table – it would be very easy to replace the leaves with pine branches, add some pine cones and colourful Christmas balls or bells…. are you thinking?

Warm and very friendly – that is what I would call this design. Love the round wicker place mat under the plate – think about how well this would work if you are using disposable plates! The leaves could also be replaced with ones you could gather outside, or you could purchase silk leave garlands or arrangements at your local craft store and remove individual leaves. The candle holders are great – and definitely easy and inexpensive!

Hope you have enjoyed this information – please send me your comments. suggestions and experiences – and pictures of your holiday table settings! Your input is always very welcomed and much appreciated!

After years of thinking about doing what I do best, I have finally launched Mama Knows product line – in my very own online store! I can hardly sleep now – it’s like having another child!

All the products have my personal name on them – all have been developed and well tested personally by me and I do believe they make incredible gifts!

Check out the Recipes in a Jar - absolutely perfect for trying them yourself and adding them to your gift list:

Good Old Fashioned Chili

Good Old Fashioned Chili in a Jar - complete with step by step instructions and attractively packaged in a re-usable jar - perfect gift idea!

Five different kinds of bean, my secret spice and seasoning mix in a separate pouch and the result? Awesome and huge pot of chili you can easily freeze for future use.

Also available in a gift bag!

Ready to use for yourself and your family and friends or add to your Christmas list for just about anyone - perfect gift like no other!

Friendship Soup

The name says it all - this good for you gift will make a huge pot of soup, ready to share with family and friends. You just have to add it to your Christmas gift list for all your friends!

One of my favourite soups – and I took my own recipe to create one that can be packaged in a jar or a bag and readily made with very little effort! Good for you ingredients include 2 different kinds of lentils, split peas, wite rice, brown and wild rice, 2 different pasta and of course – my very own secret mix of spices and seasonings. You will also get a recipe and step by step instructions folder – it’s just a perfect gift!

Friendship Soup is also available in a gift bag:

Perfect for all your friends on your Christmas Gift list or to use yourself and share it!

Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies

A definite favourite - this recipe has been in my family for ages - and I couldn't even tell you just how many cookies I have made! I am pretty sure you will not be disappointed if you give it a try or gift it to your family and friends

If I was to try to count just how many times and how many Chocolate Chip Cookies I have made using this recipe, I know I would end up and at least four-digit numbers! You really need to try these and add them to your Christmas Gift List!

Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies are also available in a gift bag package;

Definite favourite for anyone - try there or gift them - you will not be disappointed !

Best Ever Butter Tarts:

You will be able to make your own pastry and fill it with a wonderful butter tart filling, complete with raisins! Definite and delicious baked goodness!

I calls these The Best Ever Butter Tarts – I have made them thousands of time and always with no fail result! So I decided to share and created a recipe that can be packaged in a jar or a bag – and that is what you will get! Complete with recipe and step by step folder (pastry is really not difficult to make at all!) – there is no perfect gift like this one is!

And yes – it is also available in a gift bag package – check out my online store today!

Have a wonderful time browsing in my store – you will find not only the Recipes in a Jar line – you will also find handmade unique gifts – all designed and made by me! And keep checking it out and returning regularly- I have another line of products that will show up there within the next few days!

Guide to the Perfect Pumpkin

And selecting the perfect design is not always easy – I have done some research for you and picked the 10 designs I really liked – None of them look too difficult to create and you can always find the website I have listed, most of them have complete instructions with templates to make your Halloween pumpkin carving easy and fun. Here are my favourites:

1. 

Traditional pumpkin design may be the best one for you to start with if you are looking for easy, traditional look

This design with more information comes from My Lot website- and there is a lot more on there for you to explore!

2.

Easy and cute kitty face - definitely easy to carve and delight for kids!

From The Taste of Home website – always great information that is easy to follow

3.

This design doesn't look too difficult to execute and I believe it would get trick or treaters attention!

The website where you can find this and other scary and bizarre designs is:  Bizarre and Weird

4.

Just have to have some witching presence in your Halloween - this one is really nice and doesn't look too difficult to make

More designs and very nicely written directions are on Women’s Day website

5.

If you are going to go for ghosts, you might as well make it a cute one!

Definitely one of my favourite and at the top of my list for this year – you can find information about this design on Family Fun website

6.

How about a real scary face - make sure you pick a tall pumpkin for this one!

This scary pumpkin face with instruction can be found on She Knows website

7.

Why not wish everyone Happy Halloween? This is puts a smile on your face, doesn't it?

Looks like you need a good sharp knife to make this pumpkin – but you can check out instructions on Free Stuff website and decide if you are up to this one

8.

What an awesome design - this one is another one I really love to try this year - don't you?

Great website with tons of Halloween ideas and instruction: Celebrating Halloween

9.

Talk about attention getter ! If you make this one - please send me your photos

You can find this and other very interesting ideas on: How Did I Do It? website

10.

Always a website that offers lots of great information - Kraft Canada - Check out their Halloween Centre

Check out Kraft Canada’s website for tons of Halloween information

Hope you have a wonderful Halloween and please send me your comments and suggestions anytime! If possible, I would love to get photos of your creations – your input is always welcomed and very much appreciated!

]]> http://www.mama-knows.com/featured-articles/10-best-pumpkin-carving-ideas.html/feed 0 http://www.mama-knows.com/featured-articles/best-halloween-ideas.html http://www.mama-knows.com/featured-articles/best-halloween-ideas.html#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:25:06 +0000 Hanna Trafford http://www.mama-knows.com/?p=6422 I love this time of year! For me – it is always been so much fun decorating the house, making costumes, watching the little ones run around collecting goodies – it is a happy time for sure!

And you are probably surfing the net to find the best ideas for your Halloween celebrations – it can take time and energy – so I decided to lend a helping hand and give you a variety of Halloween ideas and tips all in one place! From being able to tell your kids what Halloween is to making your own costumes, creating the perfect Halloween treats to decorating on a budget:

Thinking about planning a party?

Check out:

Party Planning Tips

Best Halloween Tips

Halloween Party Planning Tips

Wondering about decorations that wouldn’t cost you arm and a leg?

Here are some ideas:

My Decorations on a Budget

Easy Halloween Decorations

What do you tell your kids when they ask you what Halloween is?

 Here is your answer:

All About Halloween

Oh yes – costumes! Want to make some for your kids?

Take a look at:

Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids

What about adult costumes? Or tips on how to win a Halloween contest?

Easy Adult Halloween Costumes

10 Easy Halloween Costumes

How to Win Halloween Costume Contest

And let’s not forget fun food:

Fun Halloween Snacks

Everybody wants to have the perfect pumpkin!

Check out these tips on how to make sure yours is perfect:

Guide to the Perfect Halloween Pumpkin

Hope this will make your Halloween planning easier – please send in your comments, suggestions and experiences – your input is welcomed and very much appreciated!