Posted December 19th, 2009 by Tasha, Bellaziza Columnist
There is nothing that screams homemade Christmas like homemade gift wrapping! I saw this quick little video on HGTV‘s website and just loved this idea! It’s a great way to make a special gift personalized and would even be a fun craft for the kiddos!
So head on over HERE and check out that and other homemade Christmas videos!
Then, top it off with a homemade gift tag from our favorite home maven, Martha Stewart! Super simple and just the right touch!
Don’t you love the hand-made look… but without the look of home made? Something really unique, made with lots of care, great design, and that eye-candy factor that we’re all so drawn to? YES! Hoosier Magnolia’s it and we wanted to show them off a little to those of you who still need some great ideas for the Holidays!!! For more info, check them out at www.HoosierMagnolia.com where you will find their fabulous products as well as a list of stores in which you can find their products. Also, feel free to give them a call personally! Their charm is not limited to their products – owner and designer Michelle is such a sweetheart:)!
Cool fact: Michelle and I both went to MassArt! Small world:)! Take a look at the following images of her gorgeous quilts, mobiles, clothing and everything else and THEN go to HoosierMagnolia.com to see everything up close and personal:)!! Order quickly for Christmas delivery too!!!
SWAG ALERT: One lucky reader is going to take a gorgeous Hoosier Magnolia quilt home! Just tell us what you love about Hoosier Magnolia and we’ll enter you in for a chance to win one in your favorite quilt!!
You know how it works and what to do. This SWAG ALERT will be open until we say so. Good luck to all and have fun with our newest ways to gain EXTRA ENTRIES!!!
Retweet this SWAG ALERT on Twitter (don’t forget the ‘#’ Hashtag!!!) Only once a week though, and you must have at least 100 Twitter followers for it to count.
Get creative and help us promote your Favorite site BellazizasFavorites.com!!! You tell US how you do it (blog, social media, MckLinky’s at relevant sites, etc!!)
Make sure to enter all EXTRAS as a comment on this post or include the #SWAGALERT hashtag so we can track on Twitter!! We always want to make sure that we get all of your entries!
Disclosure: We received a lovely sampling of products for review from
Hoosier Magnolia and are absolutely enjoying them!
Posted December 14th, 2009 by Tasha, Bellaziza Columnist
When I came across this recipe, I just knew it was meant to be shared on Bellaziza’s Favorite Things! I mean, we just love SWAG around here! With all of the Holiday get-togethers, I’m always in need of a tasty new treat to show off. You could also package these up in a pretty tin and it would make a lovely homemade gift!
SWAG BARS
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup light-colored corn syrup, 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) chopped lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts, 3 1/2 cups (4 ounces) whole-grain flaked cereal (such as Total), finely crushed, Cooking spray, 1/3 cup (2 ounces) chopped dark chocolate
Combine first 3 ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes or just until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in peanuts and cereal. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
Place the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until chocolate melts, stirring every 20 seconds. Drizzle chocolate evenly over peanut mixture. Score into 36 bars while warm.
Delicious and easy! Hope you enjoy this delicious SWAG BAR ALERT!
Tasha
Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light January 2009. Photo courtesy
of www.foodphotoblog.com.
So you have discriminating tastes, you say? Want only the best of the best for yourself and your family… stuffed bears included? You’ve simply got to see Steiff!
Steiff of Germany has been making the most luxurious stuffed animals for over 100 years now and are definitely the experts in their field. They carry a broad selection of traditional toys that are of the heirloom quality that every child should be so fortunate to have. They also have a new collection that’s better suited to fit any budget! Perfect for any age and every occasion, be sure to check them out online at SteiffUSA.com for more information and where to buy.
Here it is, no surprise – Our Favorite Baby Toy of 2009! Sophie the Giraffe has been around since 1961 and manufactured in the French Alps with lots of care and with your baby’s safety as the priority right from the beginning. She’s also been photographed with the hottest little celebutots and once we got out hands on one we saw why. Sophie’s adorable, totally safe, squeaks and is the perfect toy for any baby this season… or any other season for that matter! Go see our friends at Magic Beans to purchase ($22.95) or for more info on Sophie and the entire Vulli family of toys. Vive la France and Joyeux Noel!
Posted December 12th, 2009 by Tasha, Bellaziza Columnist
When I found the Imagination Box Company, I knew it was something my boys would just have to have for Christmas! It’s not very often that you find this kind of toy…eco-friendly, creative, American made…does it get any better than that?
The lovely people at the Imagination Box Company sent us the Firehouse Rescue Station. I actually went ahead and gave it to my boys (who can wait for Christmas with something this fun!) so we could try it out and tell all of you lovely people all about it! Let me just say, it was a huge hit! The boys worked together to color and decorate it just right. (Yes, they worked together! It’s a Christmas miracle!) Hours later…let me repeat that…HOURS LATER, they were finished and they haven’t stopped playing with it yet!
The Imagination Box Company has four fun designs to choose from and also sells extra sets of Sargent Art USA Made, Non-Toxic, Washable Watercolors! Oh did I forget to mention, each Imagination Box comes with a free set of the watercolors!! Head on over to www.imaginationboxco.com to order a set (or two!) of your own! For only $24.95, this is a must have gift for your creative little Christmas angel!!
Gather inexpensive supplies — card stock, photos, photo corners, and ribbon– for this easy-to-make card and frame combo. Cut a sheet of card stock in half lengthwise, and tape ends together to make one long piece. Fold every 4 inches. Attach photos with photo corners. Punch a hole in the back for ribbon to wrap around the booklet. Voila! Perfectly pretty homemade gift!
Decorate a box for a CD by punching occasion-appropriate shapes from colored self-adhesive seals and decorative papers. Stick and glue the shapes to the box. Add a few small jewels for a bit of sparkle. Tie the box closed with a ribbon. How easy and fun is that!
Create a personalized, monogrammed gift with a wood letter and and crafts supplies purchased from a craft store. Paint the letter a neutral color, and embellish as you wish with fabric, buttons, ribbons and paper. Get creative and have fun!
Congratulations to Mrs. Cox for her big win of the Polaris Trail Blazer or Trail Princess by Peg Perego! It’s such a fantastic toy and I know her kidlets will have SO much fun on it!!! She won on Twitter! Oh the power of Twitter and the RETWEET! Follow us now for your chance to win like Mrs. Cox did!!!
Stay tuned for more great Favorites and more chances to win them!!!
From the moment I saw this sweet little game, I loved it… but mostly because the box is just so wonderfully designed with its matte finish, bright colors and sturdy construction. Very intentional. I’m one of those people where “you had me at your well-designed packaging” applies more often than not. *sigh* BUT, then I opened it up and Isabella and I started actually PLAYING Chickyboom. Wow! It’s a really wonderful game that we both enjoyed immensely. That was where I really started to love Chickyboom. WE BOTH ENJOYED IT! I love it when that happens… and it’s one of the more not-oftens for sure! A good-time facilitator between kids and adults is always something special. They had me at the packaging, but we fell in love once we opened the box!
Chickyboom is intended for children (and children-at-heart) ages four and up, but Isabella who is three totally loved it and played it multiple times without any problems. She had a blast! (I’m her mommy so of course I think she’s advanced, hehe!) It’s also a recipient of the coveted Oppenheim Best Toy Award and Parents’ Choice Award! For two to four players, it’s a sure hit and something that should be under a lot of trees this season:)!! Check out your local independent toy retailer for your own Chickyboom, or visit our friends at Magic Beans for that and more!
Posted December 9th, 2009 by Tasha, Bellaziza Columnist
The hustle and bustle of the Holidays is enough to make you want to spike your eggnog. Actually, I want to spike my eggnog even on a calm day, but that’s not important right now. What is however, is getting through this season with our heads on straight! Possible? Of course! You can always count on us at Bellazizas Favorites to provide you with the Best of the Best for the Holidays or otherwise. We have shared some of our favorite “stuff” for the 2009 season already, but now let’s turn our focus off of stuff and onto more simple things, shall we? Here is how we are going to simplify the holidays.
A Homemade Christmas!
So in the coming weeks, watch for some of our Favorite handmade crafts, delicious recipes and simple pleasures to indulge in this upcoming Christmas Season! Until then, enjoy this spiked eggnog recipe I found at The Food Network.
Kahlua Eggnog
-2 parts Kahlua
-1 part vodka
-Prepared Eggnog
Pour ingredients over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and/or mint sprig.
From the moment that I laid eyes on the Cella, I was in love. Surely, I thought, these MUST be the coolest blocks ever. If there were such a thing as a block aficionado’s dream, Naef is it!!
They’re not just blocks or puzzles though. They’re all feats of engineering! Every angle and every line is so precise! They are perfection. You can really see this when you start playing with them though. They slip together seamlessly and balance effortlessly. This makes for some pretty amazing play. Click here to take a look at Naef Toy… our first choice, though it was very hard to narrow down!!! Pictured below as one set, it’s even more amazing with a few sets combined!
Did I mention the puzzles? Oooh, the puzzles!!!
One of the things that I love most about Naef Toys is the family interaction that they facilitate. These toys aren’t just for kids! It’s something the whole family can enjoy together… and for a long time, making it worth the investment.
Have someone difficult to shop for on your list this season? You can find Naef Toys everywhere from the desk of Mr. Fortune 500 to your little one’s Montessori classroom, so relax. Give NaefUSA.com a visit and see for yourself!
American Girl dolls have been a lovely and traditional gift for every little girl for a while now. Every little girl should have one, right? We think so! The detail of these dolls is just stunning and they really are made to last.
We recently received Rebecca for review and are so pleased with her not only as a doll, but even more so for her ability to connect with children and teach them about her culture and history. This is the essence of the American Girl collection!
“As a girl growing up in New York City in 1914, Rebecca celebrates treasured traditions passed down through her Russian-Jewish family. With a little creativity, Rebecca learns how to stay true to her heart as she follows her dreams in the big city.”
I love rich cultural heritage and the American Girl dolls capture this so beautifully! There is also a series of books to compliment each of the various dolls and a gorgeous selection of clothing and high quality accessories. So tasteful and a great way to encourage your children to connect with history and tradition, which is a gift in itself.
Check out AmericanGirl.com for more information on Rebecca and the entire American Girl family of dolls!
So you’re looking for the perfect gift for your little artist this holiday season? Look no further than P’kolino! They have the coolest and orange-est easel out there, and it’s totally our Favorite! It’s only $100 too!!! We looked at all of the easels currently available and this one is definitely the best, from its high quality and durability to its lovely design and accessories. It can be used as a chalk board or even a puppet theater too! (Also comes in white)
Want accessories? P’kolino has the BEST! They have an incredible line of crayons, colored pencils and more available that really are worth some excitement all on their own! They’re all very well designed… and what more could you ask from your crayon that to be well designed? Yes. We love the details too.
Don’t forget to take a look at their signature Art Kit that includes a Play Kit to fit perfectly into the easel for useful storage too! We found this great set at Giggle (one of our site sponsors!) where you can get the Play Kit, a roll of paper and a variety of crayons and colored pencils (as seen below) for only $28! That’s a pretty big savings and the perfect addition to your little Van Gogh’s holiday wish list. The Play Bin itself retails at $24, the paper roll at $10 PLUS you get the coolest colored pencils and crayons ever to boot. IT’S A DEAL!!
Very cool. Very chic. Absolutely P’kolino… and absolutely one of our Favorite Things this holiday season!
Posted November 24th, 2009 by Tasha, Bellaziza Columnist
When our Big Eye Dummies came, my first thought was “This is weird and strange and well…dumb!” My boys’ first thoughts, “WOW! This is SO cool! Look! You can change the face around! AWESOME!” So much for what I know.
Big Eye Dummies are a great way to get your kids laughing and being silly. It’s a designer plush toy made with high quality materials and these really cool magnets that hold on the interchangeable eyes and mouth. They come with extra eyes and mouths so there is endless mixing and matching of the face…which, I warn you, leads to fits of silly faces for countless hours!
So much more fun than your average stuffed animal, Big Eye Dummies are sure to make any kid happy. And parents are happy too that they meet American and European Toy Safety Standards! So don’t worry, be happy…Dummy!
SWAG ALERT: We;re giving one lucky reader their very own set of Big Eye Dummies! You know how it works and what to do. This SWAG ALERT will be open until we say so. Good luck to all and have fun with our newest ways to gain EXTRA ENTRIES!!!
Retweet this SWAG ALERT on Twitter (don’t forget the ‘#’ Hashtag!!!) Only once a week though, and you must have at least 100 Twitter followers for it to count.
Get creative and help us promote your Favorite site BellazizasFavorites.com!!! You tell US how you do it (blog, social media, MckLinky’s at relevant sites, etc!!)
Make sure to enter all EXTRAS as a comment on this post or include the #SWAGALERT hashtag so we can track on Twitter!! We always want to make sure that we get all of your entries!
There is nothing that screams homemade Christmas like homemade gift wrapping! I saw this quick little video on HGTV‘s website and just loved this idea! It’s a great way to make a special gift personalized and would even be a fun craft for the kiddos!
Don’t you love the hand-made look… but without the look of home made? Something really unique, made with lots of care, great design, and that eye-candy factor that we’re all so drawn to? YES! Hoosier Magnolia’s it and we wanted to show them off a little to those of you who still need some great ideas for the Holidays!!! For more info, check them out at 
Tasha
