by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 19, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Holidays are usually steeped in tradition. From the songs sung to the food prepared, when it comes to Christmas, people default to the past. However the decorating of the tree poses an opportunity to set aside boring strings of popcorn and let your creative Christmas spirit shine. Ref. egotvonline.com, homeklondike.com
Mountain Dew Tree
Santa Tree
Here at Lakeside our tree is a little on the non-traditional side too
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 14, 2011 at 3:20 pm
According to a poll, what percentage of American adults say they cannot name all of Santa’s reindeer? The answer is in the comments section below. In case you fall into that percentage, here they are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner (also spelled Dunder & Donder) Blitzen and Rudolph.
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 12, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Today we are counting down our 13 favorite Christmas movies (1 for each night starting tonight through Christmas Eve). While you watch a kid shoot his eye out <#1> and an angel get his wings <#2>, nosh on some homemade popcorn (because roasting chestnuts over a fire may be fun to sing about, but a real pain to execute).
13. Holiday Inn
12. The Polar Express
11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas
9. Miracle on 34th Street
8. Love Actually
7. Home Alone
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
5. White Christmas
4. The Muppet Christmas Carol
3. Elf
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
1. A Christmas Story
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 9, 2011 at 3:05 pm
You have decked your halls and de-mothballed your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, but now it’s time to get your gadgets into the holiday spirit. Check out these awesome apps for your phone/tablet.
Christmas HD by DUALBOOT GAMES (for Android devises):
This is one of the most remarkably awesome live wallpapers I have seen. This live wallpaper sets a background to your phone/tablet of a cozy home fully decorated for Christmas. The top features are a real-time countdown calendar to Christmas (16 days), customizable stockings over the fireplace, and a personalized picture on the mantel.
Angry Birds Season– Wreck the Halls by ROVIO MOBILE LTD. (Android & iOS)
Using a slingshot to fling surly fowls into unsuspecting pigs may not seem very holiday-like …that is unless this activity is set against a snowy background. Angry Birds Season is a holiday version of the wildly popular Angry Birds game. On Android this game is free, it’s $0.99 on iOS.
Christmas Ringtones – (Android & iOS)
There are a variety of holiday ringtone apps available for free if you search the market for ‘free Christmas ringtones.’ This is simply a fun app to have for the holidays. Pick your favorite tune; just be mindful of regular cell phone ringer etiquette. A regular ring in the middle of a major board meeting makes a bad impression, now imagine Dominick the Donkey.
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 7, 2011 at 7:50 am
Yesterday on Facebook we asked what’s the best winter/holiday drink? People commented some great ideas: hot apple cider, hot chocolate, eggnog (and some variations with a little extra spirit). Inspired by the creativity of all the Facebook comments, here are some other ideas for holiday beverages courtesy of marthastewart.com.
Cranberry Sparkler Ingredients
• 1 1/2 ounces Blackberry Puree
• 2 ounces white cranberry juice
• 2 to 3 ounces sparkling water
• 1 sprig mint, for garnish Directions
1. Place blackberry puree and cranberry juice in a champagne flute. Add sparkling water to fill. Garnish with mint.
Apple-Ginger Sparklers Ingredients
• 1/4 cup Ginger Syrup
• 4 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 6 pieces crystallized ginger Directions
1. Place 2 tablespoons ginger syrup in each of six glasses. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in cider, and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger, and serve.
Sparkling Cider and Cara Cara Orange Punch Ingredients
• 1/4 cup crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 lemon wedge
• 6 cups freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice (from about 14 oranges), or substitute regular oranges
• 2 bottles nonalcoholic sparkling cider, chilled
• 1 cup Calvados (optional)
• Candied Citrus Peels, omitting final sugaring for garnish Directions
1. Grind ginger to a fine powder in a spice grinder, then mix with sugar in a shallow dish. Rub lemon wedge on rims of 12 glasses, then dip rims in ginger-sugar mixture.
2. Mix orange juice and cider, and Calvados if using, in a large punch bowl. Serve with ice, and garnish with candied citrus.
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 5, 2011 at 10:45 am
One of the cutest and coziest fashion trends this winter are moccasin slippers. Kids, teens and adults are all donning this perfect footwear for lounging around the house. These warm and comfy slippers look great with jeans, leggings or PJ pants. Check out these 3 great patterns; Fuchsia, Black Nordic and Gray.
by Kimberly Kraft, posted December 2, 2011 at 8:57 am
Did you know some of Lakeside Collection’s best products are not in the catalog? Today I will feature one such hidden gem, Dark Chocolate Wine Sticks. These delectable candies are made with a soft center that embodies the essence of the wine flavor, though the alcohol has been cooked off. This sweet indulgence is the perfect post-dinner treat whether it’s accenting ice cream or being paired with coffee.
Choose from Cabernet, Champagne or Port flavors. Right now these secret products are on special for just $4.95 (save 50%). For the holidays, Dark Chocolate Wine Sticks make a wonderfully unique present for wine aficionados and candy lovers alike.
