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Christmas Book Gift Suggestions Part 2

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment

 In this delightful Christmas Mouse story, SANTA MOUSE FINDS A FURRY FRIEND written by Michael Brown and illustrated by Robert McPhillips, Santa’s littlest helper helps bring a lost kitten home on Christmas Eve (Little Simon).

The idea for writing the Santa Mouse stories came to Michael Brown (1920–2014) while holding a piece of children’s pajama fabric featuring a tiny Christmas mouse. He went to work creating the character that was to become Santa’s little helper and the brand was created in 1966. This newly discovered holiday picture book is the perfect addition to the well-known and beloved brand.

MORE SANTA MOUSE:

Santa Mouse Makes a Christmas Wish  by Michael Brown

October 5, 2021 | ISBN: 9781534437999 | Little Simon | Ages 3-7

Santa Mouse searches for his true Christmas talent in Santa’s workshop in this magical 8×8 storybook about finding your own special way to celebrate the holiday.

Santa Mouse, Where Are You? by Michael Brown

October 26, 2021 | ISBN: 9781534438026 | Little Simon | Ages 4-8

Santa’s littlest helper gets lost and must find his way back to Santa’s sleigh in time to save Christmas in this delightful holiday picture book.

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Holiday Fantasy

Written and Illustrated by Todd Lockwood

From renowned fantasy illustrator and bestselling author Todd Lockwood comes a holiday picture book that brings young readers a new and magical Christmastime adventure! The timeless Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is brought to life through Lockwood’s vibrant and spirited artistic hand. 

Holidays All Year

By: Neil Goldberg & Niko Nickolaou

Illustrated by: John Kelly

Best friends POMP, SNOW, and CIRQUEumstance wrap up Christmas and prepare for more holidays around the world. They study the calendar and learn about different holidays (New Year’s, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Easter, Ramadan, Independence Day, Halloween, Diwali Festival of Lights, and Christmas), as they set out to brighten holidays all year.

MINDFUL WITH ME: Connecting with Your Child Through Daily Mindfulness
By Sarah Dennehy, M.Ed. Collective Book Studio
September 2024
ISBN: 9781685556785
Softcover/$19.95

n today’s fast-paced world, parents are always seeking meaningful ways to connect with their children and cherish the beautiful moments of their lives. Sarah Dennehy’s new book, Mindful with Me, makes this connection not only possible but also easy and fun. With simple mindfulness practices that take just minutes a day, parents and children can feel calmer, happier, and more focused together.

Mindful with Me introduces a variety of engaging activities such as alligator breathing, volcano jumps, sensory walks, and bedtime wind-downs. These activities encourage parents and children to move, breathe, relax, and create together, fostering a deeper connection and enhancing overall well-being.

Mindful with Me is an invaluable tool not just for parents but also for caregivers, teachers, and anyone who lives or works with children. By practicing mindfulness together for just a few minutes each day, children can learn to self-regulate, manage big emotions, and build stronger connections with their parents. The book features over 55 age-appropriate mindfulness activities with easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that families can start their mindfulness journey right away.

Through Mindful with Me, parents and children will discover new ways to connect deeply, feel less stressed, and cope more effectively with life’s challenges. Dive into the world of mindfulness with your child and create moments of joy and tranquility that will last a lifetime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Image

Sarah Dennehy, M.Ed., began her mindfulness practice while working as a behavioral specialist one-on-one with parents and in schools. Seeking new effective ways to help young clients deal with stress and anxiety, Sarah earned teaching certifications for children’s yoga and mindfulness. Sarah then founded The Mindful Space (createamindfulspace.com), which offers mindfulness classes and training for kids, parents, teachers, and therapists. She’s also a program director for a nonprofit that provides trauma-informed mindfulness in schools. Sarah lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Eric.

The Collective Book Studio, a woman-owned, independent press based in Oakland, CA, publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com.

*Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature for the holidays. Information and images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

New Pre-Disney Park Ride at Santa’s Village, Historic Ride Reimagined B Monorail

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment

First Ever Suspended Mountain Bike Ride Opens at SkyPark at Santa’s Village

SkyPark at Santa’s Village theme park, today announces the opening of its newest ride and attraction; The B Rail, a first-of-its-kind self-powered single-rider mountain bike suspended above the park on the historic 62-year-old “Bumble Bee Monorail” line. The unique ride is designed to give park guests the feeling of riding an actual bike high above the park  in the San Bernardino Mountains.

“We’re in the business of bringing family and friends together,” says Bill Johnson, the ride’s lead creator and park co-owner. “For the first time in many years, the famous monorail track at Santa’s Village is alive again. As a kid, I worked on the monorail ride, and as a grown-up, I’ve had the honor of re-imagining it and bringing it into this timeline. Like every part of restoring and reimagining this historic theme park, it’s been a lot of work and an absolute dream come true.”

The Park’s History

The Santa’s Village park itself dates back to 1955, (opening six weeks before Disneyland), a charming roadside destination where guests could enjoy fairytale characters and carnival-style rides. The original Bumble Bee Monorail was built in 1961 by American Crane & Hoist, (for $27,000) and was also a test-bed for the larger suspended monorail for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The original cars were 3 phase electric black and yellow striped bees, with bulging eyes, and also flapping wings, which were later removed for clearance issues.

After four decades, Santa’s Village closed in 1998. The forgotten park sat abandoned for nearly twenty years. This created a lost landscape of theft and vandalism where most, and in some cases, like with the monorail, all of the electrical infrastructure was stolen for its high value of copper. 

In 2014, Bill and Michelle Johnson, a local husband and wife real estate and design team, purchased the park, refurbished everything, added a world-class mountain bike park, and reopened it as SkyPark at Santa’s Village. Since then, the park has drawn in a whole new generation of children and adults, looking for camaraderie and adventure in the mountains.

The B Rail Ride Development

“We wanted to give guests a bee’s eye view of the park,” says Bill Johnson, Co-Owner of the park and General Manager. “We knew the days of high powered electric rides were futile and a self powered coaster style ride is what the Park needed.  “The B Rail” rolls high above the park as if you are flying on a bicycle. And there isn’t much to separate them from the feeling of actual flight. It’s a very open ride that’s unlike anything else out there. You pedal the ride and are able to choose your level of speed, just like riding a bike.”

“When we bought the park, we knew we had to keep the original monorail track,” says Bill. “It was an iconic part of the park’s identity, plus, it was still in good condition and we wanted to make something special with the ride infrastructure.” Bill developed the ride with a long time friend Mat Caracaburu, who runs a successful fabrication business Milling and Turning Tech. And, eventually sources out the reproduction and detail design work to Carter Read at CJ Read Engineering. “Even though it’s pedal powered, we consider this a thrill-ride as you control the speed at 40 feet above the ground. There’s no ride car to encase you, and you really do feel like you’re flying on a bicycle. There will also be a timed lap component, coming soon, so you can “race” your friends and your own best time.”

“The monorail bike component  is hand built by Fat Chance Bicycles, as well as a group of industry folks, including KS Suspension, who wanted to help bring an eco-concept to the thrill ride/themed park industry. The ride has been thoroughly tested and adapted to enhance public safety and approved by the Department of Industrial Relations, like other rollercoasters or other amusement rides found at California theme parks.”

In honor of the original ride, one of the black and yellow Bee Monorail cars has been lovingly restored and mounted in front of the Sky Trading Company, where guests can sit in it for photo opportunities.

The B Rail Ride Details

– 1,000ft of Monorail I beam track, just short of the distance of your high school track.

– 2 to 4 Minute ride time, depending on how fast the rider pedals.

– The height varies as high as 40 feet above ground. Spectacular view, “flying” over the park.

– Single rider at a time with the idea of a two seater in development.

– Riders must weigh be between 75 lbs – 265 lbs and between 5’0″ – 6’7″tall.

Ride Requirements: The B Rail is an open concept rider-powered thrill ride, where solo riders are suspended, seated atop a mountain bike. The monorail track varies upwards to 40 feet above the ground. Riders must be 56 inches tall and a minimum weight of 65 pounds.. Riders must be willing and able to complete the entire ride safely while sitting upright and pedaling with both feet.

For park tickets, visit: https://skyparksantasvillage.com

About SkyPark at Santa’s Village

SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an outdoor adventure park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, and open-air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead, California. The park resides on 230 expansive acres of natural forest with meadowlands, ponds, and an apple orchard. The village is the core of SkyPark, which includes historic log cabin restaurants and shops, seasonal entertainment, and open-air activities. SkyPark’s year-round mountain bike trails, hiking trails, fly-fishing, archery, seasonal ice skating or roller skating, rock climbing, and more are available to the public for the price of admission.  The park is located atop of the San Bernardino Mountains at 6,000 feet in elevation.  So, check the weather conditions prior to your arrival, it is recommended to dress in layers for unexpected outdoor temperature.

Credit: SkyPark at Santa’s Village.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Christmas Book Gift Suggestions

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment
I love this!

A Book Lover’s Boxby Workman Publishing, Illustrated by Louise Pretzel ( $35.00; ISBN 9781523527588)

Celebrate the joy of reading with this stationery box specially designed for book lovers. 

Victoriana Dogs

Cynthia Hart’s Victoriana Dogs: The Sticker Bookby Cynthia Hart;( $17.00; ISBN 9781523526154)

A curated collection of 300 stickers, featuring vintage dogs from the Victorian era, Cynthia Hart’s Victoriana Dogs: The Sticker Book is an ode to the joy dogs have brought since the 19th century. 

Cynthia Hart’s Victoriana Dogs: 12 Wrapping Papers and Gift Tagsby Cynthia Hart; ( $19.99; ISBN 9781523526161)

Featuring 12 perforated gift tags and 12 gorgeously illustrated sheets of wrapping paper that fold out to 18 7/8’ x 25 3/4’, make your gifts stand out with this elegant wrapping.

Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

The Stress Resets Deck by Jennifer L. Taitz, PsyD, ABPP ( $18.99; ISBN  9781523523344)

Adapted from her Stress Resets book, clincial psychologist, Dr. Jennifer L. Taitz provides readers with scientifically based exercises to manage stress. Using strategies backed by research, each card features a WHEN/HOW/WHY format making it easy to flip through and find relief. This full color card deck is perfect for anxious readers, helping reset the mind, body, behavior, and promote healthy habits.

Homebody: 12 DIY Posters to Decorate Your Happy Place by Amanda Jane Jones ($19.99; ISBN 9781523529452) From award-winning Kinfolk founding art director, Amanda Jane Jones, this curated collection of DIY typographic posters celebrates the joys of staying at home.

The next two box sets are perfect for parents!

The Montessori Family Collection (Boxed Set) by Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike ($65.00; ISBN 9781523528066) Give the gift of Montessori with the complete collection of the bestselling series that shows parents how to use the principles of Montessori to raise independent, curious, and compassionate kids. The perfect gift for new families, no matter what the occasion, brings together three bestselling books that show parents how to bring the principles of Montessori home.

There Are Moms and Dads Way Worse Than You (Boxed Set) by Glenn Boozan illus. by Priscilla White ( $30.00; ISBN 9781523527823)

In this New York Times bestselling humor gift book for parents who need a laugh, you can now enjoy both books in one boxed set! Each book in Glenn Boozan’s viral and bestselling gift book series is filled with rhyming couplets that highlight bad moms from the animal kingdom or notoriously bad dads in history and pop culture.

By Tim Button, Illustrated by Ana Martín Larranaga

Find out who giggles and who doesn’t in this playful book that ends with a delightful, giggly surprise!

Hi Lion, are you giggly?
How about you, Zebra? Are you giggly?

Young readers find out who giggles and who doesn’t in this fun, playful board book. Bright illustrations by Ana Larrañaga introduce readers to a collection of African animals and the sounds they make. When they get to the novelty mirror in the back of the book, children will be delighted to discover the giggliest creature of all: themselves!

Gray Fox in the Moonlight
By Isaac Peterson

Gray Fox wanders alone in the forest at night. The woods are illuminated in the silvery light of the full moon and stars. She gazes around in wonder at the light in the birch grove and stops to look at her reflection in the river. But something calls to her in her reverie. She must return to her den by dawn to care for her kits when they wake.

With simple poetry young children will love, Gray Fox in the Moonlight is a journey through a nighttime wonderland that celebrates the love between parents and children. Simple two-color illustrations overflow with light in this evergreen story that illustrates the value of independence in the parental relationship as well as the powerful bond which calls us home from wandering. Gray Fox in the Moonlight revels in the profound beauty of nature.

I Hope You Will Know
By Jaren Ahlmann, Illustrated by Pete Olczyk

… as you wonder and marvel and grow,
There are some things in life that I hope you will know …

So begins a love letter from an unnamed narrator to their dearest one. Rhyming couplets peppered with metaphor offer readers thirteen heart-felt and admirable credos, together presenting a guide for a life well lived.

These collected words of wisdom express the narrator’s deepest wishes for their cherished one as they step into their future, perhaps most importantly that they are loved unconditionally. This joyfully illustrated and artfully designed package may be shared with a loved one of any age to complement life’s milestone moments and holidays.

*Self Disclosure: I received the above books to feature for the holidays. Images and information were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Holiday Toy Gift Suggestions

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Yes, it is that time of the year again! Time for holiday shopping for the kids! Here are some of my favorite gift suggestions!

 HUGG-A-PLANET

The best educational toys for kids are fun, stimulating and engaging. HUGG-A-PLANET is the socially responsible toy company dedicated to changing the world one kids toy at a time. The award-winning pillow globe introduces the world to children in a holistic and engaging way, combining fun, learning and eco-consciousness.

The huggable globes are printed with over 600 places of interest, including countries, continents, oceans, islands, states, and political boundaries, offering a gentle introduction to geography for even the youngest learners.

Designed as both a soft pillow and an educational tool, HUGG-A-PLANET is made from 100% cotton and printed with non-toxic inks.

The globe comes in three sizes (6″ Baby HUGG-A-PLANET, 12″ Classic Earth, and 24″ Super HUGG-A-PLANET) and are also available in Rattle Baby HUGG-A-PLANET, HUGG-A-Mars, and a 12” Pocket Earth version which includes a velcro pocket holding a mini HUGG-A-Moon.

My favorite is the HUGG-A-Mars and the mini Hugg-A-Moon.

Find them at https://www.huggaplanet.com/

 the NickWatch! 

 NickWatch is like nothing else out there for kids AND parents. It engages children’s imagination and encourages physical activity! Kids can run through the sewer tunnels with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, learn Morse code with Lincoln Loud and practice balance with SpongeBob SquarePants.

But it’s not just about fun: it’s also super practical for both kids and their caregivers.

Kids get to explore their world safely with GPS tracking and geo-fencing, while still staying connected through voice calls, texts, and voice messages. And it’s packed with games and activities that get them moving and having a blast.

Seriously, there’s nothing like NickWatch on the market right now. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and safety, and it’s available at Walmart.com for $119 (down from $159) plus subscription ($7.95 USD/month with a one-year commitment or $12.95/USD without the commitment) 

Taco vs Burrito ($19.99)

Kid-Created, Family Approved: The $20 Game That Everyone’s Talking About!

Looking for a game that’s not only kid-created but loved by adults, too? Taco vs Burrito  is exactly that— the perfect addition to your next game night lineup that the entire family is sure to enjoy. Developed by 7-year-old Alex, this food-fight-inspired card concept has taken the game world by storm, catering to the game needs of both kids and grown-ups.

This one is so much fun! The product makes for the perfect holiday gift, activity, and family game night bonus.

I love that it is fun but simple for kids and adults will enjoy it too!

Stratego Classic (Jumbo Play)

The iconic game of Stratego is back with a fresh new take from Jumbo Play, perfect for a new generation of players! While staying true to its classic roots, this updated version introduces innovative battle cards, female soldiers, and a budget-friendly price! So plan your campaign, secretly deploy your forces, then engage in battle!

(MSRP $19.99; Ages 8+; Available exclusively at Target)

Cake-N-Bake Challenge (Hey Buddy Hey Pal)

 Cake-N-Bake Challenge brings cooking show excitement to your home. This fast-paced, color-matching, cake-building game (now with new group play cards, new packaging and a lower price point) where the fastest baker wins! Using foam cake slices and icing cards, stack your cake correctly and watch out for Special Recipe Cards like the One-Hand Card or Candle Thief Card. Follow Group Challenge Cards together. Be the first to collect six candle cards to win the game – fun for all ages!

(MSRP $19.99; Ages 4+; Available on Amazon)

PLAYMOBIL 50th Anniversary Knight

We’re celebrating a birthday, and you’re invited! PLAYMOBIL turns 50 and this special occasion deserves a grand celebration. Since 1974, PLAYMOBIL figures have been delighting children worldwide, inspiring many imaginative adventures. The exclusive PLAYMOBIL Anniversary Knight on horseback, adorned in golden armor, with a lance and shield, and of course, the iconic PLAYMOBIL smile. Join the party and celebrate 50 years of storytelling with us.

(MSRP $24.99; Ages 5-99; Available on Amazon)

STICKI ROLLS

The Sticki Book (Sky Castle): Introducing STICKI ROLLS from Sky Castle Toys! These wearable, shareable sticker bracelets let you peel, tear, and share with friends. This a bracelet kit with a notebook of 50 laminated pages to keep track of your sticker activities and swap with friends to collect all of the stickers! Inspired by Taylor Swift’s friendship bracelet trend, STICKI ROLLS offer holographic, kawaii-themed stickers. The Sticki Book pack includes 12 rolls of stickers with a total of 120 unique designs. Start sticking and sharing right away with this comprehensive collection!

(MSRP $24.99; Ages 5+; Available on Amazon) 

TreeMendous Ornament Decorator and Ornament Accessory (Hey Buddy Hey Pal)

The perfect DIY craft to embrace the holiday season! The TreeMendous Ornament Decorator is a fun and easy way to make perfect, hand-decorated ornaments for the holiday tree! Place one of the included ornaments into the tree-shaped decorator and let the fun begin! The machine holds and spins the ornament while the markers are used to create stripes, line and other designs! Now with a new accessory pack that comes with three quick-drying makers, adhesive jewels, glitter snowflakes, and foam letters and numbers for even more holiday fun!

(MSRP $29.99 & $9.99; Ages 3+; Available on Amazon)

PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR & Disney: Winnie & Piglet’s Water Adventure

With the Water Adventure bath set inspired by Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Piglet, playful water exploration becomes a breeze. Your child develops their fine motor skills while having a blast in the tub, and they become more comfortable in the water.

(MSRP $9.99; Ages 1-4; Available on Amazon)

BIZYBOO Holiday Seek ’N’ Find Busy Bags (Vango Toys)

Get into the holiday spirit with the all-new BIZYBOO Holiday Seek ‘N’ Find Busy Bags from Vango! These mess-free, portable bags feature three adorable new characters—a cheerful Christmas Tree, Spirited Stocking, and a Sweet Snowman—each holding 30 hidden holiday-themed objects. Perfect for on-the-go fun, these busy bags combine festive cheer with the beloved toddler activity, making them an ideal stocking stuffer!

(MSRP: $9.99; Ages 2+; Available this Fall on Amazon)

Hitster (Jumbo Play)

Get ready for the ultimate music party game of the century that guarantees an instant party vibe! Experience 100 years of music history through 300+ unforgettable songs that feature some of the biggest hits from multi-generational artists… Lynyrd Skynyrd to Whitney Houston, Backstreet Boys to Jack Harlow, Swift to Sinatra. Scan a card’s QR code and the free HITSTER app automatically plays the songs via Spotify (with no subscription needed!) Players take turns guessing when the songs were released, artist names and the song titles. First player to have a music timeline of 10 song cards wins! 

(MSRP: $19.99; Ages 16+; Available on Amazon)

Bad Girl Era (Vango Toys)

Gather your girlfriends and embrace your wild side with Bad Girl Era! Players advance on their “Evolution of a Bad Girl” card by answering “Bad Girl” and “Virtue” prompts. This game has over 300 prompt cards! From cheeky confessions to virtuous acts, the first player to finish is crowned the ultimate Bad Girl and loses the game! (MSRP $19.99; Ages 14+; Available on Amazon)

Metalfigs, by Jada are so cool!

The most high quality miniature collectible, made of 100% diecast metal in the most detailed 2.5” sculpts – quality you can see and FEEL! Did I mention it’s under $5!

Latest to the lineup: Wednesday, Sonic and Spongebob!

  • In just 3 years, Metalfigs sales have grown over 3000%
  • Leading licensing partner for the world’s most iconic entertainment properties. Name your fandom, we have a Metalfig for you! By the end of 2025, Metalfigs will have over 35 licensing partners and hundreds of characters 
  • Figures from: Minecraft, Transformers, Marvel’s Avengers, TMNT, Spider-Man, SpongeBob and Godzilla, Wednesday, Scooby Doo, Minions, and more!
Spiderman!

Available at: Amazon, Walmart, Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, Next Level

Happy Holidays!

*Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Information and images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Elevate Your Charcuterie Board Game This Holiday Season: Tips and Must-Haves for a Memorable Spread

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment

This holiday season, make your charcuterie board the star of the gathering!

I love these tips I received:

CHARCUTERIE BOARD 101:

  1. Mix Textures and Flavors: Combine creamy cheeses, crunchy nuts, fresh fruits, and savory meats to create a balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy every palate.
  2. Add Seasonal Touches: Incorporate holiday-themed items like pomegranate seeds, rosemary sprigs, and dried cranberries to give your board a festive look and flavor.
  3. Get Creative with Shapes and Colors: Arrange items in circular or wave patterns, and play with color by adding bright fruits, colorful spreads, and vibrant veggies for visual appeal.
  4. Include Something Unexpected: Surprise your guests with a unique element like dark chocolate, honeycomb, or spiced nuts to elevate the board and add a touch of indulgence.
  5. Don’t Forget Garnishes: Fresh herbs like thyme or edible flowers add a beautiful finishing touch, making your board look as good as it tastes!

SIMPLE ADDITIONS TO ELEVATE YOUR CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Festive Chickpeas

Whether you are putting a charcuterie board out for the family, a holiday party or a million other reasons, Festive Chickpeas are a great addition to any charcuterie board to add a lot of crunch and flavor!

Creating a basic charcuterie board is simple and allows you to showcase a variety of flavors and textures. However basic, it doesn’t have to be boring, especially with Festive Chickpeas! Festive Chickpeas offer eight flavorful and crunchy varieties to pair well with whatever board you want to create, adding texture, flavor and fun!

Festive Chickpeas™ has reinvented the chickpea, unhusking it, using the chickpea hearts (halves) to give it big crunch and even bigger flavor! All while being packed with protein and unbelievably good for you! These small little legumes are bursting with buttery flavor and give you that crunch you have been craving, making them a great on-the-go snack. Festive Chickpeas have ZERO preservatives, are non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free and are 100% vegan to accommodate every snacker’s lifestyle. Each pocket-sized bag is abundant in fiber, iron and potassium, has 10 grams of protein and no trans fats.  

Add a dash of protein and fiber to your next charcuterie board with Festive’s crispy chickpea hearts. The buttery, fresh, and crunchy taste of Festive makes chickpeas the life of the snacking party. These little wonders come in spicy, creamy, ranch, and BBQ flavors – a peanut-like alternative that’s sure to be festive for everyone.

I have tried these in the past and love them! Especially the spicy ones!

Available at specialty retailers and online at Amazon, Walmart.com and their website: https://www.feelfestive.com/

Jewels Under The Kilt

Jewels Under the Kilt is breaking the mold and bringing a bold new era of roasted nuts to the table. With rich meaty textures and a crispy, irresistible coating free from artificial flavors or sweeteners, Jewels Under the Kilt’s commitment to pure offerings like plain and salted nuts is matched by an innovation in flavor-forward recipes for all nuts imaginable. The crown jewel of healthy snacks, Jewels Under the Kilt’s roasted nut varieties add a marriage of unique flavors and a patented maple process that creates pure, nutritious and seriously delicious nuts to shelves across North America.

Jewels Under the Kilt invites all to dive into a world of nutty delights offering an enticing range of options including the most unexpected flavor profiles, as well as the classic salted or plain varieties. Whether you are looking for chipotle or moonshine pecans, orange vanilla almonds, pear ginger walnuts or some roasted hazelnuts, Jewels Under the Kilt has a nut for you!

I did receive samples and I love the different variety of flavors!

Their NEW Party of 6 – Sample Boxes make the perfect gift for a hostess, teacher and more and are the perfect way to sample some of their best sellers!

Variety is the spice of life so indulge in the delightful variety of their Party of 6 Packs – there’s something for everyone!

In addition, Jewels Under the Kilt is launching Tilt Your Kilt Nut Toppers!

Furthering its pillar of eco-consciousness by growing, harvesting and producing on their family farm and sourcing local ingredients, Tilt Your Kilt nut toppers help reduce waste by turning the irresistibly delicious leftovers from the maple coating process into a must-have ingredient.

Tilt Your Kilt’s heavenly toppers just launched just in time for all that holiday baking. Each package contains flecks of nuts and coated maple crunch with only four ingredients or less (just the nut, seasoning and natural maple sugar).

These amazing toppers are fantastic for coating cheese balls or just as a garnish to any other goodies on your board!

For every type of dish and occasion, whether folks crave something totally sweet, a little spicy or smoky, Tilt Your Kilt is available in the following flavors:

  • Salted Caramel Pecan
  • Original Pecan
  • Spicy Chocolate Hazelnut
  • Chipotle Pecan

Tilt Your Kilt will be available online at JewelsUndertheKilt.com. Jewels Under the Kilt’s other nut varieties are available at Fresh Market, department stores and specialty shops in the US, and across Canada at grocery stores, hotels and Hickory Farms. Customers can also enjoy Jewels online at JewelsUndertheKilt.com at Faire and Amazon.

For more information, recipes and gift ideas, please visit: https://www.jewelsunderthekilt.com/shop

*Self Disclosure: I received samples from Jewels Under The Kilt. Images and information was also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

It’s The Holiday Season, Hold the Gluten!

December 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Gingerbread men cookies!

Part of creating the perfect holiday menu is making sure that there’s plenty of food to suit everyone around the table. What if that includes someone on a gluten-free diet?

From cakes and pies to cookies and chocolate, so many of the delicious treats we associate with the holiday season traditionally contain gluten. Fear not!

Mightylicious has a simply delicious answer – three, new high-quality flour blends for baking up mouthwatering treats that look, taste, and act like the real thing: All Purpose GF flour blend, Vegan GF Flour Blend, and Vegan Chocolate Brownie GF flour Mix.

If anyone knows decadent gluten-free baked goods, it’s Mightylicious. Their scrumptious handcrafted Mightylicious Gluten Free cookies, named Top Pick in Food & Beverage Magazine, have rocked the gluten-free world with their amazing flavor and perfect crumble-free texture.

Now, home bakers can create traditional holiday treats everyone can enjoy –Gingerbread cookies, Hanukkah Donut Holes & Red Velvet Cake, among others– thanks to Mightylicious Gluten-Free Flour Blends.

I received samples and loved the Vegan Chocolate Brownie GF flour Mix. I baked the brownies for my yoga group and they were a big hit!

I can’t wait to try their Gingerbread Cookie recipe next week!

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies RECIPE

Gingerbread, a holiday classic! Use this gluten-free recipe to make celiac-safe gingerbread houses and gingerbread people. Decorating the cookies will be almost as enjoyable as eating them!  This smiling gingerbread cookie surrounded by cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried citrus fruit slices, and other holiday spices.

Ingredients

Gingerbread dough

3 cups 1 to 1 gluten-free flour (MIGHTYLICIOUS GF all-purpose Vegetarian Flour blend)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¾ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup butter, room temperature

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 egg

½ cup molasses

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Icing

2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix the flour, spices, baking soda and salt in a medium mixing bowl; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together.

Add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Cream until smooth.

Add in half the flour mixture and mix until combined.

Add in the remaining flour mixture and continue to mix until combine.

Shape dough into a ball and divide in half. On a piece of parchment paper, pat the dough down into a 1-inch disk. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until cold and firm. Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place a piece of wax paper on top. Using a rolling pin, roll dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Remove the wax paper from the top of the dough. Using cookie cutters, cut shapes into the dough. Use a spoon or butter knife to remove the extra dough from around the shapes. Roll extra dough back into a ball, and place the wax paper back on top, and roll into ¼ inch thickness. Repeat until all dough is used. Transfer the parchment paper with the gingerbread cookies onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.

Make the icing: mix all ingredients in a small mixing bowl until smooth. Spoon icing into a piping bag with a small tip. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and, if you have them, gluten-free sprinkles or candies. Let the icing set for a couple of hours before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

All three certified gluten-free varieties, All-purpose, Vegan All-purpose and Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix are kosher, non-GMO verified, certified Gluten Free and free from key allergens.

Find Mightylicious gluten-free flour blends online at www.mightylicious.com.

Happy Holiday baking!

*Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday feature. The image was also provided.

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