Archives for December 2024

My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

It’s that time of year! Have you already bought your tree and decorated for the upcoming holiday? I am starting but have not finished. I plan to get our tree this week! If you are looking for ornaments, Old World Christmas has you covered! I love the variety they have! Here are my favorites this year:

My favorite is the Octopus Ornament! I learned all about them this past year and maybe the book Remarkably Bright Creatures had something to do with that. I loved the book! It is one of the first exhibits I head to when I go to the Aquarium of the Pacific. So, I was excited to receive this ornament!

 The octopus is a shy animal and will change color when frightened. It is also the most intelligent of the invertebrates. The octopus has a good memory and uses it to make judgements based on experience. It is a quick learner and good problem solver.

The ornament is simply beautiful! You can find it here.

The next ornament is the Green Sea Turtle Ornament.

Just soo cute!

Having traveled the seas for over 100 million years, sea turtles have essentially remained unchanged. They survived beyond the extinction of the dinosaurs and are still present in the world’s oceans today. All sea turtles are on the endangered or threatened species lists. This is a must for any ocean lover! You can find it here.

Now, I am a big fan of yoga. I try to do yoga at least 2-3 times a week. (More when I can) So, I love the yoga mat ornament!

Yoga!

Yoga Mat Ornament

 For centuries yoga has been practiced on grass, hard dirt, or tiger skins; it wasn’t until recently that yogis began to use specific mats. Today they prevent slipping in yoga studios. Mats also provide much deserved comfort during Shavasana (laying flat on your back) at the end of your Hatha practice.

You can find it here.

Have fun decorating!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday feature. Images were also provided.

Family Events and Workshops at Getty Locations

Thracian Animal Medallion: Family Workshop

Saturday, December 7 and 14, 2024, at 11 am

Saturday, January 11 and 18, 2025, at 11 am

The Getty Villa

Make your own animal medallion inspired by real and mythological creatures of ancient Thrace. Discover metalsmithing techniques like repoussé and chasing (the art of making impressions in metal) in this free drop-in workshop. This program complements the exhibition Ancient Thrace and the Classical World: Treasures from Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece.

Artist-at-Work: Ancient Arms and Armor

Saturday, December 7 and 14, 2024, at 11 am

The Getty Villa

Join master blacksmith Tony Swatton as he demonstrates materials and techniques used in making arms and armor of ancient Thrace, from basic metal shaping to fine surface decoration. This is a free, drop-in program and complements the exhibition Ancient Thrace and the Classical World: Treasures from Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece.

Cosmic Connections: Family Workshop

Sunday, December 8 and 15, 2024, at 11 am

The Getty Center

In the Middle Ages, scientists calculated the position of the stars and planets using tools like volvelles (wheel charts) and mechanical astrolabes. Learn more about these fascinating instruments and create a volvelle to discover your medieval zodiac sign, related planet, constellation, and more. This free, drop-in program complements two of Getty’s PST ART exhibitions—Rising Signs: The Medieval Science of Astrology and Lumen: The Art and Science of Light.

The Art and Science of Falconry

Sunday, December 8 and 15, 2024, at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm

The Getty Center

Learn about the history and practice of hawking and falconry, one of medieval nobility’s favorite pastimes, and meet live birds of prey. Tallon Knight, a master falconer for 30 years, shares stories of these remarkable birds along with other educators from Falcons’ Court. Presentations are followed by meet and greet with birds.

Rainbow Vision: Family Workshop

Sunday, January 12 and 26, 2025 at 11am

Sunday, February 2 and 23, 2025 at 11am

The Getty Center

Make a spectroscope and bend white light into the seven different colors of the rainbow while exploring the art and science of prisms, light diffraction, and the visible color spectrum.

Credit: The Getty Center.

The December Shelfie

This month, the holidays collide with Read a New Book Month, and we’ve got plenty of great seasonal reads for you. Here are our favorites to get you in the holiday spirit.

Finding Nutmeg

By Greg Clarke

Finding Nutmeg tells the tale of one boy’s magical adventure to the North Pole. After finding a magical coin outside his grandad’s workshop, Sean embarks on a mission to return it to its rightful owner: Nutmeg the Elf. Join Sean as he meets elves, reindeer and even a talking snowman, while learning the importance of friendship, being kind and caring for others.
Ages 3-8.

Minty The Mischievous Elf

By Tara Lala

Peppermint is the naughtiest elf in the South Pole. This Christmas, she wants to make sure Angela, a girl at the top of the nice list, gets no presents from Santa. Will Peppermint’s pranks put Angela on the naughty list, or will Angela change Peppermint into a good elf before it’s too late? A holiday story that reminds children that good always triumphs over evil, and it’s important to be kind to those who are kind to you. Ages 3-8.

The Night Sky Lined With Silver

By Yvonne David

In the blustery winter of 1938, the Bieman Buddies’ sledding adventure abruptly ends due to a horrible storm. As they rush home to escape the winter wipeout, they realize that Uncle Morrie is missing. Since the rescue team cannot look for him in the treacherous snowy conditions, the Bieman Buddies pray for their own Hanukkah miracle. This charming tale captures the essence of Hanukkah, a story of miracles and survival. Ages 8-12.

Needles, The Forgotten Christmas Tree

By Richard Wagner

Needles looks different from the other Christmas trees. He’s smaller with fewer branches and is made fun of by the other trees on the Christmas tree farm. Will Needles ever be chosen to become someone’s beautiful Christmas tree, or will he be left out in the cold? Ages 3-8.

Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals

By Michele Monaco

This is a sweet story of the Famous Eight reindeer’s search for kids who believe in Christmas magic. This Christmas season, Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher decide to look for pen pals to add magic and joy for kids around the world. Perfect to teach children about friendships and forming new relationships.

Books of the Week!

by Becky Bell

The Gnomes of Fibberton

In her picture book debut, author and homeschooling mom Becky Bell takes young readers into the magical, whimsical world of Fibberton. Much like Aesop’s fables, The Gnomes of Fibberton is a story about a faraway place where mysterious gnomes keep track of the lies, half-truths, and tall tales of the children throughout the world. This book helps young readers understand why honesty matters in a fun and magical way.

BONUS***: The book includes a QR code that will direct young readers and their parents to a fun song recorded by the gnomes themselves! It’s a really fun book to read! Young children will love this whimsical story!

by William Nephew and Natalie Neal

The Boogie Barn Band

At a farm just over the hill something amazing is happening. Animals are gathering to play together in The Boogie Barn Band! With Reggie the Dog on drums, Hank the Horse on Bass, and other animal bandmates, their music and words tell a story that pleases the ears, eyes, and body. Along with learning about these animal friends and the instruments they play, young readers also get to sing and dance along withThe Boogie Barn Band.

BONUS***: The book features an embedded QR code concert ticket. Scan the ticket and join the band for an interactive concert experience!

The Boogie Barn Band was created by husband and wife author team William Nephew and Natalie Neal with the hopes of introducing children to the magical world of music. William is an award-winning musician with over 20 years of experience in therapeutic songwriting and music production. Natalie is a speech-language pathologist and child development specialist with over 20 years of experience working in clinical and educational settings. William and Natalie have a passion for connecting with children through music and movement.

I love the whole idea of the connection of music and movement which is so important for young children!

Both of these books are the first in their respective series, with additional books scheduled to release in 2025.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this featured book post. Images were also provided.

Cyber Monday Deals!

This year I decided to unplug a bit over the Thanksgiving holiday. But, here are two of my favorite brands and their Cyber Monday Deals!

Parent-loved brand, KeaBabies, is offering some fantastic Black Friday deals now through December 2nd. From organic hooded towels to burp cloths, bibs, crib sheets and baby wrap carriers, check out some of our favorites on sale for little ones! 

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier (Trendy Black)

Discount 18% off on Amazon.com

2-Pack Soothe Fitted Mini Crib Sheets

Discount 15% off on Amazon.com

Organic Baby Hooded Towel (Lamb) 

Discount 15% off on Amazon.com

Organic Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

Discount 15% off on Amazon.com

5-Pack Urban Burp Cloths (Sweet Charm)

Discount 15% off on Amazon.com

Learn more at www.KeaBabies.com. All deals are available on Amazon.com. 

Coffee!!! Photo Credit: STEEPED Coffee.

STEEPED Coffee delivers single-serve, gourmet coffee in its oversized COFFEE BAGS without the need for pods or plugs. Completely compostable, these bags are filled with the best coffee using a proprietary method to keep it fresh & delicious.

Monthly Gift coffee subscriptions and related coffee gear are also available for coffee lovers. Great for the office, camping, RV’s, traveling and outdoor living, too.

Seasonal Offer (now through 12/31/24) – Get a free holiday mug with an order of $75 or more with code HMUG24.

Holiday Gifting Sale (12/6-12/12) – 15% off all coffee with code COFFEEGIFT15 and Buy One, Get One 50% off bundles and gear with code BOGO50GEAR (these codes can be combined)

Chances are you have someone in your life who’s a serious coffee drinker. Wouldn’t it be nice to gift them with eco-friendly gourmet coffee delivered to their door?  Whether it’s a variety pack, monthly subscription, or cool coffee gear, look no further than to  Steeped Coffee (www.SteepedCoffee.com).

What sets Steeped Coffee apart is its proprietary brewing method that does not require machines or brewing equipment, made much like tea. The coffee comes in single-serve bags that are nitro-sealed to ensure absolute freshness. It’s a uniquely “unplugged” coffee experience, from the award-winning packaging made using compostable and renewable materials to the non-GMO filters. All it takes to brew a perfect cup is hot water and a few minutes, and at the end of the day, there are no wasteful plastic pods accumulating in waterways or landfills.

Best of all, each Steeped Pack contains hand-roasted, ethically sourced, Direct Trade coffee that’s precision ground to showcase the distinctive flavor profile of every crafted blend. Whether you’re looking for light, medium, dark, French roast, or even decaf, there’s something for you.

The innovative coffee company  is committed to premium coffee, convenience, and environmental stewardship in equal measure.  So, when you introduce the coffee lovers in your life to Steeped, it’s a win-win for them and the planet.

So instead of racking your brain for the perfect gift, visit the Steeped website and make someone’s day while also being eco-conscious!  Here are 8 gift ideas for the coffee lover in your life.

I have tried it and I recommend this brand highly! 🙂 Self Disclosure: I received free samples of Steeped Coffee.

Happy Holidays!