Monday

What are the 12 Days of Christmas?

I'm all for the 12 Days of Christmas!  I love our Celebration of Christ Birth on Christmas Day, day one of Christmas. For the next 11 days, the celebration continues!  Some people give gifts for each of the 12 days.  We don't do that but it would be fun!  I had heard that if you purchased one of everything in the 12 Days of Christmas you would be out about $25,000.  Looking to spend more? Then go along with the song and buy everything on each day and it will run you around $100,000. 


Have you ever heard of the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas??  It does not refer to the 12 days before December 25th.  It refers to Christmas Day and then the 11 days after and ending on January 5th.  The next day, January 6th is Epiphany.  

Someone sent me the below info in an email! I hope you find it as interesting as I did! 
Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas   

Day 
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
12 Days of Christmas 

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



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Friday

Coffee Christmas tree? I'll drink to that!

Merry Christmas to all my Blogger friends! I have decorated trees all over my home. My favorite is my coffee tree that I have in my kitchen or as we know it, Susie's Cafe!

Merry Christmas! Christ Our Savior is born.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
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Thursday

Merry Christmas from our home to yours

Merry Christmas from our home  to yours! Do you have photos on your blog of your home decorated for the holidays?  If so leave a link! I'd love to come take a peek! I have a tree in every room of my house. I decorate everything and then invite family and friends in for a Christmas open house full of festive treats, Christmas goodies, music and fun! Since most of you do not live close by, here is a sneak peek!
Snowman and Kid Handprint Tree in bathroom



Holiday Cards

Kitchen Coffee Tree

Drink Station for Christmas Open House







Click here for more photos and Christmas goodies recipes!

Even More Christmas Goodies

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Wednesday

Is there a Santa Claus??

What are some of your family favorite traditions? Did you create them or were they passed down from when you were a kid? I'd love to know. Did you decide to have Santa Claus as part of that tradition because it was yours as a kid? Have you had to explain to your kids that there is or isn't a Santa? How do you answer, "Is there a Santa Claus?" 


What do you do to keep the santa tradition going? 


Each year my girls decorate the main family tree with their own ornaments. They get a new one each year from me. Someday when they move away I will give them their ornaments so that they will have a part of home on their new tree.


The cat LOVES helping out with the Christmas tree. He has a few ornaments of hs own.

Here are some photos from our year family & friends Christmas Open house. Do you do this? 

What some Christmas food ideas?  Click here for food and drink ideas! 

More Christmas Goodies




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SWAGG smart phone app is sweet and free!


WHAT IS SWAGG?
SWAGG is a cool smartphone app that allows you to take all your plastic gift cards, loyalty and membership cards and load them into your smartphone!! No way you say? Yes way!  I tried this out with a few of my cards! What a cool way to keep tract of your cards.  I know that I'm always misplacing mine, never sure of the balance and never have the right membership card when needed.  No more mess! What a great way to get organized.

SWAGG allows consumers to import more than 250 brands of gift cards and rewards cards and, unlike plastic cards, SWAGG permits consumers to view available balance and reward information on most of these cards. Additionally, consumers can use their mobile device to give, get and even exchange SWAGG GIFTS from participating merchant partners such as American Apparel Inc., The Wet Seal Inc., Crocs Inc., 1-800-Flowers.com and Arden B. Through SWAGG, consumers can access the offers that matter most to them, connecting users with more than 3,000 retailers. Retailers benefit by acquiring new customers, increasing in-store business and retaining existing customers.
This App is for US Residents who are Apple and Android users only.  Go check it out and download to install here!!! It is free to use.  For every download throughout the month of December = $1 donation from SWAGG to Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Disclosure/Disclaimer: I received $20 in my SWAGG account as part of the Mom Bloggers Club Member to review this app.  Facts were provided and my tasty opinions were my own experience. 
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Monday

Giveaway of The Grace Sterling Silver Canary CZ Ring



I LOVE this ring from Fantasy Jewelry Box!! Isn't the photo beautiful??

Check out the product review (provided): Add a splash of vibrant color to your wardrobe! This canary yellow princess cut 2 Carat center cubic zirconia stone boasts inlaid clear diamond cubic zirconia stones around the .925 Sterling Silver band.


For extra glamour, this ring has also been dipped in rhodium for the high-end look of platinum. Be sure to look for this style in various sparkling colors of pink, blue topaz, peridot green and clear!

My take on the product:  If you have never been to Fantasy Jewelry Box then you have missed out on beautiful cz rings that look real as well as affordable jewelry for any budget!      I love going to their site and looking at all the sparkling jewels!  The rings are high quality.  They also carry fake diamond bracelets and inexpensive costume jewelry.  You can find most anything for any jewelry lover on your Christmas Wish list, Valentines Day, etc!  These would make great bridesmaid gifts, prom jewelry, birthday presents,etc.  (ORDER by 12/22 to get it by 12/24)



Want to win this ring?? Enter below!


GIVEAWAY
1 The Grace Sterling Silver Canary CZ Ring 
USA/Canada Ends January 4th



To enter: Go check out Fantasy Jewelry Box and tell me something you'd like for yourself or to give to someone else. Leave the link and your email addy with this mandatory entry. *IF you do not want to leave your email addy, please email it to me at cafescrapper at gmail dot com

EXTRA BONUS: Follow Fantasy Jewelry Box Facebook for 5 entries and leave name/ID in the comments.

Bonus entries: (Leave separate comments for each one)

1) Follow my blog: Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Networked Blogs, Twitter, RSS Feed (right sidebar). Leave a comment for each one you do for an entry for each one

2) Enter any of my current giveaways for 5 bonus entries each

3) Tweet the giveaway. "Enter to win The Grace Sterling Silver Canary 2 Carat CZ Ring "   Unlimited tweeting and leave link. 1 entry per tweet and follow @Susieqtpies for another entry.


4) Stop in at my Facebook page and leave a photo of your dream piece of jewelry for 20 bonus entries 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
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Happy Sangria Day Recipes and Aruba Salt and Pepper Review

Happy National  Sangria Day! WOW you didn't know that such a day existed???  Well join in the fun! Sangria is such a refreshing and tasty, fruity drink!  You have to be cautious when drinking it because it is so yummy you do not realize it has alcohol in it!

The last time I had Sangria was when I was in Aruba two years ago.  We were at a very relaxing outdoor restaurant called Salt and Pepper.  The food was tasty.  We all ordered their special "tapas" which were appetizers sized to eat several by yourself or to share with others.  
The best part of the meal was the sangria and it was outstanding.  I think we drank a gallon of it (4 people).   It was an appropriately name restaurant because they had a zillion salt and pepper shakers from customers all over their store and in display cases.  From what I remember, you can bring in a set and if they do not already have it displayed you give it to them and you get a discount on your meal.  This fun bar is family friendly and you, of course, come dressed as you are! Nothing fancy. 
Since today is National Sangria day, I wanted to share with you my guest chef and friend, Kristi's recipe from her blog as well as one of mine that is non alcoholic and great for the kids! I plan on making both for New Year's Eve this year! 
Kristi
Sangria (adult) click here to print

1 bottle Red wine (can be cheap wine-you'll never know the difference-depending on how much you drink)
1 frozen Lemonade concentrate
1/2 cup sugar
1 L ginger ale
1 each of lemon, oranges and limes (cut into slices)
1-2 pints strawberries

This is a dump and taste kinda recipe.  Add a bottle of wine, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 gallon of lemonade, one sliced lemon, orange and lime, pint of strawberries and about 1/3-1/2 of a 2L of ginger ale.  Mix and add more of whatever you think that you need.  Make it sweeter, fruitier, more wine,etc. I do peel half of the fruit to cut down on all the peel zest. We love ours very fruity. Cheers!
 (Susie-we left the wine and fruit to get happy together for a few hours before drinking)

Virgin Sangrias (This is great to have for the kids. Taste the same.) click here to print

3 cups cold water
3/4 c. sugar
1 bottle of Sparkling Red or White grape juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1 cup lemonade
3 cans ginger ale
Slices lemons, limes and oranges
strawberries

Mix and drink! You can add more or less of any of the ingredients. Cheers!

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Thursday

Dreams and plans! Do you have some? I'd love to hear them.

I remember hearing awhile back that Oprah was ending her show!  I couldn't even imagine why she would be doing that. To me, she has the dream job!  As with anyone we can look from the outside and think that they have all that they need but in reality we do not know what anyone desires.  She has done great things on her show but to end it left me wondering what would happen next in her life.  

 Just recently and it has been confirmed that she will be launching OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network on January 1, 2011! OWN programming will include original series and specials, all focused on entertaining, informing and inspiring people to live their best lives. Oprah is creating her OWN network! How cool is that?  She might have had the dream job but now she is taking all that she has learned and moving onto a new adventure! I wonder how long this dream has been in the works for her?  A dream this big takes time and money!

How about you? Do you have any dreams and plans for the future?  TwitterMoms.com (Soon to be called SocialMoms.com) and the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is calling for blog submissions in honor of the new year, new year’s resolutions and living the best lives we can. 

 They are asking for us to share our own dreams and plans for new possibilities in our own lives!  Here are a few of mine:

 I love my life and what I have been blessed with.  I have 3 girls, two are 16 and will start college classes in the Fall.  Since turning 15, their lives are speeding past me.  Soon they will be out of the home and onto their own adventures.  I want to really sit down and talk to each one and find out what it is that they are dreaming about.  I want to spend time with each one individually and see if I can help them and give some guidance with their own dreams and help them see what possibilities are ahead.  

I really want to focus in and take care of the zillions of photos I have in my home.  I have many scrapbooks finished but many more to create.  I haven't scrapbooked in 5 years. I need to plan to take our photos and record what we have done as a family.  I want to have books for each girl so they can look back and see what they have done.  Photos give us a glimpse of where we have been and what we have accomplished.  I want these scrapbooks for the girls to take with them and for me to have to hold onto when they leave the home and go off to their own. 

I really want to take on some real culinary challenges in the up and coming year.  I want to take time to sit, plan and do all the research on meals from other cultures.  We do not have the money to travel so I need to get creative and do some research on places I'd love to go to and find out what they eat and drink!  I really want to pull my girls into this as well.  We've done things like this in the past but for one meal here and there.  I want to do this for the entire year. 

As with any dream you have to have plans.  I believe that once you write down some of your dreams you are more likely to follow through and start making plans to follow them.  How about you? DO you have a dream to share? Are you planning something for yourself? For your family? I'd love to hear them!

 I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network blogging program, for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here
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Wednesday

8 Weeks of Christmas Goodies and Giveaways

Here goes another week of yummy treats! We have over 60 treats listed! I hope you find one to make! I've found several and added some, too!

Check out my Chocolate Chip Dip! It is always a huge hit! 












Check out my giveaways- some with no or low entries
Enter to win a Vacation of a Lifetime

















Egg Nog Goodness!
1 gallon milk*
2 sm. packages vanilla instant pudding mix
1/3 c. sugar
4 t. vanilla
1 t. Cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. allspice

Wisk together 2 cups of milk with pudding.  Wisk in sugar, vanilla and spices until sugar is dissolved.  Add more milk and wisk together and then pour back into jug and shake.  I did have about 1/2 of cup of nog that wouldn't fit into the jug so we drank it!  Chill and serve.

*note on the  milk: The first batch I used 2% and the second I used whole milk.  It tasted great with the 2% but if you want it extra creamy use whole milk.----------
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Trips of a Lifetime Sweepstakes by JustLuxe! Enter to win! I did!

 Dreaming about an exotic vacation?  Chances are, you might be able to win it in the “Trips of a Lifetime” sweepstakes, sponsored by JustLuxe.  JustLuxe is the largest affluent lifestyle guide in the world, and they've teamed up with some of the most prestigious hotels in the world to offer luxury vacation giveaways every month.  Featured destinations are Paris, Greece, St. Lucia, Vienna, and others.

The grand prize winner will get a 4 night stay in suite at the Halekulani Hotel and Resort in Honolulu, roundtrip airfare, and if that is not enough, an exotic car rental complete with a personal chauffeur.  Paying for that yourself would cost more than $30,000.

I'm in all the way for the grand prize! How about you? What is your dream vacation?  Go on.....just head to JustLuxe to enter.  If you are a winner please come back and let me know! 
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Tuesday

iCaughtSanta photo giveaway!


iCaughtSanta Product Description (provided):  Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

If you celebrate Christmas and participate in Santa Claus activities then I have the cutest site for you! Plus a generous discount code AND a fantastic giveaway from our friends at iCaughtSanta.com!
You see that darling photo up above? They have easy to follow steps to allow you to use your home right now to upload and add Santa to the photo! Very cool.  You get to choose the Santa pose and then quick checkout.  Easy as can be! They also have the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and Cupid. You can prove to your family that you caught Santa in the act! There is even a video version!
All of my readers will receive a whopping 25% off (regularly $9.99) when using the code SCRAPS-OF-LIFE during checkout!
Visit iCaughtSanta.com and show your kids you caught Santa in the act of gift giving!  Want to win one? Five of my readers will! 
Here is mine! lol  I caught Santa filling stocking!

 Enter below: 
GIVEAWAY
5 winners of one iCaughtSanta.com photo
Ends 12/23
Mandatory Entry:  
Check out all the Santa poses here and tell me which one is Your favorite! Leave an email with this entry. If you do not want to leave it on my blog then please email it to me at cafescrapper at gmail dot com


Bonus entries: (Leave separate comments for each one)

1) Follow my blog: Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Networked Blogs, Twitter, RSS Feed (right sidebar). Leave a comment for each one you do for an entry for each one

2) Enter any of my current giveaways for 5 bonus entries each (right side bar) and leave a comment with what you entered!

3) Tweet the giveaway. "Enter to win an iCaughtSanta.com photo! 5 will win! Ends 12/23 http://goo.gl/6dhfc "   Unlimited tweeting and leave link. 1 entry per tweet and follow @Susieqtpies for another entry.


4) Stop in at my Facebook page and tell me something you want for Christmas for a bonus entry! Leave a photo of it for 20 bonus entries!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
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Sunday

Red Crystal Earrings Giveaway for the Holidays



Check out these awesome earrings! They are so fun and festive!  I LOVE Swarovski Crystals.

Product Description (provided): Lively red earrings with faceted swarovski crystal on bottom with silver band and rhinestones hanging from a red post.

Length: 3/4" long

Clasp: Pierced: Post

Size or Crystal: 8mm Crystal

For Bridesmaids or Formal Events: This bright red crystal earring works great with an red or fuchsia gown or white or black gown with bright red trim and with just about any neckline.

For Everyday: Earrings look great with a sweater or blouse for a little pizzazz at the office.

My take on the product:  I am a huge fan of red and swarovski crystals!  These earrings scream fun! The Jewelry Stylist has a plethora of fun to elegant styles and you can consult with them on what you are needing for your special occasion!  I never knew such a store existed online! Go check them out!   One of my readers can win a pair!  I hope it is YOU! 

GIVEAWAY
1 pair of Red Crystal Earrings
USA/Canada
Ends 12/28

To enter: Go check out Jewelry Stylist and tell me something you'd like for yourself or to give to someone else. Leave the link and your email addy with this mandatory entry. *IF you do not want to leave your email addy, please email it to me at cafescrapper at gmail dot com.
EXTRA BONUS: Follow Jewelry Stylist on Facebook and Twitter for 3 entries each. Leave name/ID

Bonus entries: (Leave separate comments for each one)

1) Follow my blog: Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Networked Blogs, Twitter, RSS Feed (right sidebar). Leave a comment for each one you do for an entry for each one

2) Enter any of my current giveaways for 5 bonus entries each

3) Tweet the giveaway. "Enter to win a pair of Red Crystal Earrings with Swarovski Crystals http://goo.gl/qiuBw "   Unlimited tweeting and leave link. 1 entry per tweet and follow @Susieqtpies for another entry.

4) Stop in at my Facebook page and tell me your favorite type of jewelry for 20 bonus entries 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
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