Blue Lily's Advent Calendar is back!

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Hard to believe it's Dec 1st already! Holy Moly where did the year go? Even though I've been listening to Christmas carols for weeks (okay maybe a month), some view Dec 1st as their official start to the holiday season. :) What better way to kick it off but with an advent calendar! 

We've teamed up with some fantastic businesses again this year to bring you the 3rd Blue Lily Advent Calendar!!! 

That's right! For the next 25 days we will be posting either a Freebie, a Coupon for an amazing discount, or be hosting a Giveaway from one of the participating vendors. 

Look for the daily post at 8am each morning. Be sure to follow the directions, and read the terms of use on each coupon, as they are up to the discretion of each vendor. Contests are open from 8am to 9pm (on the published day only, unless otherwise specified), and are open to everyone. Winners will be announced the following day (at some point).  I'm a busy gal, but I promise if you win I will let you know! 

HUGE thanks to all my participating vendors! They've so graciously donated to my little project again this year and I very much appreciate it! You guys ROCK! 

So have fun, let me know if you have any questions, and be sure to share with your friends!  

Love to all, 

Tam xo

Turn regular milk into a party treat!

Found this great idea on the Better Homes and Gardens site and loved it so much I thought I would share. A glass of milk takes on a whole new deliciousness with donut-hole heads!

Simply fill the mini milk bottle with milk, place a powdered donut-hole on top. I would use mini chocolate chips for eyes and icing or a piece of an orange ju-jube for a nose. Pierce the donut-hole with a skewer and insert your straw. Cut some yarn or festive peices of fabric for a scarf and garnish with a scrapbooking brad for a whimsical look.

Once the kids see these they'll be too excited to realize they're drinking plain old milk. Another variation might be to add chocolate to the milk and make little brown bears, or any other animal you fancy!

Photo is courteousy of Better Homes and Gardens.

Fun and Festive Martini Recipe

Everyone loves a good martini! At least I know my friends do ;) Impress your guests with this yummy cocktail at your next holiday party!

What you need:

1 peppermint stick or large candy cane, crushed
1.5 oz of vodka
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz triple sec
ice
1 small candy cane, for garnish

What you need to do:

Moisten the rim of a martini glass and dip it in the crushed peppermint stick. Combine the vodka, schnapps, triple sec, and ice in a martini shaker. Shake well and strain the mix into a martini glass and garnish with a candy cane!

Holiday Fun

The holiday season is finally here! It seems like all year long I'm waiting for Christmas to come. I've even been known to secretly listen to Christmas carols in the car during the late summer months.... I know... kinda crazy, but I'm sure I'm not the only guilty one! ;) Everything about it makes me smile. The decorations and crafting, the feeling you get when you find that perfect gift for someone, the sense of community that seems to be all around us, and who could forget the family traditions! My Mom and Dad have really seemed to take to the "blinking and flashing" theme. Your eyes are guaranteed to twitch from all that flashes, the Griswold's are usually referenced several times during the season, and I'm sure the spectacular display would bring tears of joy to Clark Griswold's eyes. But you know, as much as we tease them and laugh, we all love it and couldn't imagine a Christmas without it.

This weekend, two of my little friends Louie and Tash (who also happen to be super bakers) came over and helped me with some of my holiday baking. Here's a photo of one of their creations.

Hope you all have a lovely evening. xoxo