Archives for December 2013

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR BABY GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 
(1) A cute little farmer’s market stuffed set. The milk actually has a little mirror inside. Peek – a – boo!
(2) Mini Boden is always a home run in our book. The little reindeers make it the perfect seasonal dress.
(3) We both own these blankets for our kiddos! They are AMAZING and so warm!! 
(4) Every little baby needs a hippo ballerina play mat, right?! We agree!
(5) A bright wooden walker to help those wobbly legs get stronger. Love Hape products. Amara is the happy owner of this walker. It will last for years!
(6) If you love the crafty look of felt hair bows, but don’t have the time or the talents to make them, buy them! 
(7) Keep those chubby baby legs warm all winter long with these polka dot leg warmers. The only downside is that you don’t get to see all of those fat wrinkles, which…hello!?! They are the best.
(8) We love trendy outfits just as much as the next fashion forward mom, but we also want our kids to be comfortable especially when they sleep. These Carters fleece sleep sacks are so warm and come in the most adorable patterns. They also have footed ones for your toddlers! We live in these during the winter months.
(9) The softest little stuffed animals ever. So many different ones to choose from, but we are loving the white owl. “Whoo! Whoo!”
(10) I feel like these moccs need NO introduction, but if you haven’t hear of them or tried them….please do! Not only are they quality shoes that stay on your littles’ feet, but they come in the most beautiful colors. Available in leather and suede. We love Susan and her team too!!
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR BOYS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
(1) This colorful cube-bot is the perfect toy to throw in your bag and bring out to a restaurant to keep your little guy busy. You can make all different configurations and it’s seriously tough (for adults) to put the robot back into a cube! Challenging and fun for all ages 🙂
(2) Perfect for a growing guy! This is a 3-in-1 scooter that starts out with a seat, then a small steering wheel, then a tall handle for the big boys. 
(3) Bizarrely enough, kids love to pretend to clean. Let’s train these boys so when they’re men, they’ll know their way around a broom and dustpan! 
(4) A stylish little hideout for a game of pretend or a picnic or a slumber party! 
(5) What boy doesn’t want to be just like his daddy? This bath shaving kit is just right for a little gentleman.
(6) Each make-your-own monster kit is unique and comes fully stitched- ready to stuff and create!
(7) This Art Jar has everything you need for creating a masterpiece, just bring your imagination.
(8) We love this old-timey magic kit, starting with the box! Little guys will learn 15 tricks to amaze their captive audience. Expelliarmus! 
(9) These headphones are awesome for plane rides and car trips when you don’t want to hear that Daniel Tiger episode for the umpteenth time. They’re volume limiting for safe listening. And your guy can decorate these headphones with stickers and markers for that unique touch. 
(10) We read this book. All. The. Time. All kids are intrigued by bubble gum, even if they’re not allowed to have it yet. This adorable book tells the story of the invention of bubble gum with charming and colorful illustrations. 
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR GIRLS)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
(1) Every little girl can’t wait to get their hands on all of the kitchen gadgets that they see mommy use. This wooden baking mixer set will have you wanting to play with your kids’ kitchen gadgets! Adorable. We love the durability and classic gesture of wooden toys here at Love & Lion.
(2) Such a creative take on the classic memory game. Love the idea of putting family members’ faces on here!
(3) We are over the moon for this Oh Joy Pixie Dust camera from Twig Creative. Why can’t our Canons be this cute?
(4) Pottery Barn Kids anywhere chairs… enough said. We are swooning over the Sherpa!
(5) This is on Amara’s Gift list! A new take on the ole “fort”. We love the colors and patterns on all of the Land of Nod playhomes.
(6) Get your little ready for spring with some stylish boots just made for puddle splashing. Great in the snow also with the fleece lining socks.
(7) Meslissa and Doug never ceases to amaze us! Our kids already love “getting mail”, and this is the perfect gift! Again, wooden toys baby!!
(8) Top off her little holiday outfit with this fab headband. Sure to sparkle!!
(9) A scooter that grows with your toddler/little girl. Comes in such fun colors too.
(10) Take these on the go for restaurants or leave them at home on the dishwasher for endless entertainment. These wooden magnets are so lovely, and come in beautiful finishes.
Happy Shopping!
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SERIES (FOR HER)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 
(1) We are absolutely LOVING this emerald shade suede bootie. It adds a subtle touch of color to any outfit.
(2)  Genius!! Bake a little bit of your batter in this nibble pan so you can taste test without cutting into your cake.
(3) If you haven’t tasted Jeni’s ice cream…. you haven’t lived. We sincerely mean that! We make it part of every girls night. The lovely lady in your life will thank you.
(4) Who doesn’t love a great nail color? With this Advent mani set, you will calm your color cravings all month long. Beautiful!
(5) We all love photos, and using calendars make us more responsible (kind of). These are ALWAYS good gifts for any occasion.
(6) A stylish way to listen to a good audio book or iPod.
(7) We are dying over this beautiful leather clutch that charges your iPhone. Stunning colors to choose from also.
(8) These rings are the sweetest, most stylish reminder of those you love most. Whether it be your kids, spouse, or your imaginary friend… initials never go out of style.
(9) Perfect pair of PJ’s! Classic and comfy.
(10) Rock these with a leather jacket and ankle boots or just around the house when you want to get out of your lounge pants that you have had since college (we all have them… your secret is safe here). They will make you feel cute for sure!

LATKES AND VODKAS

It’s the 6th night of Hannukah, and we’re having latkes and vodkas over at our house! 
A latke (rhymes with vodka) is a potato pancake cooked in oil- a traditional food we eat on Hannukah. My dad created a baked version that is just as good and is super easy to make, not to mention way healthier… though go ahead and fry those babies if you chose! To go along with your crispy latkes, we’re having sparkling cranberry orange cocktails, concocted by my sis. A festive fizzy drink perfect for the holiday season! Scroll down for recipes. 
Not the most attractive food, but they’re absolutely delicious!
Fizz, pop, clink!
I made the drink stirrers with a skewer, 5 folded circles of paper, and double stick tape. Easy peasy! Tape together any extra circles on fishing line, and you have a simple and sparkly garland.
BAKED LATKES
makes about 12
3 potatoes 
1 carrot
1/4 onion
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp flour
1 egg
*serve with sour cream or chunky applesauce 
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Peel and shred potatoes (I used a food processor) and mix in 1 tbsp salt. Let sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
Shred carrot and onion.
Drain access water from potatoes and squeeze with paper towels.
Mix together potatoes, carrots, onions, flour and egg. 
Scoop 3″ rounds loosely on parchment paper.
Bake 12-15 minutes per side until brown and crispy.
Best baked right away before potatoes turn brown. They’ll still taste good but won’t look so hot!
Delicious savory with sour cream or sweet with applesauce.
SPARKLING CRANBERRY ORANGE COCKTAIL
1 oz vodka
1 oz dry sparkling wine
Splash of cranberry juice
Orange simple syrup to taste – boil half sugar and half water with a couple strips of orange peels
Fresh cranberries
Shake together vodka, juice, and syrup. Strain into a champagne flute, top with sparkling wine, and serve with a cranberry garnish.
ENJOY!
-L