The Perfect Adult Party Gift: Personalized Wine Glass DIY

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
#SutterHomeForTheHolidays #CollectiveBias 
The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

Are you looking for the perfect adult party gift for your guests at an upcoming holiday gathering? Check out this easy and inexpensive tutorial for your own personalized wine glasses!

Three of my favourite things in life are good food, good drinks and good company. When I can combine all three, I am one happy girl. 

Now that we have a young family of our own, the option for a night out on the town with friends is not always feasible. So instead, we bring them to us. We love to entertain, especially during the holidays. We also love wine, and having the perfect wine glass to go with it. 

Gold embossed drink ware seems all the rage right now, and I'm a big fan. However, what I'm not a fan of is the attached price tag. Instead of spending the big bucks, I decided to make my own for a recent holiday gathering we hosted. I was also able to customize the glasses I purchased from the Dollar Store, which made them the perfect gift for my guests to remember the occasion by (and to help them remember where they put their drinks throughout the night). All together, this DIY cost only $12 for 4 personalized stemless wine glasses - far less than what you'd pay in store!

If you're looking for an easy and inexpensive party gift for your guests, or a way to spruce up your next holiday get together, check out this tutorial for your own personalized wine glasses.

Personalized Wine Glass DIY

Materials

• wine glasses (or other glass drink ware of your choice)
• painter's tape
• stencils
• oil-based paint marker (colour of choice)
• cotton swabs
• nail polish remover
• baking sheet

Directions

Start by thoroughly washing your mugs or glasses with dish soap and water. It’s important to remove all traces of dirt or oily residue on them. I found these stemless glasses at the local Dollar Store, but you can use any drink ware that you like. They were affordable, yet classy and choosing stemless allows my guests to use them for a wide variety of beverages after the party. Make sure the glasses are completely dry before you start decorating them.

Choose your design. If you don't trust yourself to free hand the personalization, use a program on your computer and print out your design of choice on a piece of paper. You can make the design as big or small as you wish, but I recommend at least 1 inch by 1 inch. Tape the design to the inside of the glass so that you can easily trace it. I chose to add the first letter of our guests' names in cursive. I'm loving the tumblers I see with simple gold dots on them, so after adding the personalization, I added a few dots, of all sizes, to my glasses as well. 

Make sure the paint marker you are using is oil-based, so that it will not come off. If you plan on writing on the glass, chose a medium-point pen. I purchased mine at a popular craft store at around $6. There are a variety of colours available, but I chose gold because it is a festive colour, perfect for the holidays.

Don't worry if you make a mistake, you can easily remove it with a cotton swab dipped in a bit of nail polish remover.

Make sure whatever design you choose, that it is at least an inch from the top of the glass so that people do not touch it with their mouths when drinking. 

When you're happy with your design, allow the paint to dry completely before the next step.

The final step is to bake the glasses in the oven to cure the paint. If using a stencil, don't forget to remove it or it will burn in the oven.Set the glasses on a baking sheet and place in a cold oven. Do not allow the oven to preheat! You want the oven and glasses to heat gradually so that they do not crack. Turn the oven to 350 degrees and allow to "bake" for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, turn the oven off BUT do not remove the glasses! Open the oven just a crack and allow to cool completely before removing, about an hour.

If you're a bit of a perfectionist like me, you may want to repeat the above steps.

The glasses are now top dishwasher safe, however, I recommend washing them gently by hand, with a non-abrasive sponge, just to be safe. Keep in mind, this tutorial can be replicated on any type of glass or ceramic drink ware, like these mugs. 

Now that you have your fancy glasses, you also need something to serve in them! Sutter Home Family Vineyards is the perfect wine to bring people together this holiday season - from a wine tasting with friends to spending time with family around the fireplace.  We typically prefer a warm, full-bodied red during the winter months, but sometimes its good to switch things up. Like with the the Sutter Home White Zinfandel. This medium-sweet wine is perfect with all types of foods, and the pink blush colour of the wine really makes the gold design on the wine glasses pop!

A family-owned company for three generations, Sutter Home Family Vineyards seeks to produce quality products that bring people together to share good times. Just like we enjoy doing with our friends and family during the holidays.

Cheers!


What is your favourite way to bring people together this holiday season? I'd love to hear!

Pinecone Holiday Gift Wrap

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

Are you looking for a creative idea to spruce up your holiday gift wrapping? Check out this stylish and sustainable gift wrapping tutorial, inspired by Mother Nature.

'Tis the season for giving! This time of the year, we often over do it with the amount of wrapping that goes into the gifts we are giving. We spend all of this time beautifully wrapping a gift, only for it to be torn open in two seconds. And then, all of the beautiful paper, bows and ribbon end up in the trash. What a waste of time, money and paper!

Sometimes, less is more. You don't need excess paper, plastic bows or yards and yard or ribbon when you can borrow from nature. Why not take advantage of items found in your own backyard to decorate your gifts instead? Pinecones, evergreen boughs and other seasonal elements are easy to source this time of year, and free! Bring the outdoors in with this stylish and sustainable pinecone holiday gift wrap tutorial. 

Pinecone Holiday Gift Wrap 

Materials

• small to medium-sized pinecones
• small clippings of evergreen boughs
• paint, colour of choice
• paint brush
• hot glue gun + glue
• scissors
• twine or yarn
• optional: recycled paper (brown craft paper, newspaper, paper bags, etc.) + tape

Directions

Using a small paint brush and paint colour of choice, cover the tips of the pinecone by brushing up towards the top of the pinecone. I recommend using a colour to add a little pop, such as white, gold, silver or red. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Optional step: Using recycled paper, such as newspaper, magazine pages, old maps, paper bags or brown craft paper, wrap your item as per usual.

To wrap the package, you will need a length of twine approximately 4 to 5 times the width of your package. Lay the twine out on a flat surface. Gently flip the package over, and centre on the twine. Bring the ends of the string around the package and twist the ends around one another to create a “t” shape. Flip the package over (should now be upright) and tie the ends together with a square knot. Tie the loose ends into a bow, or leave as is. 

Arrange the pine cones and other natural elements as desired. Using the hot glue, affix to the top of the package.

Optional step: Cut a tag-shaped piece from the cardboard. Punch a hole in the top and add some string. Add your wording and fasten to the package.

Voila! Simple, stylish and sustainable. 

When it comes to sustainability, we also make sure to go beyond the gift wrap and also pay close attention to what we put our gifts in. This includes repurposing bags and boxes from previous holidays or taking advantage of reusable containers.

Everyone loves baking around the holiday season, myself included. If you plan on gifting some sweet treats to friends and family like we do, take advantage of Rubbermaid TakeAlongs. Not only are they a sustainable option because they can be reused over and over, but they are also the safe option for making sure your treats make it to their destination in one piece. The Quik Clik Seal^TM keeps food secure and helps prevent spills, and the soft lid grips the container tightly for a great seal. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are also microwavable, top rack dishwasher safe and freezer safe.

Holiday Rubbermaid TakeAlongs come in limited edition red, green and festive prints and are available in the Home Goods section at Walmart from 10/29-12/24. I found mine located in the aisle between the Home Goods and Men's Clothing sections.

How do you make sustainability a priority during the holiday season? I'd love to hear! For more holiday inspiration, check this out.

Getting Your Vehicle Winter Ready

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FRAMFresh #CollectiveBias

Summer is sadly coming to a close, and if you're like us, you put a lot of miles on your vehicle this season. Whether it was driving to visit relatives, a day at the beach, or even a long weekend at the cottage, our family was always on the go this summer. 

As the calendar starts to move away from summer, it is time to start thinking about what lies ahead. I don't know about you, but we live in an area that typically gets a decent amount of cold, ice and snow over the winter. With that winter weather, comes winter driving. The cold weather wreaks havoc on the roads, significantly affecting driving conditions and as a result, testing the limits of your vehicle's abilities. 

While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some extra precautions specific to the colder weather. Make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge with this winter vehicle maintenance checklist.

Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

▢  Swap out your tires. 

Winter tires improve driving safety by providing better traction in snow, slush and icy conditions. Check for wear before installing and check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather. 

▢  Check your brakes. 

With the slippery road conditions that winter brings, being able to stop quickly is even more important than usual.

▢  Top up your fluids. 

This includes oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Carry extra in your vehicle, just to be safe.

▢  Inspect all lights and bulbs. 

Having properly working head lights, tail lights and brake lights is important, especially at times when visibility is reduced due to snowy conditions.

▢  Inspect your wiper blades. 

Ice and snow can easily damage the blades, so it may be best to install a new pair at the start of the season. Think about switching to winter blades - they are heavier and push snow and ice more easily.

▢  Keep it clean, inside and out. 

The salt, sand and chemicals used on the roads can have a big impact on your vehicle. Washing your vehicle during the winter is very important to ward off rust caused by the salt and chemicals. Having the proper interior floor mats will also help keep the inside of your car free from moisture, debris and chemical residues that you track in.

▢  Stay fuelled up.  

You never know when the winter weather will hit, and the last thing you want to do is run out of gas on a snowy day.

▢  Create a winter emergency kit. 

A well stocked kit can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded. Items to include are jumper cables, flares, an ice scraper, flashlights with extra batteries, blankets and extra clothing, hats and gloves, first aid materials, snacks and water. Make sure to store your kit in an easily accessible place. 

▢  Change your air filters. 

It is important to change both your engine and cabin air filters to improve airflow and prevent dust, dirt and allergens from entering both the engine and cabin. Dirty cabin air filters can even reduce the efficiency of your vehicle’s defrost and heating system, the last thing you want during the cold months of winter. It is recommended to change your engine and cabin air filters at the same time, annually or every 24,000km*. (*Please consult you vehicle's manual for specific requirements.) 

Now you can protect your family and improve your driving comfort with a FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filter. Made with a special media that includes carbon and Arm & Hammer® baking soda, the FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filter prevents up to 98% of dirt, dust and allergens from entering your vehicle. Clean filters mean a more efficient vehicle, and a more comfortable you. 

With precious cargo in tow, keeping the air inside our vehicle is extremely important. With the help of the installation instructions found inside the box, my husband and I were able to tackle the FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filter in as little as 15 minutes. First, we opened the glove box and removed the contents. We located the glove box stops on each side of the glove box and removed them by twisting from the inside and pulling out. The glove box dampener cord on the right side of the glove box was then removed, allowing the glove box to swim down to the floor. We unlatched and removed the cabin filter cover and removed the dirty filter. We were definitely due for a change, it was pretty nasty! We inserted the new FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filter and then replaced and relatched the filter cover. After putting the glove box back into position, we reinstalled the dampener cord to the right side of the glove box and then partially closed it to reinstall the two glove box stops. After replacing the contents and closing the door, my husband even said, "Wow, that was surprisingly easy!" I foresee many more at-home cabin air filter changes in our future. 

FRAM Fresh Breeze® cabin air filters and FRAM engine air filters can be found in the automotive department at your local Canadian Tire. Not sure if your vehicle has a cabin air filter, or are unsure of the model specific to your vehicle? Be sure to ask a staff member at the Canadian Tire automotive desk. 

Whether its winter, summer, spring or fall, maintaining your vehicle is extremely important to not only protect yourself and prolong the life of your vehicle, but also to keep your family and others on the road safe and sound. 

What trips did you take with your family this summer? How do you get your vehicle winter ready? Check out these additional tips and tricks for changing your air filter. 

Tips for Flying with an Infant

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SuperAbsorbent #CollectiveBias

Traveling with a baby may be stressful and also intimidating. But, at the same time it is a great opportunity to create life long memories with your children. 

At just over 3 months old, Morley took her first plane ride. While it was a 'quick' 4 hour flight west to Edmonton, Alberta, flying with her in tow still made us a bit nervous. Having never flown with her before, we didn’t know what we were in for. We knew the trip had the potential to be a bumpy journey. It was all new.

Are you traveling on an airplane with an infant? Check out these tips to help avoid turbulence along your journey. 

Tips for Flying with an Infant

Time it right.

If possible, book your flight around baby’s schedule. For example, if they usually nap in the morning, then a morning flight would be ideal for you. Also be sure to play it safe when it comes to arriving at the airport, adding a bit of time onto your journey.

Know your airline.

Individual airlines have individual regulations when it comes to traveling with young children. For example, baggage allowance and gate checking strollers, car seats, etc.If you are unsure of the rules for your particular airline, be sure to call their Help Centre for clarification in advance of your trip. 

Pack smart.

Make sure you have plenty of wipes, diapers, snacks and extra clothing for the flight, or in case of a delay. Choose a bag that allows you to be as hands free and comfortable as possible (such as a cross-body or backpack), with easy access to pockets.

Be sure to check the FAA regulations on formula, milk, snacks (especially fruit and vegetables) before you travel. Regulations will differ depending on your destination. 

Whether we're on a flight or a trip to the grocery store, Huggies Little Snugglers Plus (only available at Costco) are never too far away. These diapers come in three sizes - newborn, 1 and 2 - and are designed to help keep baby’s skin clean and healthy, with Leak Lock® for up to 12 hour protection. 

Dress smart.

Planes are often cooler, so make sure babe is either dressed in layers, or you have a light sweater handy. If you are breast feeding, make sure to wear a top that is feeding-friendly. A scarf or light sweater would also serve as a feeding cover and/or a pillow for your lap. 

Carry baby.

Instead of carrying baby on your hip to board and deplane, go hands free and strap them into a carrier. If they are able to be positioned front facing, they will enjoy watching everyone and everything around them.

Entertainment.

You know your baby better than anyone, so how do you think they’ll react on the plane? If they’re always on the move, keeping them settled in a seat for x amount of hours can be tricky. Bring an activity that is new to them, such as a colouring book, to help keep them engaged for longer, or pack only a few toys that you know your baby loves rather than an entire assortment.

Play it safe.

Each person reacts differently to the change in air pressure, and the same goes for infants. As a precaution, breast feed, bottle feed or have a pacifier on hand during assent and descent to help relieve any pain.

Ask for help.

Not only are flight attendants there to help you throughout the flight, they love babies!  

Ignore the dirty looks.

The majority of people on a plane love seeing babies, and are very accommodating and understanding. But, there is always one or two that give the dirty looks, regardless if your child makes a peep or not. Don’t let it get to you! You’re there to have fun, don’t let anyone ruin that.

Enjoy making memories!

Sit back, relax and enjoy making memories with your family and sparking the travel bug within your babe.

In the end, we had absolutely nothing to worry about. Morley was a flying pro, and we can’t wait to take her on more airplane adventures and share our love of travel with her as she grows.

Don't forget to check out the awesome diaper savings at Costco - From 9/1 to 9/25, Huggies Little Snugglers Plus (sizes 1 & 2) are $37.49, or $31.49 after the $6 discount & Little Movers Plus (Size 3, 4, 5, & 6) are $42.99, $36.99 after $6 discount and Free shipping (this offer valid 9/1 –to 9/25), with free shipping when purchased online at Costco.com. Starting in August, Little Snugglers Plus will also be available in size Newborn starting at $29.99 in select warehouses and online. What a great value for a quality product!

Do you have any tips for traveling with infants?

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Taco Bowls

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreateYourBowl #CollectiveBias

I grew up in a house where sitting down around the table for dinner as a family was extremely important. It not only brought us together, but allowed us to unwind and discuss our day and the week ahead. Now that I have my own little family, I look forward to continuing this tradition. However, with busy, and sometimes opposite, work schedules and long commutes, doing so is sometimes easier said than done. So, when we do get the opportunity to enjoy a meal together, it is especially cherished. 

One of our favourite summer family activities is to visit the local farmer's market. My husband and I love creating new recipes made with only the freshest, local ingredients inspired by our market visits. We can't wait to introduce our daughter to this summer activity and create recipes that, in the future, she enjoys to eat as well. 

One of our favourite family cuisines is Mexican. Not only is it simple to make (perfect for this busy family), it is so varied - from tacos to enchiladas to rice dishes - and is often accompanied by fresh produce. On a recent trip to the market with my little family unit, I was inspired by the locally grown and raised onions and pork to create these delicious pulled pork taco bowls. If you're into fresh ingredients, supporting local, slow cooker meals or just trying something new, this recipe is for you. It may look like a lot of ingredients, but trust me, using the slow cooker makes it easy - just set it and forget it - giving you more time to enjoy with your family. 

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Taco Bowls

Serves: 4 

Ingredients:

Pulled pork:

• 1 pork tenderloin
• 1 127mL can of OLD EL PASO chopped green chillies
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1-2 cups chicken stock

Toppings:

• 2 avocados, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 2 limes, sliced into wedges
• green onion, cilantro or parsley (optional garnishes)
• 8 OLD EL PASO tortilla bowls

Directions:

1. Combine the seasonings (chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper) to make a dry rub. 
2. Pat dry the pork and rub on the seasoning mixture.
3. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet on high heat. Brown the pork on all sides.
4. Immediately after removing the pork from the pan, deglaze with a bit of stock or white wine. Add the deglazed bits to the slow cooker.
5. Add minced onion, green chillies, chicken stock and pork to the slow cooker. Set on low heat and allow to cook for 6-8 hours. 
6. Once pork is cooked, use two forks to shred. Toss shredded pork in liquid to combine. Keep warm in the slow cooker.
7. Meanwhile, combine mayo and sriracha to make a spicy mayo sauce. 
8. Warm OLD EL PASO tortilla bowls in the microwave for approximately 10 seconds to soften.
9. Assemble the bowls by layering pulled pork, shredded cabbage, sliced avocado and drizzle of spicy mayo. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, sprig of cilantro or parsley and wedge of lime.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

I like to use pork tenderloin in the recipe because it is a relatively inexpensive cut of pork. However, it is also very lean, which means you may need to add additional liquid (stock) to the slow cooker throughout the cooking process.

OLD EL PASO tortilla bowls can be found at your local Loblaws in the Mexican food aisle. They are easy to fill and eat, and can be used for a variety of recipes and meal occasions - perfect for bringing the entire family together!

What is your favourite family meal? What would you add to OLD EL PASO tortilla bowls?

5 Tips for Introducing Your Family Dog and New Baby

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PawsToSavor #CollectiveBias

As baby's due date neared, besides the obvious of meeting our daughter, I was extremely excited to have her meet the family dogs. How would they act around her? Would they even care?

Fast forward 2 months... We now call Titus the "Night's Watch" because he always has to be by her side, and little miss Morley can't take her eyes off of him, watching and giggling at his every move. Those are the moments that I want to savor this summer, and forever.

When bringing home a new baby to a house with a dog, it is extremely important that the "first meeting" is done right. Remember, your dog or cat was your first and is used to being the centre of your attention. Introducing someone else into the mix may set off their routine, and many dogs experience anxiety when their lifestyles are drastically altered. The sooner you begin to prepare your dog, the better chance you will have a successful and easy transition once baby arrives. 

5 Tips for Introducing Your Family Dog & New Baby

01.  Prepare your dog. Teaching your dog some basic obedience skills, such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘leave/drop it’, etc., will help you manage behaviour when the baby comes. Desensitize your dog to some of the new sights, sounds and smells - unwrap new baby supplies, such as toys, and let him/her investigate them, play recordings of babies crying or babbling and even establish boundaries are baby’s toys and nursery. Once baby is born, take home an item from the hospital, such as a blanket, so that baby can get used to the new one’s smell.

02.  Control the introduction. It’s crucial to stay calm and relaxed when you and baby enter the house. If you seem anxious, your dog will pick up on your cues and may become anxious as well. Reward and praise your dog for responding to your cues and remaining calm around baby. Remember not to scold your dog - you want them to associate the baby with good things. 

03.  Teach your baby. While it is important to supervise all interactions, once your child is in the exploratory state, take the opportunity to teach your child not to bother the dog, yank their tail, etc. Similar to rewarding your dog for good behaviour, praise baby for being gentle when interacting with the dog. 

04.  Make baby’s safety a priority. Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a dog, especially when the baby is on the floor. While kisses from the dog may be cute, avoid face to face contact. After taking the appropriate steps, if your dog displays any questionable behaviour, seek professional help. 

05.  Don’t forget about the first member of your “pack”! Make sure that they still receive the attention and care that they deserve. This also means making sure they receive the very best when it comes to their food.  

Mealtime is a moment worth savoring, and this summer, Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend dog food will help you do just that! Made with real poultry, meat or fish as the #1 ingredient in all dry formulas, Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend is a high-quality nutrition with a taste dogs absolutely love. That is a dog food I can stand behind. 

Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend for dogs can be found in the Purina® Pro Plan® dog food section at your local PetSmart, and is available in a variety of dry and wet foods, plus snacks and meal enhancements, to satisfy taste preferences.

Now at PetSmart, spend $15 on any Purina® Pro Plan® product from 5/31–7/5 and SAVE $15 on your next purchase of 10.5 lbs. or larger Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat or Dog Food or Litter (by 7/31).

How do you savor every moment with your dog or cat?