Cute Christmas Foods: Christmas Tree Veggie Bread

These are from my cookie swap last December (believe it or not, I'm writing this post in January 2013.  How's that for planning?) I have to warn you now, though, that while you may be used to my typical crappy iphone photos, these were taken on someone's flip phone.  That's right, a flip phone.  Apparently those aren't all in museums yet, because my kids' "Auntie Elaine" has one.  It takes EVEN CRAPPIER pictures! Holla!

Anyway, you'll still get the idea :)

Love it? Don't forget to Pin It!

Christmas Tree Veggie Bread

Pop open two cans of your favorite refrigerator crescent dough, but don't unroll them.  Cut each with a seraded knife into 8 equal pieces.  Arrange the slices on a greased baking sheet into a triangle with one piece at the bottom for your "trunk".  Bake according to package directions.  Meanwhile, mix one softened block of cream cheese with one cup of mayonnaise and one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.  After the crescents have cooled, cover them with the ranch mix, and then decorate with the veggies of your choice, using finely chopped broccoli as your base.  (This comes out cuter if you don't let your 4 year old help, but what's the fun in that?) 

Week in Preview: December 2-December 8, 2013

I said "Brrr" it's cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere...

No?

Nobody?

"Bring it On" reference aside, it is COLD.  Bitter, nasty cold.  I'm so not okay with that.  I like Virginia winter- the kind where it's a frigid 55 in mid-January.  I do not like the kind where it's 34 on Thanksgiving Day. 

I'm moving to Florida.

If you're staying here, then here are a few ideas for fun events and activities this week.

Pre-Register or RSVP for:
Wednesday, Prince William Ice Center will host one of their very popular "Snow and Story" drop in dates.  Our popular Snow and Story Hour is designed to provide toddler and pre-school age children with a safe and fun time playing on our ice, with snow and a variety of toys.  The on-ice session is followed by cookies, hot chocolate and a story. The cost is $7 per child.  Email mbrennan@pwice.com to reserve you spot.  Space is limited.

Wonders of the Holidays (Ages 3-5) Code 310191
Tis the season…We will celebrate the season through reading books that explore the magic of the holidays.  $15 SBDCRC December 5th, 9:45am

Pancakes with warm syrup & sausages, orange juice, coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider.
             Adults – 3 large pancakes and 3 sausages with a drink
                 Children – 2 large pancake and 2 sausages with a drink
                 *Space is limited to 80 for each seating
Saturday Nov. 30th 10am,  Sunday Dec. 1st 10am, Saturday Dec. 7th 10am, Sunday Dec. 8th 10am, Saturday Dec. 14th 10am, & Sunday Dec.15th 10am
Register online@ http://www.ticonderoga.com/christmas-trees/

Join us at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA for an afternoon of adventure with Vianlix Mestey's original story, "In Santa, We Believe", live onstage!
Just when you thought everything was going great, Santa's workshop grinds to a halt! Will Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves do what it takes to make sure Christmas Day happens? Come find out, as this tune-filled story unfolds.
Show dates: Saturdays, November 30-December 28
Show Times: 1pm (55 minute show, with one intermission)
Tickets: $12 adults; $8 children under 12 years old
*Limited seating, advance ticket reservations are recommended for this event. Reserved tickets may be collected at Will Call beginning 30 minutes prior to event, doors open for seating 15 minutes prior. Produced by Mestey Films Productions, this is a live-theatre performance for children and families.

Monday, December 2nd
Chinn Library will have your whole family covered tonight.  Younger children can enjoy "bedtime story hour" at 7:15, and if you have middle or high schoolers, plan to arrive early at 7pm so they can take part in a free holiday craft program.

Tuesday, December 3rd
At 10:30, Drumming with Dishes: Holiday Edition will play at the Lorton Workhouse.  Join us at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA for the musical play Drumming with Dishes: Holiday Edition.What happens when you invite someone very different from you to come over to play? Just such an adventure awaits a toddler when she introduces her shy imaginary friend to a very special kitchen, where instead of food, they'll cook up beautiful music! This gentle, playful adventure celebrates friendship and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary as you never know just what will become a musical instrument next. Purchase tickets here.

In DC, but could be fun, the National Building Museum will host a special story time reading "The Gingerbread Baby" by Jan Brett. Book of the Month: Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Readings at 10:30 and 11:30 am. Free with admission to Building Zone. Recommended ages 3-5.

Wednesday, December 4th
From 10am-12pm, you can take your kiddos and "Stroll and Roll" in Stafford.  STROLL & ROLL is back at The Cavalier! Stroll & Roll is a session aimed at kids ages 1-5. They can practice skating, go wild in the Play Zone or bring their favorite ride on toy and whiz around on our huge floor. Stroll & Roll is held every Wednesday from 10:00a-12:00p starting September 4th. Admission is only $3 per child and moms & dads are FREE! Mommy & Me and MOPS groups are welcome! Bring a friend and spread the word!

Bull Run Festival of Lights is open nightly starting at 5:30 on weekdays.  We've had better luck when we go early in the month- you can wait on line to get IN for upwards of an hour closer to Christmas. Just sayin :)

Thursday, December 5th
Salt Dough Ornament Making (December 5 at 7pm)
Manassas Park Community Center will supply the materials and know-how, you just come create.  $3/pp fee covers everything you'll need. 

Friday, December 6th
Merry Old Town- Make time to enjoy old-fashioned family fun at the "Merry Old Town" celebration in Old Town Manassas! The holiday fun begins at 5:30p.m. with holiday music and at 6:00p.m.when Santa arrives at the Manassas Depot via VRE train. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be at 6:30 at the Manassas Museum.  Take a free hayride around Old Town and go for a skate at the Harris Pavilion ice rink. Of course, Santa will hear the Christmas wishes of all the children at the Harris Pavilion gazebo.

Hylton Planetarium will offer three shows.  Your best chance for tickets is to get them in advance at the box office at the high school, M-F 7:30am-4pm.  $10pp bring exact change.
Friday, December 6th, 2013
6:00pm - Laser Holidays
7:30pm - Star of Bethlehem
9:00pm - Laser Holidays

Saturday, December 7th
Saturday, December 7, 2013, 10 a.m.
Old Town Manassas. See amazing floats, local celebrities, live performances, marching bands, equestrians, animated characters, giant balloons, and Santa at the Manassas Christmas Parade. The parade route begins at Mathis Avenue and concludes at the intersection of Center Street and Grant Avenue. Enjoy enchanted Christmas stories at the Train Depot from 2-5 p.m.

Join us at Good Shepherd UMC in Dale City for "Merry Larry" Join us for this free fun movie event to view the new Veggie Tale Christmas movie called "Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas" featuring Si Robertson "Uncle Si" from Duck Dynasty as "Silas" the narrator....you know it will be fun for all ages!  Everyone is welcome. 10am. 

5-6pm, Town of Dumfries Tree Lighting Join the Town of Dumfries for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event!  Please stop by Town Hall, between 11/20-12/6, and pick up an ornament, to decorate, and place on the Town Tree! Visit www.dumfriesva.gov for details!

Sunday, December 8th
Free carraige rides will leave from the Train Depot and take you around Old Town Manassas from 1 pm-4 pm. There is no admission charge for this event.

Catch a presentation of the Nutcracker at Faquier HS at 4pm or Osbourn HS at 3pm. 

Giveaway: Lia Sophia with Anne Monseur

Last week there was a magician at my house.  I think I told you guys that.

What I don't think I told you was that Lia Sophia advisor Anne Monseur came over, too, and she's something of a magician herself!  I selected a necklace from the Lia Sophia catalog to check out the quality and style in person (pictures never do jewelry justice), and when Anne brought it over, she whipped out a connected set of scarves as good as any magician I'd ever seen and showed me how amazing my necklace looked on different backgrounds.

Y'all, I had to go buy a green sweater because of her trick!  I wish I had it on YouTube to show you!

The necklace that I picked "because I have so much blue", Anne showed me was an incredibly versatile addition to my wardrobe! I think that means buying the other pieces in the collection is justified by how many outfits I can work with....

Enough about me- let's talk about jewelry.  This is the Ocean Air necklace that I selected:

I love it.  A lot.

However, Lia Sophia has a range of beautiful products, from necklaces, to earrings, from traditional pieces to statement jewelry.

The best part, of course, is the price point.  Not only are the pieces affordable, right now when you purchase 2 items, you get the 3rd and MOST expensive piece at 50% off.  That means if you buy two pairs of earrings (starting around $19) and a $100 necklace, your necklace is $50.

Brilliant!

Additionally, if you really need to overhaul (or fill) your jewelry box, December hostesses get 60% (sixty!!) of their party sales in free jewelry as well as hostess exclusive pieces for a great price- like this Dulce Bracelet, $128 normally, which is a hostess exclusive for $20!  Anne tells me that her most recent November hostess raked in $1,052 worth of free jewelry!

Bling bling.

I loved so many of the pieces in the Lia Sophia catalog, the hardest part was choosing.  Christmas is coming, though, so if you have a wish list, Anne will be more than happy to help your husband start working on it!

For our giveaway, Anne Monseur- Lia Sophia Advisor is offering a beautiful piece of jewelry between $75 and $125- get this, YOU get to pick!! As an added bonus, even if you don't win, if you sign up to host a December OR January party you'll get a free $100 piece of jewelry when you tell her you found her on PwcMoms in addition to all the hostess benefits I already mentioned! Enter using the Rafflecopter below!! Good luck!! Don't forget to look at the catalog carefully- if you win, you'll get the piece you select in the comments!

a Rafflecopter giveaway ________________________________________________________________
View our complete rules, which you agree to when you enter, HERE.  This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, iTunes, Android, Apple, Google Play, or anybody else cool.  Prize provided by giveaway sponsor.  Good Luck, and remember that earrings and necklaces will fit no matter how many servings of apple pie you have on Thanksgiving.

Guest Post: Santa at Fair Oaks Mall

My post about the Santa at Potomac Mills sure got you guys fired up.  I love hearing your opinions, though! I asked for additional pictures/details from other malls and events that people said were better, and Samantha from Happily a Housewife (also a PWC Resident!) shared her experiences at Fair Oaks Mall this year.  Thanks Samantha!! 

Thanksgiving is here, and with that December and the holiday season are right around the corner.  I don't know about you, but in our house, my kids are already making their list for Santa. 

We are lucky to live in an area with so many malls and "Santa" events.  But it can get a bit overwhelming deciding where to take your little ones, where has the best atmosphere, shortest wait, helpful staff.

Our choice is Fair Oaks Mall.  Although not in PWC, it is very close, and has an amazing display.

When you enter the ice palace, it is magical.  You enter into a giant snow globe, complete with snow falling!

I was at the mall for an event recently, and actually got to take a few minutes to speak with a staff member.  Here are some tips she shared with me....

1.  Weekdays are going to be the least crowded.  However, avoid Monday afternoons.  (Fairfax County Schools have shortened days on Mondays)

2.  Black Friday morning is surprisingly slow, as many adults are out shopping, or avoiding the malls altogether.  

3.  At Fair Oaks while they do want to keep the line moving, they really want each child to get their time, special moment with Santa.

4.  There is no fast pass line.  At some malls you can pay more to get in a separate faster moving line.  This however makes the regular line run even slower. 

In addition to photos with Santa, you can also get a photo taken with The Princess as well.  It really is a great experience that children of all ages will love!

While at Fair Oaks Mall, if your children are younger, be sure to check out the BRAND NEW Michael and Son Play Area.  

My favorite feature is the heat activated paint splotch.  When placing your hand on the soft mat, the heat from your body actually changes the color of the mat!

  


Hi I am Samantha.  My husband, 3 kids, and I have lived in PWC for 5 years.  Check out My Blog, to see more.  I also want to thank Andrea from Real Housewives of Northern Virginia for hosting a great event at Fair Oaks Mall.

Note from Kristina: Thanks so much to Samantha for the post, and also, be sure to check out Real Housewives' additional pictures from her annual Sensory-Friendly Santa event at Fair Oaks. 

Week in Preview: November 25th-December 21

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Let's get right to it.

Pre Order/RSVP for:
Tuesday, November 26th- The ARC of Prince William County facilitates an Autism Parent Support Group that meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. This parent-run group offers support, education, and social opportunities for families who have children (of any age) on the Autism spectrum. Child care is available. Call 703-730-3124 or email jrussell@arcgpw.org for more information.

Breakfast with Santa at Ticonderoga:
Pancakes with warm syrup & sausages, orange juice, coffee, hot chocolate, and apple cider.
Saturday Nov. 30th 10am,  Sunday Dec. 1st 10am, Saturday Dec. 7th 10am, Sunday Dec. 8th 10am, Saturday Dec. 14th 10am, & Sunday Dec.15th 10am
Register online@ http://www.ticonderoga.com/christmas-trees/

Black Friday Camps:
Prince William Ice Center-
Bring your kids to Prince William Ice Center for a fun day of skating, games and crafts. 
Ice Stars Skating Camp for beginners through intermediate levels of skating.
Pro Intensity Hockey Rookie Camp: Levels 1-4 

Animated Child- 
Come explore, paint, experiment and Minecrat game with us! 6:00 am to 6:30 pm $50 per child. Must RSVP by November 26th. 703-763-0003 Grades K-8 Meal: Chicken strips, salad and caramel apple.

Freedom Center-
Whether it's shopping or work that you have planned for Friday, November 29th, drop the children off with us at Freedom! Swimming, games, crafts and more! Fee: $55 per child. (703) 993-8444 9100 Freedom Center Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110

Pump It Up-
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while the kids play games, make crafts, enjoy treats & have lots of bouncing, sliding and inflatably great fun! 8:00am-2:00pm. Drop off anytime after 8am and pick up by 2:00pm - as flexible as you need it to be! Ages 4-12 yrs old. Includes activities, playtime, pizza lunch and supervision.
Tickets: Pre-sale - Now through 11/14 - $20 per child
Regular sale - 11/15-11/21 - $25 per child
At the door - 11/23 - $30 per child (if not sold out)

Monday, November 25
Bull Run Library has an 11am special storytime featuring stories & songs in Spanish, presented by Ms. Roxana. Una hora de cuentos especial: Introduciendo cuentos y canciones en Espanol presentados por la Senora Roxana. For all ages, drop in. Para todas las edades. No es necesario registrarse. Pick up admission tokens at Information Desk beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 26
Manassas 4 Cinemas has "Thrifty Tuesday and Wednesday" with tickets just $5.  They're showing FreeBirds right now (and Catching Fire...but that's more for mommas, right?).  We haven't seen it, but it's about Turkeys.

Wednesday, November 27
The Animated Child will have their open house for information about their French Immersion Preschool program at 10am.  I'd be especially interested in this if your family speaks French, or if your base elementary school offers it (I know Lake Ridge Elementary does).

Note that all libraries close at 5pm today.

Thursday, November 28
Most places are closed today, but there are a few options for moms and teens- Chinn will host their Turkey Stomp Gravy Splash,  the Freedom Center is free with a canned good.

Skate N Fun Zone in Manassas will be free admission from 6-9pm if your family needs an evening activity.  PwcDad went with our daughter for NYE- you can read about it here.

Friday, November 29
Libraries are still closed.  That's okay, because you're going shopping anyway ;)

Ticonderoga Farms starts their Christmas Season- Our Winter Christmas Festival includes hayrides to the white pine fields with access to all of our farm attractions with an admission fee of $6.95 per person. Depending on the weather, it can be a winter wonderland with snow, or just another outdoor time at the farm exploring the nature. Our fire pits are inviting to keep you warm and make some s’ mores or for roasting hot dogs.

Finish your evening with a "Holiday Tree" lighting at Stonebridge- Kick off the holiday season with the inaugural tree lighting at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (14900 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, VA  22191).  Enjoy holiday entertainment including "Those Funny Little People" and carriage rides. 6pm.

Saturday, November 30
Okay, now it's officially Santa Season.  Join the Workhouse for "In Santa We Believe" Join us at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA for an afternoon of adventure with Vianlix Mestey's original story, "In Santa, We Believe", live onstage!
Just when you thought everything was going great, Santa's workshop grinds to a halt! Will Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves do what it takes to make sure Christmas Day happens? Come find out, as this tune-filled story unfolds.

Gainesville Ballet will present their Nutcracker- Gainesville Ballet presents "Clara and The Nutcracker Prince" at the Hylton Performing Arts Center,  Merchant Hall, on Saturday, November 30, 6:30 pm, starring Nour Eldesouki and Carolina Boscan.  Order tickets through the Performances page.  http://www.gainesvilleballetcompany.org

Sunday, December 1
Winter tickets go on sale today at the Hylton HS Planetarium.

Youth Orchestra of Prince William will have their winter concert- YOPW’s younger string ensembles begin their concert series in December. They will be joined by the Wind Symphony in their first performance of the season. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at Potomac HIgh School.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students/seniors and free for children under 6.  Tickets are available at the door.

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Christmas Events

Let Us Celebrate the Holidays with you at

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

Thanksgiving Day Brunch

Thursday, November 28, 2013; Seatings from 10:30am to 3:00pm

$120 per adult, $40 per child, ages four to twelve, exclusive of tax & gratuity

Celebrate with a special Thanksgiving Day Brunch, featuring all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings and festive selections of brunch favorites. Musical entertainment and special activities for our youngest brunch guests will delight the entire family.

Annual Gingerbread House Opening

Friday, November 29 at 2:00pm

Kick-off the holidays with The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, as the life-sized Gingerbread House is unveiled for guests and the community to enjoy. Located on the lobby level of the hotel, the culinary work of art is large enough for guests to walk around inside and explore the sugary construction created by our talented Pastry Team. Opening day festivities will include holiday confections, hot spiced cider and hot cocoa.

Gingerbread House Decorating Classes

Saturday, December 7, 14 & 21, Sundays 8, 15 & 22, 2013; Seatings at 10:00am & 1:00pm

$70 per child, ages 2 to 12, inclusive of tax and gratuity (no charge for kids under 2 years old)

After exploring our life-size gingerbread house, learn to make your own sugary home at a Gingerbread House Decorating Class, taught by The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner’s pastry chefs. The class includes all the ingredients to construct a beautiful gingerbread house as well as a special souvenir.

The Nutcracker Tea

Saturdays, December 7, 14 & 21, 2013; Seatings at 10:00am & 1:00pm

$75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity

Escape into the magical world of The Nutcracker ballet, complemented by afternoon tea and treats. Students of the South Riding Dance Company will delight your eyes with a contemporary twist on the beloved holiday classic, while the Pastry Team will tantalize your taste buds with an extraordinary selection of tea sandwiches, pastries and sweets. All children will leave with a Nutcracker doll. Pictures will be taken with the featured artists and emailed at the conclusion of the tea.

The Princess Tea

Sundays, December 8, 15 & 22, 2013; Seatings at 11:00am & 2:00pm

$75 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity (no charge for kids under 2 years old)

Delight your young princesses with a magical theatrical production, featuring treasured Disney Princesses complemented by treats, courtesy of our pastry team. All children will leave with a holiday gift bag. Pictures will be taken with the featured Princesses and emailed at the conclusion of the tea.

Christmas Day Brunch at Entyse Bistro

Wednesday, December 25, 2013; Seatings from 10:30am to 3:00pm

$120 per adult, $40 for children under 12 years old, exclusive of tax and gratuity

Celebrate the holiday with an elaborate holiday brunch in our Entyse Bistro. Enjoy live musical entertainment and special activities, including face painting and a balloon artist for our youngest guests.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Entyse Bistro

Tuesday, December 31, 2013; Seatings from 5:30pm to 10:30pm

$135 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity

Ring in the New Year with a four-course tasting menu, champagne toast and live music from a three-piece band. Rick Whitehead on guitar featuring Eric Wheeler on bass and Michael “Mo” Morrison on drums.

New Year’s Eve at Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge

Tuesday, December 31, 2013; Raw Bar available from 6:00pm to 10:00pm

$75 per person food and beverage minimum after 9:00pm, exclusive of tax and gratuity

Celebrate the New Year with live musical entertainment provided by the Christopher Linman Jazz Ensemble and culinary delights in the Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge. As the clock strikes midnight, welcome 2014 with a complimentary champagne toast.

For holiday event reservations, please call (703) 917-5498

***Reservations are required for all holiday events and early reservations are strongly recommended. All prices are exclusive of and gratuity unless otherwise noted. Events are based on availability and are subject to change. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card.

New Year’s Eve Overnight Accommodations starting at $209.00*

The Deluxe New Year’s Eve Package starting at $329.00*

v Overnight accommodations in a deluxe guest room

v Full American Breakfast for two in Entyse Bistro

v Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit amenity

v Overnight valet parking

For room reservations, please call (800) 826-1895 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/tysons

* Offers valid through January 1, 2014, subject to availability. Rate is per room/per night, based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; advance reservations are required

1700 Tysons Boulevard ● McLean, Virginia 22102 ● USA

TEL 703-506-4300 ● www.ritzcarlton.com/tysons

Featured Organization Friday: Project Hope Basket Bridgade

Our fabulous sponsors at the Marketplace at Madison Crescent have a drop-off site for Project Hope Basket Brigade this season.  Check out the details below!

Disclaimer: While the Marketplace at Madison Crescent is a paying sponsor of PwcMoms.com, we always happily share charity events for our community free of charge.