Experiences as gifts… loving this blooming tradition!

I recently posted about a trip my daughter and I took to Ocean City this winter. This came from my daughter asking for and getting a local trip for Christmas last year. And, it’s the best tradition ever!

My 11-year-old daughter has gotten to an age where she does not want many toys but has not started to care enough about clothes and shoes to ask for a bunch of that for holidays. Because of that, a year ago, she started asking for experiences.  

Last Christmas she asked for a trip. Santa provided the hotel and an experience, and I paid for the rest. We did a local visit to a fun area in DC only about 30 minutes away.  My daughter and I both love hotels so we did not need
to go far to enjoy a night away.

Then came her birthday, and again, she did not have any huge wants, so we went to a concert, and she brought two friends.

So, when Christmas came around this year, she knew exactly what she wanted… another trip. This time she asked for 2 nights so that we could really enjoy without feeling rushed.

I know there may eventually be Lululemon clothes on her list or she may want to upgrade from her from her Kookaburra to full Uggs, but I hope the Christmas trip always happens.  In fact, I want to plan something similar with my son before he graduates. The one-on-one time with the kids gets less and less as they get older and I genuinely cherish it.  It would be harder for my husband because of his back injury, but I may even try to see if we could make something work around that for him.

I should add that my kids have several grandparents still living.  That blesses them with fun and love and stories.  It also gives them a chance to ask for an extra gift or two for holidays.

I know this won’t be for everyone, or every stage, but I highly encourage experiences as gifts. It doesn’t have to be a trip, it could be a membership to the aquarium or a sporting event. But, if it works for you, those memories will last forever. Give it a try.

Let me know in the comments if you need some ideas.  I would be happy to throw some out.

Why Ocean City, MD in the Winter? Let me tell you!

Ocean City, MD with my 11-year old daughter…in Winter…during the coldest week in years? Yep! And here is what we did and why we loved it!

Food, activities and a great hotel at a great price!

Let's start with the food.

While all of the restaurants are not open, some of the favorites are and they don't come with the summer wait that you might be used to from May to September. We were freezing, so we chose comfort food most of the weekend. We walked right into Alley Oops for great mac and cheese, Dumpsers for comfort food and an am
azing ice cream sundae and the Bayside Skillet for the best crepes I've ever had!  On top of the great food, the service was wonderful everywhere.  The servers were not busy and rushed so we chatted with them about living in OC during the winter and got wonderful service.

Between our yummy food, we enjoyed some activities together.

We started our weekend at Alley Oops! This place is like a smaller and more manageable Dave and Busters.  On top of good eats, they have a cool shark tank and an arcade with duck pin bowling.  Once you buy your arcade card, you can play typical games for tickets that get you prizes or use your card for bowling. Bowling bonus, no shoes required, you just walk up. Since the winter is less busy, the first-come, first-serve style was not a problem. We ended up playing two rounds and a few games. They have a special each day and that day, we got
$40 worth of games for $20 so we had plenty of points.

Our other out-of-the hotel activity was mini golf, indoor that is. Old Pro mini golf has a couple of locations that have indoor courses. We went to the one on 68^th street. It was a great course. Being inside did not make it any less fun. It is on multiple levels. You go up and down stairs and in and out of scenery. We had a great time, and I even won a free game! They also had a small arcade where we played ski ball (my fave) and a few other games
winning Ella a triangle game like the ones at Cracker Barrel.

Our hotel held our last activity. An indoor heated pool! We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Oceanfront on 28^th.  We stayed 2 nights. Santa paid for the hotel but if we had paid for it, it would have been half of one summer night! You read that right, 2 nights for 50% of one night! The pool area temperature fluctuated a little so I was chilly when I got out, but nothing a towel and robe could not fix.

If you were wondering what else was opened and closed, most of your summer things are open (less the boardwalk and rides) but maybe not every location. We went to Candy Kitchen, Sugar Planet and even popped into a Sunsations. We found that Google was accurate most if the time, but calling ahead might be helpful to just to make sure you don't drive to a closed location. We did not try to go down the boardwalk but did take one picture. It is crazy to see how empty it is.

Overall, we had a great few days away and did it at a great price. I would definitely recommend this for a quick getaway if you are in the area. 

If you want a video see my Tiktok @aimeesheriffstaff 

7 Simple Weeknight Dinner Ideas

I do not know about you, but for me, the first weeks of school are hectic and I need my evenings to be a simple as possible.  Although I love a yummy, creative dinner, some nights, I just need simple! If you are looking for Cornish game hens served with seared Brussel sprouts or step-by step directions, this is not the post for you.  However, if you need some ideas other than cereal, maybe I can help out!






Breakfast
Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner? Keep it simple with pancakes and sausage or add omelets. Either way, you can make dinner with only your griddle to clean up and have happy, full kids!






Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Tacos
Throw some chicken breasts with taco seasoning in your crock pot before you head out the door  and by dinner you will have moist shredded chicken.  I like to add peppers and onion in the crock pot, but you do not have to. To stay with our simple theme, keep your fixin's easy. Sour cream, Cheese, shredded lettuce and salsa can be served right out of the container for easy clean up and you can add beans or rice if you have a few extra minutes.






Grilled Cheese
I know this seems like lunch, but use 2-3 types of cheese in your sandwich and add tomato soup and it can feel more hearty.  If you feel the need for additional protein, get fancy, make it a hot ham and cheese!





Chicken and Broccoli
I know this seems less than simple, but hear me out.  You can use chicken tenderloins, frozen broccoli and Kikkoman stir fry sauce to whip up homemade Chinese in no time. To reduce your efforts, Innovasian makes a great sticky rice that you can find in the frozen section of most grocery stores.

Italian Sausage and Peppers
Again, I show my love for a crock pot!  In the morning, put sausage in the crock pot with sliced peppers and onions and cover with your favorite sauce.  Remember that the pepper and onion will add to the flavor so no need for homemade if you do not have any handy.  When you get home, serve with rolls or pasta.  You can add a simple salad if you want to add some freshness.





Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Salad or served over Rice
I know...more crock pot...but 5 minutes in the morning can be so worth it. For this meal, add buffalo sauce and a package of dry ranch dressing to chicken and it will shred into moist goodness by dinner time.  You can make wraps, salad or serve over rice.



Soup


Okay, so if you make your grandmother's chicken soup, turn away now as this WILL upset you.  If you are willing to take the simple way out, grab yourself a couple of cans of your favorite canned soup and serve with biscuits or crackers.  Sometimes we just need this level of simple to make it through. :-)

Dear Coach...Thanks for being the Unsung Hero!

Dear Coach,

Thank you! And not, "thank you" like I say to the person that holds open a door for me or thank you to the server at the restaurant. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.


I may not always show my appreciation, and I am sorry for that, but I want you to know that I see what you do and I know much of what you do goes unseen. I can only guess the number of hours you spend sending emails, creating line ups, rescheduling rain outs, prepping fields, and planning drills. And that's the work we don't see. On top of that, you run practices, get to games early, coach games, deal with our child's emotions after they miss the catch, hit or goal and play clean up for all of the stuff left on the bench.  You deal with parents when their kids don't 'play enough' or when preferred positions are not chosen.  You deal with the ref or ump when unfair calls are made and bite your tongue to set a good example.  You put up with the peanut-gallery of parents yelling from the stands, sometime unknowingly giving direction that differs from the one you gave when you sent our kid onto the field.


More than that, you are not just our child's sport coach, you are our child's mentor and life coach.  They watch you when they win and when they lose.  They see your attitude and how to handle an array of emotions. They receive your patience and also your tough love, when needed.  If our children make teams as they get older and move on it is your foundation that they are jumping from. That is invaluable.


Personally, we have had a lot of physical trials on our team this season, my child included.  I cannot be more grateful for the way you have handled it.  You have been patient with me and my son.  You have encouraged him and helped him to have remain part of the team even though he cannot always give 100%.  More, you have taught our children how to be compassionate to teammates. You have taught them that this sport is bigger than games won or lost, it's even bigger than athletic skills learned.


You have a family and a job and a whole life outside the field.  As a mom who sometimes struggles just to get the uniform clean and my kid to the field on time, I do not know how you squeeze it all in, but I am beyond appreciative that you do.  I am well aware without people like you that the rest of the children would not have a team to be on.


Thank you for stepping up to the plate and for committing to more than you may have meant to when you first volunteered.  Thank you for making such a difference in my child's life.  It is such a blessing to have someone who was a stranger to us not so long ago give such care about my child and our family.  Please know that even if we do not say it enough, there are a team of parents who appreciate you and are forever indebted to your time, skill, support and guidance.


I know your coaching salary check seems to always get lost in the mail, but I hope that you know we know how much you are worth.


Signed,
Aimee and Parents of athletes everywhere

Cute and Simple Idea for Teacher Appreciation

I am always looking for ideas that will show someone that I appreciate them without busting my own budget. For my daughter that goes to preschool, it can be hard to buy for multiple teachers without breaking the bank. This idea allowed me to give a small token of appreciation to each of the teachers in a creative way.

You could grow your gift by giving them  a more expensive gift card or keep it small by giving a $5 gift card so that they can buy themselves a cup of coffee and a donut.

If you hadn't read my previous post, I am a big dork who loves puns.  I looked up a few and joined them together to come up with this. I hope it helps you in your search for teacher appreciation ideas.

I'd like to give a big "thank you" to all of the teachers out there who give endless hours and patience to our children, not to mention some of their own financial resources. I wish I could buy them all the moon, but since I can't, I hope gift like this shows them that they are appreciated.

Day Light Savings Memes...

...Because sometimes you need to know you are not alone. 

Living with a Toddler, My Toddler, My Independant Toddler

My daughter is two. VERY TWO.  She is every meme you have ever seen rolled into one.  I live on the corner of , "mommy, please hold me" and, "I no like that, mommy, leave my lone." You may know this place, it is in Toddlerville which lies just on the edge of Tantrumtown.

I recently saw something that said, I live in a house ruled by a tiny tyrant that I made.     Yup!

Each day starts out new and I am sure that I am going to deal better with her challenges.  I am sure this is the day that she is going to let me help her put her shoes on without a fight.  I hold on to the belief that today she will not pitch a fit about getting dressed. I even, naively, think that she might not create a delay on our way out the door.  I also allow false beliefs about myself such as the thought that I will not yell today.

Although my hopes are quickly dashed, they are dashed by an adorable face joined by a squeaky little voice that seems so excited to see me.  Somehow, this saves my sanity.

During the week, when I am at work, I spend my time wishing that I could spend more time with her.  I hate dropping her off and look forward to picking her up.  
I spend my weekends wondering how stay-at-home-moms do not end up in an insane asylum. Seriously, ladies, you are special people.

Sometimes I wonder how I can think this is so hard. I mean, I have done this before.  I have been through the toddler years, and I got through them with my sanity intact.  I wonder if it is because I am a few years older or because I now have sports, school and other activities going on with my older child. 

I also wonder if it is because my little princess is not like her brother before her. I am convinced that this is most of it. She is so much more strong-willed and independent. At least these are the words my pediatrician says I am supposed to use.  He also says she has moxie. I suppose that is one way to describe a two year old that can bring her mother to tears.

Before you comment, yes we discipline her. Yes, we are consistent. And, yes, we are firm.  but this child, this child is a slow learner.  Well, that's a lie, this child is choosing a tough path just to make sure I know where she stands.  Someday, this child who will undo do what I did just so she can do things her way, will be a leader.  Someday, she will pave new roads.  Someday, my girl will be a strong woman making her way in the world.

In the meantime, I am just going to have to hope I can make it through these years, even if it is with a little more grey and a few more wrinkles.  Thank goodness, God made her so funny and cute so that between falling on the floor screaming and tell me to, "stop talking",  I can enjoy her little laugh and her adorable little dances while she sings Baa Baa Black Sheep and Let it Go.

Oh, and if you were looking for any advice, my apologies. I do not have any today. I do have empathy for you and I can offer you a place to commiserate. We, parents of toddlers, need to stick together.



 

Non-Mushy Valentine Ideas to Give Out at School

I have not posted in a while because my life has been so busy of, well, life! Between holidays, family stuff, winter sports, a sprained ankle and a blizzard, my focus has been elsewhere.  However, with valentine's day fast approaching, my son and I started to think about what he could give out. 

He has gotten to an age where he is very worried about giving anything out that could be taken the wrong way.  He notices girls, but still acts like they have cooties. (By the way, I hope that lasts for a LONG time!)

He does not like anything personal, so with his concerns in mind, here are some ideas that he and I found that seemed fairly safe. I hope one of them works for you

You Rock
I think something similar to this will be the winner.

 
 
 

Hope Your Valentine's Day Pops!

For this one, we would probably write, "I hope your Valentine's Day Pops!" or I hope your Valentine's Day Blows your mind!"

 

Fantashtic Valentine's Day

I love puns, so I had to add this one.

Winter Fun in Maryland - 2015

Here are some ideas to enjoy the winter and holiday season in Maryland.  All ideas are family friendly and most I have personally enjoyed. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions are from the event websites.
 
 
Gaylord Hotel and ICE 
Marvel at more than 2 million twinkling lights, amazing nightly snowfall and beautiful dancing fountains at Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac. 

ICE Pictures from my
Family's trip a few years ago.

 


The Water show is awesome.

Back this year is ICE! with a new theme featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special.
 
 
 
 

This was from ICE!
When it had a Grinch theme.
The theme changes each year.

Enjoy a special bonus area – The Frostbite Factory – a LIVE ice carving zone. And, don’t forget about Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf^® Scavenger Hunt and much more to get you in the spirit of the season!

It snows INSIDE!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

*Personal Note - The ICE! experience is amazing, but if you do not have it in your budget, just a visit to the Gaylord is beautiful with the water and lights show.   You do not have to stay there to enjoy the show.
 
 
Chesapeake City's Winterfest of Lights

Photo from Chesapeak's Site.

 
The Second Annual Chesapeake City WINTERFEST opens with flourish on Sunday, December 1st with a late afternoon concert of holiday music, singing of Christmas carols, and a flurry of new and exciting holiday happenings. Chesapeake City’s season-long Victorian Christmas celebration takes place on both sides of the C&D Canal with a blizzard of holiday lights and spectacular lighted displays along the north and south waterfronts.


Photo from Chesapeak's Site

Come see the lights. Listen to the carolers. Bring the children to Santa’s Workshop in historic Franklin Hall. See the beautifully decorated homes and porch decorating competition. Listen to holiday music concerts in Pell Gardens. Visit the quaint shops and celebrate the season in world-renowned restaurants while in town. Winter-warming beverages and holiday bites are available at the Canal Creamery, a cozy stop along the waterfront next to Pell Gardens. There is also an outdoor Skating rink open through February.
 
 
 National Harbour
National Harbor is your must see destination for all things holiday:


Photo from the National Harbor
Facebook Page

Whether enjoying the festive lights and a wintry stroll with your family, knocking out all of your holiday shopping in one trip, delighting the kids with a visit from Santa on The Carousel, or indulging a cozy date night with your other half — National Harbor is your holiday headquarters. 

Photo from the National Harbor Site
 

 
 
 

You can also enjoy a trip around the Capital Wheel, a year round  Ferris Wheel giving a bird's eye view of the Capital.

Baltimore's 34th Street 
As per Wikipedia,  in Baltimore, Maryland, Miracle on 34th Street is a display of holiday lights that takes place annually on the 700 block of 34th Street (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road) in Baltimore's Hampden community. The display, which involves the residents of most of the houses on the block, started in 1947, and takes place between late November and early January, celebrating its 69th year this Christmas.^[1] The location at the time of year becomes a major tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world, sometimes drawing more than 1000 visitors on a single evening.

A photo from my visit a few years ago.

*Personal Note - The Parking and the street get crowded, but I think everyone should go at least once. It is amazing that all of these families get so much into the spirit and have done so for decades. The lights are not limited to the outside. Some houses have adorable decorations that you can see from the porches or windows.
 
 
 
 The National Christmas Tree and State Trees
The National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place each year on the grounds of the Ellipse, south of the White House. With musical performances, and a message of hope and peace, this event kicks off the annual National Christmas Tree program, which runs until January 1st.

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas Tree on the grounds of the Ellipse. Every year, we continue that tradition, with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. In 1954, 56 smaller trees were planted around the National Christmas Tree, representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. Each year, these trees are decorated by organizations from every state.

The National Christmas Tree Program continues until January 1st and is free to the public. The trees and their decorations are the main attraction, but the program also includes musical performances, a model train, and Santa’s Workshop. All trees are lit from dusk until 11 pm. Musical performances are performed weeknights between 6 pm and 8:30 pm, and weekends between 4 pm and 8:30 pm. The model train runs from 11 am to 11 pm. Santa and his elves are in the workshop at select times throughout December. More information on these hours can be found here.

*Personal Note - Sometimes it is easy to forget how lucky we are to live so close to the Nation's Capital and connected historical sites and events.  While this may not be as exciting as the zoo for kids, it is a cool event to experience. Also, the drive into and out of DC is beautiful this time of year if you take the right route where you can see our nations monuments lit up.



 Annual Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Park
 

Photo from Watkins' Site

This spectacular holiday drive-through event features more than one million twinkling lights and is sure to leave families dazzling in amazement. Be sure to look for the many new Wizard of Oz lighting dipslays!

Photo from Watkins' Site

*Personal Note - The CASH ONY prices are per vehicle, so get more bang for your buck by going with another family.
 
 
 
 

 


Annmarie Garden In Lights in Solomons Island
Winner of Maryland Life Magazine's Finest Holiday Tradition Award, Annmarie Garden In Lights is a magical tour that takes visitors on a beautiful trip through the glittering woods. As you stroll the protected path, you will be transported to a fantastical place of spectacular lights and amazing "light sculptures." Guests will be surrounded by mythical beasts, wild animals, airplanes, pirates, princesses, circus performers, dinosaurs, and more. Because all the "light sculptures" are made at Annmarie, the designs are one-of-a-kind; nothing in this show is commercially available. It is all made just for visitors to Annmarie Garden In Lights! Enjoy the "Holiday I Spy Game," nightly entertainment, special discount nights, sweet treats, and other fun activities.

Photo from Garden Site.

Start your tour in the Arts Building where you will also find the Ornament Show & Sale, nightly entertainment, exhibits, and the Holiday Cafe. And don't forget to ask for a "Holiday I Spy" program. This year, the "Holiday I Spy" game will feature a green shamrock hidden in each vignette. Try to find all seven shamrocks! Scroll down to see the complete schedule of nightly entertainment and activities.

Christmas Village in Baltimore

The new Baltimorean Holiday tradition!

After a tremendous success of Baltimore's sister market - Christmas Village in Philadelphia, which developed within the 7 years of its existence into one of the world's 10 best Holiday markets - Baltimore got it's own version of a German style Christmas Village in 2013.

In 2015, Baltimore's original German Christmas Market will return to West Shore Park/ Inner Harbor on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Closing day for the season will be December 27 - the last Sunday of the year, which will give visitors an additional Homecoming Weekend to enjoy! The regular opening hours will be Sun - Thur 11am - 7pm and Fri - Sat 11am - 8pm, with the first three Tuesdays in December (Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15) and Christmas Day (Dec 25) being closed days!

 A lot of exciting events and attractions are waiting for our visitors! The well-known and beloved weekend events such as the Opening Ceremony with the Christkind from Nuremberg along with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony and the German American weekend will be back and other new events such as the Homecoming Weekend will be added.

If you want to beat the crowd and enjoy Christmas Village for free, come down to the Inner Harbor on a weekday and enjoy our new Winetasting events, daily Happy Hours, Kids Fridays and daily live performances by locals artists at our stage presented by Condor!

Zoo Lights
Both the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and National Zoo in Washington, D.C. have great light displays and connected activities during Decemeber. 

Photo of the National Zoo from thier website.

Entrance to the national zoo is free, but activities can require paid admission. The Maryland zoo does have an admission fee, but it is reduced in December and may include some events such as Santa Saturdays.





 Outdoor Skating 



Photo from the rink in Glen Burnie
 from thier site.

At various Locations in Maryland, you can find outdoor ice rinks. You can find them in Baltimore, Rockville, Silver Spring, Glen Burnie, Quiet Waters (Annapolis), Solomons Island and Wisp (Garrett County). 









Photo from the rink at Quiet Waters from thier site.

In the past, there has been a rink at the National Harbor, but I am still trying to see if that tradition is continuing this year.



The State of Maryland may not be large, but there is alot of fun in our little state. Get out there and Enjoy it! 

Ten Creative Ways to Give Gift Cards

I am thinking of giving several gift cards for Christmas this year and I am trying to come up with some cute ways to give them. Here are some ideas that I have come up with or found in my online search. Below each idea are some suggestions to help get your creative juices flowing:

1. Pair it with a small gift
If you are giving a gift card to someone who you do not mind spending a little extra on, you can give it with a coordinated or complimentary small gift. 
Retail card -  Pair it with slippers or bubble bath and write something that says, "Have fun shopping then come home and relax."
Home Improvement - Tie it to a small tool or paint brush that connects with the project for which they will use the card.
Beauty Supply - Pair it with a lotion or lip gloss.

2. Be Punny
So, I will be the first to admit that I like puns a little more than the average person. However, even with that in mind, I think most people appreciate a little corny humor now and then.
Coffee - Add a note that that says, "Thanks a latte for all that you do. I hope you have a Merry Christmas" or, "I love you a latte, Happy Birthday."
Anything - Put it in a mason Jar and write, "You are Ah-Mason! Have a Happy Holiday."
Target - Say, "Our friendship is right on Target."
Amazon - "I think you are AMAZing"

3. Be Ornamental
You can always pretty up a gift card by just putting it in an envelope and tying it to an ornament. Not only do you give a cute gift, but the receiver will have a little reminder of you as they decorate each year. You can coordinate the ornament with the card, but you do not have to.

4. Wrap It
I know that some think a gift card is a great way to get out of wrapping, but if you are someone who really likes to present your gifts in a cute way, wrapping it may be the way to go.  You can just find a small box to place it in. If you really want to have fun with the recipient, you can put it in a box, inside a box, inside a box.

5. Frame It
You do not have to buy anything fancy, it can just be a cheap dollar store frame and use a marker to write on the glass. You could just write Merry Christmas or Happy Birthday or you could be more creative and write something like, "Break Glass in Case of Emergency."
 
6. Luggage Tag
If you find a large enough luggage tag, you can just slip the gift card in. This could be especially cute if you are giving a hotel or travel related gift card. 

7. Get Crafty (or Get Etsy)
There are tutorials about how to make adorable envelopes and holders online, but for those who are less crafty, Etsy has some as well.  It might feel silly to pay for shipping for one holder, but if you are someone who gives gift cards often, it may be worth it to order  or make several and have them ready.

8. Put it a Bag
If you are looking for something that will look nice but it is simple, just grab a small gift bag. If you do this, I suggest that you tape the card to the side or bottom of the bag so that it does not get lost when the receiver pulls out the tissue paper. If you want to add a little creativity you can get a solid bag and decorate it. This can be especially cute if the gift is from kids who can add their own creativity.


9. Add a Snack
Who doesn't love snacks? I mean, really. You could try to add something cute that is related or that you can add with a pun. (I told you that I love puns.)
Spa - Add it to a kit-kat and write, "Give yourself a break and enjoy the spa."
The Movies - Add it to a bag of popcorn or typical movie candy

10. Be Simple
Pretty and meaningful does not have to mean a huge amount of effort. You can always just put your gift card inside a meaningful card or write a nice message in a blank card.