3 Winks Design

Friday Faves #84-Vegan Holiday Treats

12/14/2018

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Madalynn hasn't had a chance to post much lately for a couple reasons: She doesn't have a computer presently and she has been working hard on her career. But, behind the scenes she is still a strong presence here at 3 Winks Design. Today's post is one she had a strong influence on.

I remember the days when at Christmas I would just cook the same sugary, fatty, delicious treats all through the season for everyone! But not so anymore! Now there are so many differing diets to think about! Maddy is vegan, a son is on Keto, Lindsey has to stay away from fats.
So, I have some offerings for today's Friday Faves that will fit the bill for the vegan and even help with those other 2 a bit as well. (I am not sure about the Keto, but at least for the vegan and the no-fat!)

I mean, who doesn't love Oreos with all of their hearts?

In apast post, Maddy shared the idea of making Oreos look festive. This time I made them with red and white sprinkles. Just be sure to use vegan frosting to edge them before rolling them in the sprinkles. I made mine with vegetable shortening and coconut milk. Oreos are already vegan by themselves. Maddy was so happy to hear that news! Don't they look pretty stacked on that plate like a flower? (Hmmm, that gives me an idea!)

Nope! These are not egg whites!

When Maddy showed me aquafaba and what it could do, I was amazed. What is aquafaba you ask? It is the liquid from a can of garbanzo beans! You just drain it into your mixing bowl and it whips up like meringue! Add 3/4 c. sugar and 1/2 tsp of cream of tartar and there you go. You may also add vanilla if you would like. I put the "aquafaba" in a piping bag and piped them onto parchment paper. Then, you bake them at 250 degrees F. for 2 hours! Look how much one can of garbanzo bean liquid made!

As you can see, I made some into snowmen. I put on the sprinkles before I baked them.

So, after you use the aquafaba, what will you do with the left over garbanzo beans? Make humus of course! Here is a large recipe for your Christmas party crowd!

Garlicky Humus For A Crowd

I know that humus is usually served with pita chips, but these Simple Truth Veggie Chips are delicious as well!

See! Vegans and low-fat eaters can easily enjoy Christmas treats with the rest of us! Not only that, all of us omnivores like them, too.

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Something They Want

12/13/2018

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Finally, we come to part 4 or the Christmas shopping formula for kids. We have done it out of order, but in case you have forgotten, here is the adage:

Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear and Something to read!

You can click on the following links to get to the posts on needs, reads and wear.
Today, I am going to talk about wants.
I like that the saying says, "Something they Want" because it isn't necessary or practical or good for children to receive everything that they want. I believe that this is true for the following reasons:

If children get everything they want, then nothing ends up feeling special.
If you try to get everything that they want, you will definitely break your budget!
Kids need to learn that they can't always get everything that they want and when they do get something that they want it is a real blessing.

I always told my children that they could ask for what they wanted and hope that they got something that they asked for. I tried to get them to focus on giving rather than just getting. But, of course as a parent, I really wanted them to receive things that they would love and enjoy. That is part of what makes Christmas magical!
At this point in the season, you probably know what your children want. But, just in case your kids aren't as forthcoming as you would like, I am going to list a few of the popular items that kids are asking for, as well as things that ought to be wants but our child just may not know he or she wants them!

Stem Items

I have been amazed at the coding gifts for kids that there are out there. Like this Bloxels Build Your Own Video Game KIt. Or, this Bit Coding Robot. These will keep kids busy and learning while having fun!
For Lego fans, this Klutz Chain Reaction Kit takes Legos to the next level!

For your budding scientist, this microscope kit looks amazing! It is on sale for a good price right now, too!

For the younger set, LeapPad is always a good choice.

Trending This Year

Fingerlings are a great price point and fun, interactive toys that kids all want, from what I have read! This year they have new ones that boys will probably like better than last year's more feminine choices.

L.O.L. Surprise comes in many sizes. They are packs of doll and surprises to go with them that any little girls would love! The glittery case the surprises come in is enough to get them excited.

Interactive toys have come a long way since the first Yamaguchi Pets. Check out these Grumblies that kind of remind me of Gremlins on steroids.

If you prefer something a little cuter, look at these Pomsies.

They both respond to voice and touch. Pretty fascinating!

Get Them Moving Gifts

One of the best gifts we ever got for our kids was a trampoline. It was great for all ages. This one takes it to a new level with a basketball hoop!

This looks like a genius idea for a badminton set that sets up and comes down in no time!

Finally, can I just say a word about bikes? Unless your child is a bike racer or becoming a pro-racer, Walmart bikes are reasonable and great for kids, especially if they are young and going to be growing out of their smaller bikes in a couple of years. Also, be sure that you are willing to take them places where they can ride, and get them a helmet!

So, time is running short, but I hope our ideas have helped you out! If you have found the perfect gift for kids, drop your idea in the comments! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for Friday Faves!

Gifts That Give Twice

A Special Gift for Grandkids

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Something to Wear

12/11/2018

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Hello! Today we share with you Something to Wear as part of our children's gift guides. Something to Read and Something they Need have already been done. Stay tuned for Something they Want.

I'm so excited for this post because I love kids clothes! They're so cute and less expensive than my own clothes (usually). Kids look cute in everything so it makes shopping so much easier.

Today I have found a bunch of cute clothes at Target for the kids. I personally buy my own kids clothes at Target. I love the price and sales they have. The quality is also great. My son has pants from there that still look nice after a year of frequent use from playing outside. I also like their Cat & Jack brand because they get kids in on the designing process! So there's more unique clothing choices. And my daughter has many cute clothes from Target, dresses, pants, shirts, pjs...she's a Target girl like her momma! So I feel confident in recommending these clothes to you today. My kids and I both love them and they get complemented on their outfits frequently.

Right now Target is having a sale on kids clothes so it's the perfect time to buy. Buy One Get One 50% off! And if you order $35 of clothes shipping is free! Or you can have it shipped to your local store for pick-up.

Something to Wear for Babies

First I have found this adorable button up sweater that would be cute on any baby. You'll keep your baby warm and amp up their adorableness at the same time!
For a more dapper look, this suspender outfit would be perfect.
This red dress with a faux fur shrug would be so adorable on a baby to wear for a Christmas party.
Last I present this baby bear bunting! My daughter had a pink one similar to this and it was the cutest thing ever!

Something to Wear for Toddlers

This cute outfit would be perfect for a toddler girl to wear to a family get together where she'll probably be running and playing a lot, but you still want her to look nice.
A "Very Merry Very Bright" shirt and leggings! A great outfit for Christmas Day.
My son has these skinny jeans. I love that they're pull on because with potty training every moment counts.
I love how cozy and warm this sweater looks. And the big buttons would be great for helping your child to practice their buttoning skills.

Something to Wear for School-Aged Kids

This sweater is an easy way to have your son look dressed up without him having to wear a shirt and tie. He'll appreciate it. I have a similar sweater for my son and he loves it.
Joggers are the greatest pants of all time. They have the comfort of sweat pants but look nicer. I also love that they can't drag on the ground. My son has several pairs of these from Target and they are so comfy!
This lace top is so beautiful, I would wear it now myself!
I'm a sucker for sequins and tulle so this shirt and skirt are right up my alley. I love it so much!

This is just a handful of all the cute clothes I saw on their site and in stores. Have a look for yourself and do your shopping from the comfort of your own home. Merry Christmas!