Nostalgic Christmas

Nov 27 2007

Posted by Krystal as What's Going on in Kamloops

For approximately three weeks every December, the Community Arts Council of Kamloops has has been holding its annual Nostalgic Christmas Exhibition at the Cunliffe House in Riverside Park (262 Lorne Street). Nostalgic Christmas is an exhibition of toys and decorations which have sentimental value and bring back fond memories of Christmases past for both the participants, as well as for the public.

In past years, the Nostalgic Christmas opening night has included wonderful performances from the likes of the After8 Quartet, Marita Pukas and the Kamloops Choristers. A “Community Tree” has also been incorporated into the event, with children creating peanut butter and birdseed covered pinecones for decoration and Christmas treats for our feathered-and-furry friends of Riverside Park.

For more information: Phone: (250) 372-7323

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Volunteers Needed for Operation Red Nose.

Nov 12 2007

Posted by Krystal as What's Going on in Kamloops

Operation Red Nose is a unique program dedicated against drinking and driving. Essentially, it is a volunteer driving service provided during the Christmas Holiday Season to all drivers who have been drinking or who do not feel fit to drive their own vehicle back home. It is an original and free way of getting a safe ride in our own vehicle without driving it!
Operation Red Nose

2007 Dates of Service:
November 30th
December 1 7 8 14 15
21 22 28 29 31
For more information on volunteering
or becoming a sponsor: 828-3583

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Christmas Crafts for kids.

Nov 09 2007

Posted by Krystal as Crafting with Kids

One of my favorite traditions is making Christmas ornaments. They can come in all shapes, sizes and skill levels. Each year we add one or two and carefully pack them away to be enjoyed next year. Our tree is full of memories and changes in our family through the ages – decorating it just fills my heart with joy!

Here is a toddler friendly craft!

You will NEED:
Cardboard Scissors Hole Punch Yarn Glitter Glue

To DO:
1. Draw or trace a small star shape onto your cardboard.

2. If you have a preschooler you can let them try and cut out the shape otherwise cut it out yourself. (Maybe cut a few!)

3. Punch a hole in the top of your star where you want it to hang from and tie a small loop of yarn through the hole so you can hang your ornament.

4. Hand over the glue and glitter and let your kiddo go wild! Alternatively they can use paint to paint the star and then add glitter to the paint. Let one side dry – flip over and do the other side.

These can be additions to gifts or gift tags and are sure to be loved and treasured. Of course you can cut any shape your heart desires and dress up the craft to be fancier depending on your child’s skill level.

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The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much?

Nov 09 2007

Posted by Krystal as Curled Up with a Good Book

Every woman should read the book “The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much?” by Leslie Bennetts. Why you might ask? Because this book provides information on some hard truths we as women in a struggling society are afraid to face.

Read it with an open heart and mind. Read it with passion for your own life. Read it and then give it to your girlfriend, your mother, your sister or your daughter with instructions for her to do the same.

The hard truth is that we as women face a lot of tough choices in our lives the path is not always clear or easy; it is up to us to be informed and honest with ourselves so that we can MAKE those choices and TAKE control of our own destinies.

I have seen first hand the results of a prolonged absence from work; after my first maternity leave upon returning to work I was forced to take a far less challenging position with a lack for growth or income potential which consequentially made me miserable. Reading this book has helped me to see the steps I could, and should, have taken to secure my future with the company.

It is a juggling act without a doubt. We as women are capable of it. We are undeniably strong creatures; the more we take on in our lives the more we surprise ourselves with our accomplishments. We feel better about ourselves and then seemingly have more of ourselves to give. Fear or laziness or indecision is not acceptable. We deserve better. You deserve better. The tools and strength we need are found all around us – read the book.

You can thank me later.

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Getting in the Spirit

Nov 09 2007

Posted by Krystal as Adventures in Parenting

Remembrance Day for our family signifies the beginning of a season of sharing ourselves with others and giving thanks for the gifts we have been given in our lives. The children and I will attend ceremonies in Riverside Park (I am assuming that is where they will be!) to remember those young men and women who fought so proudly against those who tried to jeopardize what those before them tried to achieve.
While our government may not be a perfect system it does allow us freedoms and fortunes beyond what many other industrialized nations provide. A new generation of Canadian soldiers is going to fight in a war which is probably one of the most highly controversial in recent history. It is also most likely a fight no one is going to win; the strategies of war are far beyond what I am willing to comprehend and the goal seems illusive to even those fighting it. Which why it is all the more important that we give our love and support to those who have chosen to be part of something bigger than themselves.

The picture quickly gets too big when we start taking steps back and often we feel paralyzed by the overwhelming situation. Christmas has lost meaning for many of us and has only become another source of stress about money and time. For me Christmas is not about buying and spending money but is about letting the people close to me know just how much I care about them and am grateful to have them in my life. A kind note sent to a friend far away, a cup of tea shared with one I haven’t connected with in a while or a family outing shared together just for the fun of it. Take the time spent shopping and hunting in the dreaded malls and big box giants and give that time and give yourself instead that is where you will find the true joy and spirit of Christmas.

For those of us who love to give a gift (I know I do) consider something smaller and simpler that is sure to be enjoyed; homemade gifts are some of the most special because they enable us to tailor something exactly to that person. I received a jar of antipasto from my step-mother a few years ago, a treat I throughly love eating, and to this day every time I have antipasto or see it I think of her warmth and kindness. She’s given me lots of things over the years but that thoughtful little gift of herself made the biggest impact and is one I will always remember. We are all pressed for time in this crazy messed up world we live in so maybe making it a joint effort is something to consider, maybe the gift making itself is a moment or tradition that you can share with your family. My mom and I can jam and/or chutney together then gift out the majority of our efforts. The time we spend together is more precious to me than any gift I will give or receive.

This year simplify your Christmas list down to those who really matter and focus on what you can give of yourself. Happy Winter Solstice. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah and everything in between may the season be full of warmth and love for you all.