Happy New Year

It's that time of year again. Where we say goodbye to one year only to welcome the next.

We wish our readers the best in 2012.

May next year be filled with love, happiness, sunny days, laughs and good memories.

Happy new year!

Love Sara and Michelle xo

Merry Christmas

Wow! Christmas came and went so fast. This year was especially special to me. It was the first time in many years I was able to go back to my home town of Iroquois Falls and celebrate with my family all under one roof. I don't remember that happening in... well... forever.

This Christmas was really amazing and I can't wait till next year. I promised myself that I will work on Christmas gifts throughout the year and I hope I stick to it. Christmas crowds are just a little too much for me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time. Rest up because NYE is right around the corner.

My sister's dog Bella, Casey and Frank in their Christmas sweaters.

Sara xo

App Of The Day

I've had my iPhone for just about a month and I can't praise it enough. I was the generation Blackberry for many years but made the switch and I am really happy I did.

One of my favourite apps on the phone is Instagram.

It's a great way to take photos and share them with other Instagram, Facebook and Twitter folks. There are many filters to make that regular photo look like it was produced by the old and yet still amazing Polaroids. There are many different filters that can transform your photos. I enjoy the blur feature. It's a great way to make the focus of your photo pop! It's perfect! And you don't have to take a photo right away to use the Instagram. You can upload a photo to the app using the camera roll and voila, change up the photo the way you like.

I give this little app 5 stars!

If you'd like to follow me this is my Instagram name instagiguere

Here are some photos I took using the Instagram.

See you on Instagram :)
Sara xox

My Favorite Christmas Recipe

I want to share with you my super easy, super yummy, super awesome truffles recipe! You can make a small batch or a giant batch like I did yesterday. These truffles can be decorated and styled in ANY WAY. I sprinkled them with festive colored sugars, cocoa powder, coconut, peanut crumbs, colored chocolates, the possibilities are endless! These truffles have always been a big hit every year, with their solid chocolate coating and creamy center.

Yesterday I made over 175, along with another 175 of peanut butter balls. I want to make sure to have yummy snacks on hands for the holiday season. I will also be giving some out as gifts. I bought decoratives tins from the dollar store and put a dozen truffles in each. It's the perfect Christmas gift for your child's teacher, bus driver and babysitter.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Here is the simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Crush the entire box of cookies. You can use a fork, potatoes masher, or place them in a large ziplock and use a rolling pin. Crush cookies completely.
2. Mix your cream cheese brick in with the crushed cookies in a large bowl. You may want to put your hands in there and blend it.
3. Make small balls with the dough. Roll them in your hands for the perfect shape. Place them on parchment paper of a cookie sheet.
4. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Dip in chocolate, then refrigerate.
6. Decorate as desired.

Tips

• For variety, use different types of chocolates; white, milk, dark, colored.
• Use toppings, Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, peanuts, toffee bits, coconut, cocoa powder etc.

These truffles can be frozen, be sure to take them out at least an hour prior before serving.

-Michelle 

What I'm Listening To

It's been a while since I've come across some incredible music. I'm an incredible music junkie who is constantly keeping an open ear to new acts.

My friend and I got talking about artists we listen to. We have similar taste in music. He mentioned this folk duo I've never heard of before but they are becoming increasingly popular. You'll hear why.

Ladies and gentlemen...

The Civil Wars

And my personal favourite track is Go (below)

Well I hope I've brought a little folk into your life and you enjoy this band as much as I do.

Sara
X

A Homemade December?

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. That means that I need to get going on my Christmas shopping.

I'd like to think that I'm an excellent gift giver but I'm not so confident this year. I have a few fantastic presents ready for the big reveal but I'm missing some key people.

Fro instance, my mum is one hard person to shop for. The moment I think I got the perfect gift, she's already gone out and bought it for herself. And so the search for the perfect gift continues.

My favourite gifts are the homemade ones. They are the most special and the most unique.
In the past I've made bath salts, took a page from William & Sonoma and made ready to make cookies in a jar. I've knitted hats and crocheted scarves.

If you're going to go home made this year make sure you do your research and have your gifts made sooner rather than later. You don't want to be panicking to finish a project when the big day approaches or not finish and have to fight the crowds on Christmas Eve.

If you've made or received some awesome homemade gifts let us know by sending an email of the gift to forevertickledpink@live.ca

We'd love to read your ideas and post our favourites here on the blog.

Sara

Cookies & Champagne

What a wonderful day! Nicole and I spent the entire day baking cookies for the HUG's Cookies & Champagne event.

We woke up pretty early and got started. Nicole made these incredible lemon nut cookies. They were unbelievable. While she was finishing up her icing, I was still trying to figure out what the heck I was doing. I even bought William and Sonoma mix and couldn't get it right. Thank goodness Nicole was here today. There is no way I'd be able to finish them in time for the event. And yes they were all suppose to be home made but I'm just not confident enough to make some rocking cookies from scratch. So I cheated. I mean it was just the mix. I swear!

Here are my sugar cookies. 

Nicole and I had a really wonderful time. There were so many cookies to choose from and the mini market was fantastic. I bought myself a very pretty necklace with a branch pendant. It's gorgeous and I'm very happy I got the last one. :)

Nicole and myself

Champagne glasses. 

So these 2 plates had our cookies on them. By the end of the exchange they were almost all gone and some other random cookies were added. 

I love this skirt.

What I brought home. :)

This is an event I will be attending next year. I'll have to practice my cookie making skills.

I'd like to say a very big thank you to the lovely ladies at HUG.

- Sara xo

How to love a snow bank

I live in the deep north of Ontario, and I don't know about you but winter is here to stay.  How do I know this? Well because it was -21 this morning, that's how! Most people, cringe at the sounds of an early morning snow plow, because this means we need to clear the snow bank left at the end of our drive way. But maybe I can change your mind, and show you the benefits of that little pile of snow.

Most people don't know this but, snow shoveling is beneficial in SO many ways.

First things first, get yourself a good sturdy shovel that you are comfortable with. It's also a good idea to get water proof gloves or mitts. Invest in a good pair, this will make the winter season so much easier (trust me). Bundle up the babies and the fur babies and GET OUT SIDE. Considering all the time we spend indoors during the winter, the fresh air will do you good.  The kids can help, the dog can help, make it a family fun time!

Did you know the average person burns over 250 calories an hour shoveling snow? This is almost the same as playing a vigorous sport. So not only are you, cleaning up the drive way, bonding with your family and working on your fitness, but you are also getting an amazing back work out. Having a strong back/core can reduce your risk of injuries, improve posture, increase energy and so much more. Remember keeping active and following a healthy balanced diet can decrease your risk of getting sick this winter.

I like to shovel right after breakfast, get it done and over with. After being in the fresh air and working up a sweat, I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle my day. My energy levels are sky high and I sleep like a baby at night. (oh and my drive way is cleared!)

So next time you see that little snow bank at the end of your drive way, smile because a great opportunity, has almost literally knocked at your door!

-Michelle

Winter Woofstock

This is my dog Frank.

She's a really happy puppy who loves life. I mean she loves everything. And that's why I was really excited to take her to Woofstock for the first time. Puppy love over load!

For those of you who don't know Woofstock, it's a festival for dogs. Exhibitors all over the GTA gather to showcase their products for your 4 legged loved one. From home furnishings to yummy snacks, Woofstock has everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Here are a few snap shots of Woofstock...

Woofstock VIP Club, very exclusive

Have your pet take a photo with Santa. All proceeds go to a good cause.

This was one of my favourite dogs. Not only was he super huge but he was ultra cute.

This man was so sweet. His little critter was swinging along in this bag.

Nope these aren't human snacks.

I loved this piece. If I only had the place for it.

K 9 couture. 

The latest in dog strollers

And here's a photo of me and my little ankle bitter on our way out.

It was a good day to be a dog. Especially my dog. We left Woofstock with her favourite bones and loads of new snacks. As soon as we walked in the door, she was out like a light. That's how I know she had a good day. I'm looking forward to the summer Woofstock.

If you're interested in coming to the show follow these links.

http://www.winterwoofstock.com/

http://www.woofstock.ca/

Hope to see you there next time,
Sara xxxooo

Attention Toronto Gals

This is going to be a lot of fun.