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Merry Macaroni Christmas!!


This year Landon has loved the holidays every time he gets in the car he thinks that we are going to go drive around andlook at lights (which we usually do almost 4 times a week) lol. He loves Santa..this year he walked right up to him and sat right up on his lap..but of course once I moved to the side for the picture he quickly became shy and unsure resulting in botched Santa picture . Oh well better luck next year. Last Christmas for Christmas morning breakfest ...


DECEMBER GIVEAWAY!!!


Free Free Free

Family pack of 4 tickets to the Ft.Myers Edison & Ford Estates. The Estates are decorated beautifully for the Holiday Season. All you have to do to win is comment under this message suggesting one thing that you would like to see more of on Naples Macaroni Kid in 2012. I will randomly pick the winner on Monday Dec 19th!!


Sweet Crock-Pot Christmas Breakfast


French Toast

6 eggs
3/4 cup skim milk (you can use whichever kind of milk you like; we only get skim or fat-free milk)
1 loaf of bread
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T cinnamon
canola oil, butter or cooking spray
powdered sugar

Coat the inside of your slow cooker with canola oil, butter or cooking spray. Since the French Toast has the tendency to stick to the sides, grease it liberally.

Place the loaf of bread in the slow cooker. (My slow cooker is on the smaller side, so ...


Catch The Great Holiday Classics on TV This Season


Dates and Times of Your Favorite Movies

Thanks to Mary Lauren Randall, a Macaroni Kid Publisher in Orlando, for putting together this list!

This is my favorite time of year.  The decorations, music and classic holiday movies are essential.  I've put together this list of a few classics being shown on TV this season.  We'll keep this article running all month.  Keep checking back for updated listings.  As I find them, so will you. 



Thursday, Dec. 15 -

"A Chipmunk Christmas" 6 p.m., ABC Family

"Miracle on 34th Street" 8 p.m., AMC

Friday, Dec ...


Homemade Christmas Cards


Mr. Sandman

Scented with holiday spices, our scroll-bearing sandpaper-gingerbread folks couldn't be a more inviting way to get out the word about your cookie-making party. And when they're finished with their party come-hithers, these charming messengers can moonlight as tree ornaments.

 

Materials
  • Sandpaper (finer grits are easier to cut)
  • Glue and brown construction paper
  • Cinnamon stick and whole nutmeg
  • Gingerbread person cookie cutter
  • Pencil and scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Puffy paint
  • Hole punch
  • Ribbon, 1/8-inch wide
  • 2 1/2- by 8-inch strips of paper (one per invitation)
  • Envelope
 

 

Instructions
  1. To cover ...


Savory Slow cooker Recipe


Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

30-ounce package of plain frozen hash brown (shredded) potatoes
4 previously cooked sausage, or leftover diced ham (I used chicken and apple sausage)
you can use bacon or whatever you like best.

½ onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1½ cups shredded cheese
12 eggs
1 cup skim or fat-free milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

I used a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. Dump in the whole package of hash browns. Spread them out with ...


What If Santa Can't Afford Christmas?


National Macaroni Kid Article

I had just turned off the evening news and was on my way to the kitchen to begin dinner when Lizzie ran up to me, grabbed my waist and with very serious eyes, looked up to me and asked me this question. "Mommy, what if Santa can't afford Christmas this year?"

Lizzie had been in earshot of the evening news and no doubt heard enough of the financial woes and was concerned. I hesitated, not wanting to scare her, but also not wanting to lie to her. Her father ...


This Week's Picks:


December 16th through December 18th

Friday, December 16 through Sunday, December 18 - Festival of Trees Opens

The Boy's & Girl's Club of Collier County is proud to kick off the 1st Annual Festical of Trees at  The Village on Venetian Bay. Come and enjoy our winter wonderland to ciew the beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and garland swags. There will also be fun and festive events all throughout these 16 days of fun.
Where: The Village on Venetian Bay
When: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM (call for end time)
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: 239-325-1765
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Friday, December 16 through Friday, December 16 - THE HOLIDAY BALL CHILDREN'S DANCE AT JUMPING JACKS

THE HOLIDAY BALL CHILDREN'S DANCE AT JUMPING JACKS

SPECIAL GUEST DJ ICEE
ELMO WILL BE THERE
DORA WILL BE THERE

   
Where: Jumping Jacks
2403 Trade Center Way #7
Naples, FL 34109
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: Children 6 and under only.
How: Advance Registration required
Cost: $10 per person
For more info: 239-514-7529

www.kidsplaygym.com
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Friday, December 16 through Friday, December 23 - Holiday Arbor Lights

Come have hot cocoa and cookies with Santa and then enjoy a nature walk where the trails are lit up with beautiful Christmas lights.  Ages 3-12 $6 / Adults $12. 239-275-3435  
Where: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium 3450 Ortiz Avenue Fort Myers
When: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Ages 3-12 $6 / Adults $12
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Hartstrings Grand Reopening

The event is taking place on Saturday, December 17th from 10am – 2pm.
During the event, not only will the attendees be able to shop, but they will get a chance to have their child(ren)’s holiday photo taken by a professional photographer. Each family will get prints of the picture for FREE! In addition to this, attendees will have the opportunity to win several door prizes and the first 30 attendees to come will take home a goody bag full of toys and prizes.
Where: Hartstrings at Miromar Outlet
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: Please RSVP to Megan at megan@bsmmedia.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots.
Cost: free
For more info: www.hartstrings.com
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Let it Snow!!

Holiday entertainment, carolers, face painting, and a snow show at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Held at Village on Venetian Bay, Naples.
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: just show up
Cost: free
For more info: Call (239) 261-6100 for information.
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Christmas Parade

Holiday parade starts at the corner of Balfour Drive and San Marco Road, Marco Island.    
Where: corner of Balfour Drive and San Marco Road, Marco Island.    
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: everyone
How: just show up
Cost: free
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Sunday, December 18 through Sunday, December 18 - Christmas Story Classics

Performed by local skaters and the Florida Everblades Figure Skating Club. Held at Germain Arena. $10.00 per person admission. Collections taken for: Harry Chapin Food Bank & Humane Society. Contact lgratkowski@comcast.net
Where: Germain Arena
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: just show up
Cost: $10.00pp
For more info: Contact lgratkowski@comcast.net
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This Week's Calendar:


December 16th through December 19th

Friday, December 16 through Friday, December 16 - Parents Night Out at My Gym

Parents can enjoy an evening out while children have fun at My Gym. Dinner included
Where: My Gym
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Please call for ending time)
Who: Kids
How: call for info
Cost: call
For more info: 431-6499
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Creating Art Together

A new children's workshop series has begun with the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center. "Creating Art Together" is a fun, new way to spend some creative time with your child, grandchild, sibling, niece or nephew. The class is only $20, and you and your special child will make a project together that you can take home that morning. Price includes all materials. Special rates apply for families with more than one child in the class. The theme for December will be making a cookie plate for the holidays.
Where: the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center.
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: children and adults
How: just show up
Cost: $20
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - 3rd Annual Christmas Showcase "Christmas In The Tropics"

The Dance Warehouse will be hosting their 3rd Annual Christmas Showcase "Christmas In The Tropics"  at the Gulf Coast Town Center.  Admission is FREE!! Come see all of our studio classes perform their Christmas dances for you. 239-275-5678  
Where: Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: just show up
Cost: free
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Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Bluegrass Concert

Free outdoor concert held at Cambier Park Bandshell. For more information call (239) 213-3058.  
Where: Cambier Park Bandshell
When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: just show up
Cost: free
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Monday, December 19 through Friday, December 30 - Holiday Fun Camps





Give your child a great gift this holiday season…we have Holiday Art Camps planned for your convenience and your child’s entertainment. Bring them for one, or all of the classes. Projects will be different each day. Art projects can be completed and taken home the same day.
No reservations needed. Drop your child off while you work or shop, or come along and create something wonderful with your child.

When: December 19-23rd, & 26-30th, 2011
Where: The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Children
How: For more information call 495-8989 or email at cfabs@artinusa.com
Cost: Morning Session (9am to Noon) $15
Lunch (Noon to 1:00pm) $5 Packed Lunch and Movie
Afternoon Session (1:00pm to 4:00pm) $15
For more info: For more information call 495-8989 or email at cfabs@artinusa.com
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Teen Scene:


Wednesday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 21 - Studio Model Shoot

Join us at Understand Photography (formerly Photography Naples) as we practice studio lighting and posing with a model.

No experience is necessary to come to the studio photo practice sessions. You just need a DSLR with a standard hotshoe (most DSLRS have them). We will help you with your settings.

We have a mix of beginners who don't know how to get out of automatic, to working professional photographers.

Call (239) 263-7001 for more information. www.understandPhotography.com
Understand Photography Studio
2383 Linwood Ave #302
Naples, FL 34112
Where: Understand Photography Studio
2383 Linwood Ave #302
Naples, FL 34112
When: 6:15 PM - 8:15 PM
Who: Amature Photographers
How: You just need a DSLR with a standard hotshoe (most DSLRS have them). We will help you with your settings.

We have a mix of beginners who don't know how to get out of automatic, to working professional photographers.
Cost: $19
For more info: Call (239) 263-7001 for more information. www.understandPhotography.com
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Plan Ahead:


December 17th through December 31st

Saturday, December 17 through Saturday, December 17 - Let it Snow

Enjoy a festive snow show and get into the holiday spirit! Stroll along the waterfront and take delight in holiday entertainment, carolers, face painting and more, plus extraordinary shopping and dining all evening! Snow show starts at 6 p.m. .
Where: The Village on Venetian Bay
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: just show up
Cost: Free
For more info:  For more information please call 239.261.6100
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Monday, December 19 through Friday, December 30 - Holiday Gymnastics Camp

Holiday Gymnastics Camp - Since the kids are off of school why not let them spend the day running, jumping, swinging & playing at the largest gymnastics facility in Southwest Florida. Early drop off and late pick up available at no extra cost. Call to sign up or for more information.
Where: Naples Progressive Gymnastics
4795 Mercantile Avenue
Naples, FL 34104
When: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Call for ages
How: (239) 455-3700
http://naplesgymnastics.wordpress.com
"Like" us on facebook or follow us on Twitter (NPGymnastics) for coupons to all of our Open Gym times
Cost: call for price
For more info: (239) 455-3700
http://naplesgymnastics.wordpress.com
"Like" us on facebook or follow us on Twitter (NPGymnastics) for coupons to all of our Open Gym times
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Tuesday, December 20 through Tuesday, December 20 - Toddler Open Gym

Toddler Open Gym every Tuesday morning from 11:00-12:00 for only $10 per child (parents play for free). This is a great time for your children to get better coordination, balance, & strength while running, jumping, and having fun. Come play at the largest gymnastics center in SW Florida. 16,000 sq ft fully air conditioned facility with 70 ft tumble track, 2 competitive trampolines, Boys & Girls gymnastics equipment, 2 ropes for racing or swinging, and much more.
Where: Naples Progressive Gymnastics
4795 Mercantile Avenue
Naples, Fl 34104
(239) 455-3700
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Toddlers
How: just show up
Cost: $10 per child (parents play for free)
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Tuesday, December 20 through Tuesday, December 20 - ELMO AND DORA LIVE! AT JUMPING JACKS

Elmo and Dora will be appearing LIVE at JUMPING JACKS KIDS PLAY GYM in Naples

Bring the kids for some great fun !

Don't forget your cameras !

239-514-7529
www.kidsplaygym.com
Where: 2403 Trade Center Way #7
Naples, Fl 34109
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: kids
How: just show up
Cost: 239-514-7529
www.kidsplaygym.com pricing is on website
For more info: 239-514-7529
www.kidsplaygym.com
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Tuesday, December 20 through Friday, December 23 - Santa Land

Daily admission is $5 per person and gets you in the gate to enjoy a ride on the Polar Express, the Christmas light show, and sitting with Santa Claus in Christmas Town.  $10 Magic Pass - This one day pass includes crafts, rides, and a photo with Santa. There will also be individual ride tickets sold at the gate for carnival rides and train rides.  www.SunSplashWaterpark.com   239-574-0558
Where: Sun Splash Family Waterpark Festival Grounds
When: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just Show Up
Cost: Daily admission is $5 per person $10 Magic Pass - This one day pass includes crafts, rides, and a photo with Santa. There will also be individual ride tickets sold at the gate for carnival rides and train rides
For more info:  www.SunSplashWaterpark.com   239-574-0558
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Sunday, December 25 through Sunday, December 25 - Merry Christmas!!

Enjoy time with your friends and family!
Where: Everywhere
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
How: Any way you can
Cost: Free
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Monday, December 26 through Monday, December 26 - Parent Day at Whole Foods

Mom and Dad, because you do so much, you are welcome to drop by for 5-minute chair massages and a free coffee or tea of the day and pastry from our fresh-baked pastry case. Please see customer service to pick up your certificates for the free pastry and/or coffee/tea. Whole Foods, 9101 Strada Place, Naples. Call (239) 552-5100 for information.
Where: Whole Foods 9101 Strada Place,
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Parents
How: just show up
Cost: Free
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Saturday, December 31 through Saturday, December 31 - New Year's Eve Fireworks

Free fireworks to celebrate the new year held at Naples Municipal Pier. Call (239) 213-7120 for information.  
Where: Naples Pier
When: 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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