Kidz'n Kaboodles Photography - Portrait Creations by MaryAnn Ryan

Celebrate the Holidays with these festive crafts and treats!

2011-12-18T07:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday Gumball Machines
These playful candy-filled displays are a fun craft activity that you can do with your kids. They make a great holiday decoration too! Use a Hannukah- or Christmas-inspired theme by using blue and white or red and green paint and candies.

http://cjaneblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-craft.html

Frosted Gingerbread and Sugar Cookies
The holidays aren’t complete without these delicious treats. Put some out for Santa if you’re feeling extra nice.

http://www.pepperdesignblog.com/?p=2786

http://valcitygal.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/8th-day-of-christmas-christmas-cookies/

For professional results like these, visit http://www.kingarthurflour.com/tips/cookie-decorating-tips.html#1 for cookie decorating tips and tricks.

Handmade Greeting Cards
This collection of holiday cards from Better Homes and Gardens are easy and fun. They are perfect for teachers, colleagues, family and friends!

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/cards/homemade-christmas-cards/#page=1

Peppermint Cream Bites
Cut these heavenly treats with small cookie cutters of any shape.

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/bars/peppermint-cream-bites/

Candy Cane Bark
It’s fun to make and is a wonderful gift too! Just wrap in a clear bag and top with some festive ribbon and a gift tag!

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/candy/candy-cane-bark/

Holiday Gift Tags
These gift tags by Martha Stewart can be used for Hanukkah by featuring a dreidel or Star of David instead of holly.

http://www.marthastewart.com/266497/holiday-gift-tags

Happy Holidays from everyone at Kidz'n Kaboodles Photography! We are grateful to be a part of your family’s memories.

Kidz'n Kaboodles Photography's 2011 Top Holiday Gift Picks

2011-12-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

It’s better to give than to receive. Go on—-make them smile with these fabulous holiday gift ideas.

Baby
From infants to six months and beyond, these ball poppers are sure to be a favorite.

Playschool Poppin Park Elefun Busy Ball Popper
http://www.target.com/p/Playskool-Poppin-Park-Elefun-Busy-Ball-Popper/-/A-13437083

Toddler
This is an interactive toy that teaches toddlers colors, counting and different sea animals.

LeapFrog Talk-a-Shoe Talking Octopus
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11838276&prodFindSrc=search

Preschool/Kindergarten
These plates make mealtime extra fun and engaging.

Mr. and Ms. Food Face Plate
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/ms-food-face-plate

Grades 1-3 Girl
You don’t have to pronounce it to make her day, just give her one of these adorable dolls. Most come with a cute little pet/sidekick.

Lalaloopsy Doll
http://www.target.com/p/Lalaloopsy-Doll-Crumbs-Sugar-Cookie/-/A-12269115

Grades 1-3 Boy
Be prepared to bring a huge smile to his face… and get shot in the head, arm, leg, etc.

Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11393560

Grades 3-6 Girl
Tis’ the season to be dolly! Give your daughter the gift of reading, history and fun with a timeless classic—an American Girl Doll. Choose from 12 different dolls—each with their own book. They range from 1764 to 1974, and the assortment of outfits, books and accessories is virtually endless.

http://www.americangirl.com/index.php

Grades 3-6 Boy
It’s all about LEGOs at this age. Give him this Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired set, and he’ll have hours of engaging fun ahead of him.

LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean Queen Anne’s Revenge
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11517687

Tween Girl
You might not like him, but every tween girl is obsessed with Justin Bieber. Give her one of his CDs, his movie, a poster, tee shirt or even a bottle of his perfume.

Justin Bieber Someday Perfume
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/justin-bieber-someday-eau-de-parfum-1.7-oz?ID=566774&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-3-_-11-MP311

Tween Boy
At two feet long and three pounds, the world’s largest gummy worm will provide any tween boy with weeks of amusement and sweet albeit unusual snacking satisfaction.

The World’s Largest Gummy Worm
http://www.perpetualkid.com/the-worlds-largest-gummy-worm.aspx

Teen Girl
Victoria’s Secret PINK is every teen girl’s favorite loungewear. Make her smile with a colorful option—the brighter the better!

Victoria’s Secret PINK Signature Crew and Vintage Flair Pant
http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1316653707601&c=Page&cid=1316658152157&pagename=vsdWrapper

Teen Boy
These hoodies are stylish and feature built-in headphones, so they can be plugged into a phone or mp3 player for a convenient and machine washable wardrobe essential.

Hoodie Buddie
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=1cb76d7&cmOrigId=1cb8532&cmTypeFlag=RichRel&cmCatID=searchresults

College Girl
There’s nothing like a warm, luxurious pair of UGG boots to keep your little smartie warm on campus.

UGG Australia Classic Tall
http://www.uggaustralia.com/womens-classic-tall-sheepskin-boots/5815,default,pd.html?dwvar_5815_color=GREY&start=3&cgid=women-boots-classic

College Boy
Just give him money and don’t ask any questions.

Domesticated Diva
Angelic hostesses everywhere will be in seventh heaven with a fondu set like this one from Crate & Barrel.

Gala Fondu Set
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/fondue-sets/gala-fondue-set/s567160

Man’s Man
There’s nothing better than a bottle of Crown Royal whisky. Add some whisky glasses for an extra touch that he will love!

Villeroy & Boch Highlands Whiskey Tumbler
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17751654

Athlete/Outdoorsman
A Nike+ Sportswatch GPS is a great gift for any athlete. Powered by Tom Tom, your favorite fitness buff can access plenty of data on up to 50 runs, and chart them on their computer with a built-in USB port.

A Nike+ Sportswatch GPS
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?cp=usns_CSE_081109_GiftsCom&l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-406329/pgid-431911

Fashionista
A large gold watch like this one by Michael Kors will make any fashionista’s eyes sparkle.

Michael Kors ‘Large Gold Runway’ Watch
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-large-gold-runway-watch/2995410?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=494

Bookworm
You can’t beat a reading tablet like Kindle for those bookworms in your life!

Kindle Touch
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Amazon+-+Kindle+Touch+with+Special+Offers/2506155.p?id=1218425939738&skuId=2506155

Don’t forget a card with a personal message!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
~Thornton Wilder

November 24th is Thanksgiving Day! Celebrate with these adorable crafts and treats.

Gratitude Chain
Use brown, orange, yellow and red construction paper to create a gratitude chain. Simply cut each page in half horizontally, then cut each section into short strips that can be stapled or glued together into a chain. Before you connect the segments, help your child write different things that they are grateful for on each one. This makes a lovely decoration and can become a fun tradition. For an extra-special touch, decorate with thanksgiving themed stickers and gold glitter. Your little ones will run out of paper before they run out of things to be grateful for!

Corncob Cookies
These decadent cookies by Family Fun are sure to be a big hit!
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/corny-cookies-685173/

Pilgrim’s Hat Placeholders
Your Thanksgiving guests will be charmed with these personalized placeholders by Better Homes and Gardens. With a few mini flower pots and some acrylic paint, your children will love this easy and enjoyable craft.
http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/crafts/thanksgiving-place-card-ideas/

Thanksgiving Centerpieces
Get inspired with this collection of centerpieces from AllYou.com. We love these ideas for their classic look and effortless appeal. Most can be made from regular household items like a pitcher, some baskets, a few candles or a handful of leaves or nuts.
http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/crafts/thanksgiving-centerpieces-00400000048629/page14.html

Mini Pumpkin Pies
Use a muffin tin or a mini muffin tin to create little pumpkin pies that are as tasty as they are cute. Add a dab of whipped cream and you have a delicious treat that your little ones can help bake.
http://kidscooking.about.com/od/thanksgivingdesserts/r/pumpkin-tarts-mini-pumpkin-pies.htm

"Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Kidz'n Kaboodles Photography! We are so grateful to be a part of your family’s memories." MaryAnn Ryan

Keep Your Children Safe!

2011-11-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

November is National Child Safety and Protection Month!

Take a minute to teach your children these simple yet essential safety tips!

Strangers
Learn how to deal with strangers on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website.
http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safety

911 Safety
Talk about when to call 911 with these tips on kidshealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/911.html

Rules for the Road
Visit ottoclub.org where you will find lots of fun and interactive ways to learn about safety on the road—from buckling your seatbelt in the car and wearing a helmet on your bike to safety tips on crossing the street.
http://www.ottoclub.org/

Tips on Bullying
Learn responsible ways to handle bullying at McGruff.org
http://www.mcgruff.org/#/Main

Even a few minutes reviewing these safety measures can make a big difference. Help your little ones stay safe!