The holidays and Wintertime are the most wonderful time of the year and it’s a great time to let everyone know that you’re expecting.
It adds to the merriment of the holiday season and it’s an extraordinary gift to grandparents.
Below are some creative ways to spread your special news to friends and family.
Unique Holiday Baby Announcement Ideas | Fun Winter Baby Announcements That Will Surprise Everyone
Make A Snowman Family
A Snow day can provide the perfect medium for a Winter baby announcement.
This announcement was created by Gina from Popcorn And Pandas on a particularly snowy New York Day.
Snow Day Photo
Here’s another great way to take advantage of a snowy day to create the perfect announcement photo.
Cassandra Skelly grabbed a special balloon and waited for the right day to come along and it turned out breathtakingly beautiful.
I absolutely love this photo and it’s my favorite by far of all these baby announcements. It’s so classy and elegant.
Bring In The Elf On The Shelf
There’s nothing more Christmas-y than those little mischievous elves.
Creating a baby announcement around the elves is a delightful way to let the world know that you’re expecting your new baby.
Below Dan Mcgnity put this idea to work and it turned out really cute and funny.
You can get your own elves to recreate this idea right here and here.
Christmas Wreaths And Pregnant Bellies
Why not create a baby announcement that is both festive for the winter season and artsy too?
In the photo below, Hillary from Grace Oaks Designs creates a beautiful pregnancy photo with a cream and forest green color palette.
It has a very holiday and winter feel to it. You can see more about Hillary here.
She uses lots of natural and neutral colors in her work and I really love it.
Go To The Tree Farm
Here’s another cute baby announcement with a classic holiday theme.
You can’t go wrong with a Christmas tree at the tree farm!
It’s beautiful yet simple, and It easily gets their message across.
This lovely announcement was created by Danielle from Holistically Stanbury, and you can read more about their adventures here.
I love her Instagram account. She has great style.
Create A Felt Letter Board
Creating a felt board with your announcement is an awesome way to get your message across.
These have become really popular for all kinds of things, especially on Instagram and they can be used for every event.
But they are especially good for things like baby announcements.
Here’s one that Emma from big.mama.loves created and we love it.
I like the Christmas-y message this announcement is sending to the world. And she’s not wrong about those silent nights 😉
You can get your own felt board here.
In the end…..
There are a lot of ways to announce your pregnancy to the world.
The six above are creative and cute but there are so many different ways to express your news, especially around the holidays.
We’d love to hear what you’re planning. Comment below and we may add your ideas and photo to this post!
Good luck and Happy Holidays!!
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Are you looking for something special and awesome to add to your holiday table this year?
Why not try some cute Christmas Wreath Cupcakes? They are so much fun to make and they’ll look fantastic.
In my opinion, they’re almost too pretty to eat, but they are too yummy NOT to eat.
If you’re looking for something to WOW your guests this year, I’m pretty sure these Christmas Wreath Cupcakes will do the trick.
Christmas Wreath Cupcakes | Easy Christmas Cupcakes
What You’ll Need
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 C flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 TBSP unsalted butter, room temp
- 1/2 C sugar
- 2 eggs, room temp
- 3/4 tsp vanilla
- 1 C whole milk
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 C unsalted butter, room temp
- 4 + C powder sugar
- 4 TBSP heavy whipping cream
Icing Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites
- 1 C powder sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- Green & red gel food coloring
Cupcake Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, and salt. Whisk these together. Set aside.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add in the vanilla.
- Alternate by adding the flour mixture with the milk; beating after each addition.
- Fill the lined cupcake tins 3/4 full.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in cupcake pan for 10 minutes.
- Move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Directions:
- Cream the butter and powder sugar until it is light and creamy.
If it doesn’t cream add several drops of the heavy whipping cream until it creams.
- Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak by taking a spoonful of frosting and turning the spoon upside down. If the frosting stays on the spoon it is ready if not then.
- Add more powder sugar 1/2 C at a time. Mix well.
- If ready scoop the frosting into a pastry bag with a large tip.
- Twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip.
- Start by frosting on the outside edge of the cupcake working to the center of the cupcake.
Icing Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. (except your food coloring)
If icing is not stiff enough add 1/4 C powder sugar.
- Spoon the icing into a bowl.
- Take out 1/4 of the icing and put it in a separate bowl. Add several drops of red gel food coloring. Stir well to mix the color.
- Add several drops of the green gel food coloring to the remaining icing. Stir well to mix the color.
- Spoon the green icing into a piping bag with a star tip. Holding the piping bag with the star tip straight down begin to squeeze the open end of the bag to force the icing to the tip.
- Circle the frosting on top of the cupcake making it in the shape of a wreath. Allow this to dry for about 1 minute.
- Spoon the red icing into a piping bag with a small round tip.
- Following the example from the picture of the cupcakes begin making small red dots on top of the green wreath.
- Then make a bow also in the red icing.
- Allow the icing to dry completely.
I’m actually amazed at how easy the design is to do for these cupcakes.
Back when I started baking, this surely wasn’t my strong point and now I’m getting better at it.
I love how festive holly can be, especially when added to a cupcake.
Happy Holidays and Enjoy!
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There is nothing like sitting down with family and friends to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for.
With lots of laughter and good foods be sure to save room for one of the amazing desserts on my list below.
They’re easy to make and your family will love them!
Pick any or several from the 25 recipes below.
25 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes Your Family Will Love
Click on the links to see the full recipes.
Easy Pumpkin Cream Pie
Who doesn’t love Pumpkin pie? But a pumpkin CREAM pie puts a new twist on an old classic.
Turkey Cupcakes
Turkey cupcakes are festive and funny.
Pumpkin Dessert
Another oldy but goody.
Caramel Apple pie
Carmel Apple pie is my favorite. It’s hands down the best and your family will think so too!
Pecan Pie Bars
Everybody loves pecan pie. But why not make bars so they’re more convenient. The whole crowd will want to grab one later for the second dessert.
Pumpkin Pie Ice cream
If you’re an ice cream lover and it’s your dessert of choice then why not make some for Thanksgiving and put a holiday spin on it?
Pumpkin Pie Sugar Cookies
These are to die for. If you want to make cookies for the kids these should be your go-to recipe. They will all be very thankful.
Pumpkin Cake with brown butter
This speaks for itself.
Pecan dried cherry tart maple
Pecan and cherries are a lovely and tart flavor combination!
Pecan Pie Shortbread
If you’re a shortbread fan then you’ll love this recipe!
Spiced pumpkin bundt cake
Anything pumpkin spice for Thanksgiving is Perfect!
Pumpkin cheesecake
If you want a rich and full-bodied pumpkin dessert this should be your first choice.
Apple Cobbler
Apple Cobbler is a Thanksgiving staple that never gets old.
Maple apple pudding
If you want to try a unique holiday flavored pudding this year then this is the recipe you should choose.
Mini Pumpkin Pie bites
These are perfect for the little pumpkin lovers at your dinner party.
Pumpkin spice cake cups
This is another good choice for the little ones.
Pumpkin dip
Pumpkin dip is an excellent and festive appetizer for the big day.
Pie in a jar
This puts a new twist on pie that is interesting and fashionable.
Maple syrup cheesecake
Here’s another fantastic cheesecake recipe.
White chocolate cherry banana bread
For those who love a mix of chocolate and fruit.
Oatmeal raisin cookie cups
For the oatmeal lovers among the group.
Pumpkin cake cookies with maple icing
This is a good ‘ before dinner dessert ‘ to hold everyone off before the meal.
Homemade apple pie
What list would be complete without a good homemade apple pie recipe?
Pumpkin frosting Pie
AND you can never have too many pumpkin pies, can you?
Karo pecan pie
This pecan pie is made with Karo syrup and it’s divine.
Have a Very Happy Holiday!!
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The holidays are always amazing and having a new baby during Christmas really brings back the magic.
It makes everything that much brighter and more exciting and it’s something you’ll want to remember.
You’ll want to make it very special, and there are some really fun ways to do that.
You can start a new tradition and take some amazing photos that will create unforgettable memories for instance.
Below is a fun list of ways to make your baby’s first Christmas very special.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Baby’s First Christmas Ideas
Baby’s First Christmas Stocking
Getting your baby’s first Christmas stocking is a great way to start Christmas off right. There are so many cute and special choices to pick from.
You can get one that is customized, you can make one or you can pick something unique off Etsy.
Whatever you choose, it will be something you can keep forever and then pass down to your babes when they’re grown.
Baby’s First Christmas Photos
This is another Christmas Holiday must.
There are so many great options for baby’s first Christmas photos. You can take pictures beside the Christmas tree and with cute little Christmas hats on.
You may also want to get professional photos done too.
Or you can do it yourself with some awesome Christmas props.
I especially love these full-body baby stockings if your little one is still really small.
Other Holiday Posts You May Like:
What To Buy For Baby’s First Christmas
If you’re wondering what on earth to buy for your baby’s first Christmas then look no further.
You can buy some special custom toys that they can keep forever and some keepsakes that will be very special.
Here’s a name puzzle that can be custom made from Etsy. I love Etsy for gifts of all kinds but especially for kids. You should definitely check it out if you’re looking for baby and toddler gifts.
You should also check out Crate And Barrel. They have all kinds of very special baby keepsake gifts that you’ll fall in love with!
Like this special Duck Baby Cup. What a beautiful keepsake gift this would be for any babe.
Any of the things on this Crate And Barrel page would make awesome gifts for your little one.
Baby’s First Christmas Card
Taking your baby’s first Christmas photos is so much fun. Putting them on Christmas cards and proudly sending them to everyone you know is even more fun and so festive.
You can keep a couple of the cards as a momento of your first Christmas holiday together.
Have A Photo Ornament Made
Speaking of photos, another fun keepsake to make for that first year is a photo ornament.
You could make one yourself or have one made for you.
I mentioned Etsy earlier and I’ll mention it again. It’s the absolute best place to have stuff like this made.
Check out this lovely page and I know you’ll find something beautiful that you’ll love for years to come.
AND Make Your Own Footprint Ornament
There’s another type of ornament you’ll want to hang on your tree this year.
Creating a footprint ornament with your new baby is super special.
You’ll get to immortalize their little feet forever so you can marvel for years to come at how small your babe once was because baby feet are so sweet.
You can do their cute little handprints as well.
Here’s a kit from Amazon that is cheap and easy to use.
Here’s another lovely ornament for baby’s first Christmas too.
Baby’s First Visit With Santa
Going to visit Santa for the first time is always a festive holiday adventure.
Whether it turns out good depends on how your baby feels about big bearded guys in red suits.
Some babies enjoy a visit with Santa while others will shy away or become frightened.
Either way, you won’t know until you go see him. It’s all part of the experience for baby’s first Christmas.
Baby’s Christmas Pajamas
Of course, you’ll want to dress your babe up in some fun holiday clothing.
A cute pair of striped or plaid pajamas will fit right into your little one’s Christmas wardrobe.
They help make great holiday-themed photos too.
Better yet, get matching pajamas for the whole family to make it really fun. Here’s my favorite set!
Baby’s First Christmas Story
Reading stories is a tradition for most families during the holidays.
And Picking the right one for baby’s first Christmas story is all part of the fun.
There are so many good stories to choose from but did you know you can get a personalized Christmas board book especially made for your baby?
Here’s a cute option and here’s another.
Family Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Ugly Christmas sweaters are so much fun! They can really put a funny spin on the holidays and many people really enjoy them.
It has become a whole pop culture thing.
One way to kick off the season with your baby is to buy the whole family matching ugly Christmas Sweaters.
You can wear them to a Christmas party if you go to any or you can take your holiday card photos wearing them.
Here’s a really cute option for the whole family.
If you just want to get one for your baby here’s one from Etsy that is super cool. It’s from-
CrochetbyAntoinette
Attend A Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree lighting ceremonies can be enjoyed by all ages including your tiny baby.
Her eyes will look on in amazement at the beautiful decorations, trees, and sparkling lights.
It’s so much fun to watch your little one have new, special experiences like this. That’s what really brings the magic back to the holidays.
So find a local event, bundle up and head out!
Decorate Your Baby’s Room
Decorating your babe’s nursery with some festive holiday decor is another way to make things special.
He’ll look on with delight in all the new and interesting things surrounding him.
Just make sure that he cannot reach any of the Christmas decorations if he is mobile in any way.
Baby’s First Christmas Movie
When I was a kid I couldn’t wait to watch the old classics each Christmas. You know, the old Rudolph? and Frosty the Snowman?
Now I share them with my 3 kids each year and they love them too.
These movies are good for all ages and they’re absolutely magical.
Even if your little one is super young these are the very best Christmas movies to start with.
You can buy the disk with 5 of these classics right here on Amazon for super cheap.
In the end…
Christmas will be special with your new baby no matter what but adding these Baby’s First Christmas Ideas and Christmas Baby Activities will make it all so much more memorable.
I wish you the best Holiday season you’ve ever had, and I hope it’s full of magic and joy!
If you loved this post then please share it or save it on Pinterest for other mamas and papas to find. Thanks so much!!
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So it’s gift time and you have a new, Breastfeeding mama on your list?
Or maybe you’re the new mama and you’re into self-care and want to make your own gift care package, which is great!
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of good premade care packages for breastfeeding out there. But that’s no biggie because it’s easy to make your own.
Below is a list of things every new breastfeeding mama needs. You can grab a few things or grab them all to make a big care package.
Believe me, she’ll really appreciate it.
Check it out below.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Breastfeeding Care Package For New Moms
Nipple cream
Breastfeeding is really tough on a girl’s nipples and after a while can leave nipples dry, cracked, and sore.
A good cream or salve is an absolute must.
Here’s some great Nipple salve from the Honest Company.
**Must Reads:
Your complete pregnancy shopping list from A to Z.
Here’s your Full Mega TO-DO list for all three trimesters!
Nipple pads
Because leaking from the breast will most definitely happen, nipple pads are another must-have.
They come in a variety of materials (disposable or reusable) and they can be tucked in your bra so you don’t have a wet t-shirt disaster.
These Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads are the best. The pack comes with 14 Washable Pads + Wash Bag. You can find them here on Amazon.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Booby Ice Packs
These are a favorite of all new breastfeeding mamas and a great gift too!
You freeze these little ice packs and when those nipples burn you can put them inside the bra to soothe the pain.
Grab them here on Amazon.
Lactation Massager
A lactation massager provides support for issues like Clogged Ducts, Mastitis, Milk Flow, and Engorgement.
It’s such a good gift idea and should be in every breastfeeding care package.
Here’s a good option that has 2,500 good reviews.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Breastfeeding bags are essential for moms that pump. They will safely store her milk in the freezer until needed.
Here’s a good product by Medela.
Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are a fun way to add a special treat to your breastfeeding care package.
These Lactation Cookie Bites taste terrific too!
Breast pump
A breast pump is an essential tool for every breastfeeding mom.
Here’s a good option if she wants to hand pump. Haakaa makes a great product.
If you prefer an electric pump bra this one is the way to go. It has rave reviews and it’s comfortable.
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow is a c-shaped pillow that fits around mom’s belly for support while nursing.
It helps support the babe and raise them higher up to the breast. This is important for saving a mama’s back and neck.
It’s a great gift for a new mom who needs one.
Here’s a fantastic pillow that is well priced.
Nursing bra
Breastfeeding bras are awesome because they have these little clasps that open the cup for easy access.
They are essential and it’s a great gift to add to a good nursing pillow.
Here’s a great option that is super comfortable. I own this bra in several colors myself and I wouldn’t go without it.
Breastfeeding Cover Up
This is another great gift idea for the breastfeeding mama. There will be times she’ll need to breastfeed in public places.
This will provide her with privacy from prying eyes.
Here’s the one I recommend to all breastfeeding moms.
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These are all great options for a breastfeeding care package.
You could buy some of the smaller things if your budget is tight or go all out and surprise a mama with lots of goodies.
Either way she’ll be happy you thought of her.
Happy gift giving!
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With regular intercourse, you have a 50/50 chance of conceiving a boy or girl obviously, but what if you could increase those odds and influence the gender of your baby? Would you want to do it?
There’s a lot of information out there that suggests diet, body chemistry, and timing can determine the sex of your baby, and there is some truth to it.
Many parents will swear by gender selection through a variety of at-home methods.
But reproductive experts will tell you there is no foolproof method for conceiving a boy or girl at home, but you might be able to sway the odds in your favor.
With that being said the Shettles Method worked for us. Not once but three times!
Timing sex around ovulation is the most well-known natural gender swaying method for choosing the sex of your child and this is known as the Shettles Method.
The Shettles method is very popular and was developed in the sixties by Dr. Landrum Shettles, MD, Ph.D.
He had the idea that timing intercourse to a woman’s cycle and assuming certain sexual positions can influence gender. He Was Right.
Dr. Shettles believed that the X sperm that creates a girl were slow swimmers but survived longer, while the Y sperm that creates a boy were faster swimmers but had lower stamina.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
He believed conceiving a girl was done by having sex a few days before ovulation, and conceiving a boy was done by having sex the day of or after ovulation.
Dr. Shettles shows that the environment affects the survival of sperm too.
The female sperm survive better in acidic environments whereas male-producing sperm perform better in a high alkaline environment.
Women’s secretions are most alkaline as ovulation approaches and become more acidic further away.
Dr. Shettles felt that the timing of intercourse was the most crucial part of determining gender selection. Intercourse that occurs near ovulation, more times than not, will produce a male offspring.
Amazing Right?
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shettles Method: To Have a Girl
( To use this method you’ll need an ovulation kit )
To have a girl, time your intercourse during the transitional days, two to three days before ovulation.
The Shettles method suggests that the woman should avoid having an orgasm and shoot for shallow penetration, furthest from the cervix.
A missionary position or some variation that allows for a shallow penetration is recommended.
Male sperm will have a more difficult time making the journey to the cervix and this favors the slower, more resilient “female sperm”
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Shettles Method: To Have a Boy
If you’re wanting to conceive a boy it’s important you know your ovulation cycle and have intercourse as close to ovulation as possible and with deep penetration.
The idea is that since the Male Y sperm is faster it’ll get there first and fertilize the egg.
To improve your chances of a boy you’ll want to refrain from having intercourse for 5 days prior to ovulation and have intercourse just before and at the time of ovulation.
This timing is thought to be the most crucial part of gender selection. You should choose a position that allows for deep penetration such as “doggy style” so the sperm will be deposited closer to the cervix.
The “boy sperm” will have less distance to travel and is more likely to survive.
When you are trying to conceive men should avoid wearing tight clothes. Although heat can kill both types of sperm, it kills off the smaller “boy sperm” faster.
Women should have an orgasm which increases the alkaline in the vagina and creates an ideal environment for conceiving a boy.
If possible, the male should try to have an orgasm right before or at the same time.
Dr. Shettles claims an overall 75 percent success rate when using his method for choosing gender.
So if you want to have a boy or want a girl you should try the Shettles Method!
In The End….
The Shettles Method is a fun and easy way to try to sway the gender of your baby.
Like I said before, The Shettles Method Worked For us not once but every time we got pregnant. So it is absolutely worth a try.
Good Luck and I’ll be sending baby dust your way…
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