Whole Foods Market: December Favorite Things

*the following is a post in which I may have been compensated by Whole Foods Market. All Photos unless noted are mine, and so are all opinions. 

December:  A few favorite things

‘Tis the season! And from presents to music and good food there are so many things to love about the holidays. But keeping up with the hectic schedule of parties and shopping can be tough.  Then everyone is home and they ALL want to eat. ALL. the. time. 

Whole Foods Market is the destination for unique foods and offerings this time of year and to make it easy here are a “few favorite things” (that can only be found at Whole Foods Market) to keep you festive, and those restless natives merry:

1. A large selection of "grab and go" desserts and treats made especially for WFM. Stop in on the way to your Christmas parties and celebrations. 

2. Festive bouquets and plants for the Hostess or to make your table merry.

3. Don't forget those with special dietary needs, Gluten free shouldn't mean "treat free".

 4.  A perfect gift that gives back to the community and causes that you care about. 

5. Bulk foods like roasting nuts, Organic popping corn, and bulk spices for your seasonal recipes.

6. Citrus everything!! Like some sweet snacking satsumas.

7. Supplements and diet aids to get you back on track. 

Here are a few other items that are just right for the Holiday season.

1. 365 Maple Gingerbread Sandwich Cremes & 365 Candy Cane Chocolate Chip cookies These seasonal favorites are perfect for snacking- free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners you can feel good about sharing with your family and friends.

They are only around a limited amount of time so grab ‘em before their gone.

2. Diestel Turkey (available in natural, organic, Non-GMO Project verified, and heirloom options)

Humanely and sustainably raised on a 4th generation family farm in California

3. Uniekkas Robusto Cheese:

Made exclusively for WFM this combo of a Gouda with parmesan starter is nutty, crunchy, and tangy—an all-around favorite!

4. Organic cranberry walnut baguette

This 100% organic, baked fresh in-house and Non-GMO project verified baguette is our original recipe and available only for a limited time!

5. Madécasse Chocolate

Heirloom Chocolate grown and made in Africa. Madécasse uses some of the world’s last genetically pure cocoa to craft these Fair Trade chocolate bars.

Citrus, citrus everything!

This may not be the most commonly thought of ingredient for the holidays but many citrus fruits are in peak season this time of year and make great additions to your holiday feasts.

Here are some favorite recipes that incorporate this seasonal produce:

Breakfast Recipes (With company in town, breakfast options are a must!)
Cherry, Orange, & Pecan Coffee Cake
Eggnog and Ruby Red Grapefruit Muffins

Main Roasted Ham with Maple & Orange Marmalade glaze

Desserts Mandarin Cake

 

And lastly don't forget, to take any opportunities to make memories that last many moments later!

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Cirque du Soleil in Wichita

Varekai, a world deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano. A kaleidoscope forest, with fantastical creatures is the setting for an extraordinary adventure of a young man and a life rediscovered.  Catch this drama with acrobatics expressed in the universal language of movement, at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, this coming January 14-18th, 2015.

Tickets are already on sale for this performance. With amazing costumes, musical score, and vibrant sets, it is sure to be a show for the senses.

I'll be bringing you more info about this show after the holidays, and a ticket giveaway soon. But meanwhile, tickets to Cirque du Soleil's Varekai may be just the gift for that couple or individual that loves fine art, acrobatics and theater. A performance to best be seen live, get more information at www.cirquedusoleil.com, and purchase advance tickets at Intrust Bank Arena. 

Half Past December, Letting Go

oh December.

cheer

a "90th" birthday celebration

impromptu date night

 
Half way through, and so much has already happened, and so much more to go.

It takes stomach bugs,
  schedule changes
     and exhaustion,
to make us slow down and refocus.

Then, cookies happen,

cookie time

family and friend {love} happens,
mini reunions happen,
and lots and lots of smiles.   And laughing.
Can't get enough of laughing.

I started this month with lots of fear. Worry. Anxiety. (Anxiety is my middle name.)
Then it became clear,
That everything, would be alright.
No matter what.
That living for this moment, and not in fear of the next,
was more important than my need to control it.

Tacos with "teeny tiny"

I was placing uncertainties on the alter,
making it more about me, and less about HIM.

Because I know He is always good, because He is God.
But I know that I don't deserve good, and that makes it that much harder to accept that He wants and plans good for me.  The best.

Storms are brewing in the distance.
But aren't they always?
and haven't I had a storm or two (or four) before?
Yes. And every storm,
brings every evidence of good.  And best.
And rain comes, and love, and laughter and good does too. Always.

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Gordman's for the Holidays Giveaway

The countdown to Christmas is on, and time is running out! Put Gordman's on your list for the hottest, most wished for toys this season. Lego and Frozen merchandise are all at Gordman's.  

You can find the most current Lego sets in the City series, The Lego Movie, Ninjago, Lego Friends, Disney Princesses and more!  All at low prices. There is a HUGE display across from girls clothing at the east Wichita store that is packed full of Frozen merchandise from dress up trunks to Bedroom decor.  There are also some really low priced smaller items, like jewlery and keychains, that would be perfect for stocking stuffers.  The great news is you can use a Gordman's store coupon towards these items saving even more!! Coupons are rare and hard to find for anything Lego!! (Check in-store info on text message coupons, and sign up for emails to get a 20% off coupon at their website, here!) www.gordmans.com 

I was able to check several items off my list on my last visit, and thank you to Gordman's for a little help this Christmas, so I could shop and then tell you all about it! Gordman's is so excited to share what great finds they have in their toy department this year, that they also sent me a $25 gift card to give to one of my readers!! I will make this a quick giveaway to allow the winner time to get there by Christmas! Simply enter in the Rafflecopter box below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FREE Santa pics and Hot Gift Demos, this weekend!

This weekend, Wichita area Walmart's are helping parents with holiday gift-giving with in-store events. 

The largest ever, there will be FREE pictures with Santa, a chance to test drive the hotest holiday toys and gadgets, and even holiday food sampling and recipes. 

Only at the following Walmart locations: 

 ·   Walmart – 11411 E. Kellogg Drive, Wichita, 67207

 ·   Walmart – 6110 W. Kellogg Drive, Wichita, 67209   ·   Walmart – 10600 W. 21^st St. N, Wichita, 67205

Here's the breakdown of what is happening and the times for each event. This will be the same for all three participating Wichita locations.   

Free Santa Photos:  December 6-7 10am - 2pm   

Free 5X7 picture with Santa or Christmas themed photo. Includes keepsake frame, candy cane or treat and gift from Santa.

Taste of the Holidays:  December 6  11:30am-4pm

Create quick dishes on a budget with a Taste of the Holidays food sampling and recipe demo.

Toys and Gadgets Demos: December 6 Noon-4pm
Try before you buy with demonstrations of top electronics and entertainment gifts. Includes smartphones, tablets, video games and gaming consoles.

. 6 –10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Paddington Bear and Chuck E. Cheese!

It's always a good time at Chuck E Cheeses' and we went last week to have some family fun, and get the new Paddington Bear Travel Tags for the new Paddington Bear Movie in theaters December 25th!  You may remember Paddington Bear from your childhood, and now he's back in a new live action film that looks to be super cute! (Guys, you gotta watch the trailer, this looks to be good fun for the whole family! Watch it at youtube here.)

So we got our Travel Tags, and we can now bring them back anytime in December, (until the 28th), and receive 3 tokens free when we show them our Paddington Travel Tag! Travel Tags come with any food or token purchase. These little tags are super sturdy and have room for your name and contact info to put on your littles' luggage, diaper bags or backpacks.

Paddington Bear travel tags and free token offer is in Chuck E Cheese locations now through December 28th.

Here's some highlights from our visit!