Making Christmas Memories with Santa at Northwest Arkansas Mall #NWARK

I was compensated for this campaign by Northwest Arkansas Mall. All opinions are honest and are my own.

You're never too old to have your picture taken with Santa! All the Coller kids, from little 2-year-old Brenna, on up to almost 15-year-old Lynzie, gathered round the big guy this morning at Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville for a festive photo shoot. 

Even though we don't really do the "Santa thing" here at home, it's still fun to keep this tradition that both Jamie and I enjoyed as kids. Here are me and my brother getting our photos with Santa in Heppner, Oregon in 1984. Joe and I sure grew up, but Santa hasn't changed a bit!

It was easy to find the spot where Santa would be making his magical appearance at Center Court---everything was decorated so pretty and Christmasy! The kids were especially excited about this great big Christmas tree standing behind Santa's chair. This year, Santa is enjoying a brand new set and décor. Trust me--if you've not decorated for Christmas yet, this festive setting will make you want to!

Santa will be at the mall now through 

Christmas Eve. 

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am - 8pm 

(break from 3-4)

 Sunday 12pm - 6pm 

(break from 3-3:30) 

As you can see, most of the kids were pretty happy to be posing with and sitting on the lap of a guy they've never met before...but you always have that one kid who just won't smile and cooperate. Ha! Oh well, it's a cute picture anyway!

There are several photo packages to choose from, along with the option to add a phone app to your package, if desired. The photos printed immediately for us to bring home. 

Near the checkout counter, they've got all kinds of cute frames, snow globes, and other products in which to display your picture. Lots of great gift ideas!

I had an idea for a frame using some supplies that I had at home, so I stopped by Claire's before we left and grabbed a couple of sparkly things to add to it. I found these sweet Christmas tree earrings, along with a hair tie featuring Rudolph, Clarice, and lots of pretty ribbons.

Once we got home, I grabbed an old frame, some scrapbooking paper, scissors, and a glue stick and got to work. First I covered the front of the frame with the pretty paper. Then I cut up the hair tie and removed the posts from the earrings. I glued them on the frame in a kind of cute/kind of gaudy way---and voila! Our Christmas 2014 photo is done and being displayed in all it's messy beautiful glory!

I can't wait to see your family photos with Santa this year! Make sure to leave me a link in the comments, if you have one, and let me know what some of your favorite Christmas traditions are. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Win an Etsy Gift Card and More at the Holiday HOHOHO Giveaway Hop! #RWMevent

Welcome to the Holiday HOHOHO Hop!

Now is your chance to seek out some awesome prizes for those on your Christmas list, but you better hurry, the hop ends on December 5! Make sure to stop by The Review Wire for the Grand Prize, an Erin Condren Life Planner! Use it as a nutrition/exercise log, newborn sleep & peep record, work meetings & appointments, academic & social planner, keepsake journal or as a scrapbook...the possibilities are endless! 

I'm giving away a $20 Etsy gift card! Help support home based businesses by shopping on Etsy. This giveaway is open worldwide so check out the Rafflecopter below to enter and then share with your friends!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2014. The Anything Goes Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in group giveaway events like this one, sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Review Wire Media. Visit the other bloggers on the hop to win more great prizes! *************************

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Walnut Wreath Cookies

Welcome to the Homemaking Party!

Mom was helping me come up with some ideas for holiday baking and told me about these Wreath Cookies that my great-grandma used to make. They're super easy and taste awesome! You can find the recipe below, but first...

Check out the adorable ballet bag I bought for Avalon from Heather Rogers Designs on Etsy*. What first got me excited about this bag was that I could personalize it with her name, and even choose her hair and skin color! Besides that, at only $20, I figured it was a good investment to keep her ballet things organized.

Once I received it, I realized what a great investment it really was! First off, the bag is way bigger than I was expecting. The measurements are, 14"W x 18"H x 2"D, which is plenty big enough for her to use into her teen years. I'm also impressed by the quality of the canvas bag. The design is dyed into the fabric, rather than ironed on, for a much better quality product.

Heather has over 2,500 items to choose from in her Etsy shop---lots of bags, mugs, phone covers, and clothing items to choose from---all personalized. You can find tons of gifts in Heather's shop and, best of all, you'll be supporting a home-based business to boot! Check out Heather Rogers Designs and tell her you saw her here! (I've always wanted to say something commercial-ly like that!)

Now, as promised, a yummy recipe!

Grammy Annabelle's Wreath Cookies
1 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, separated
2 c. flour
2 c. chopped nuts
7 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 c. chocolate chips


Cream sugar and butter. Blend in egg yolks. Add flour and mix well, then form into small balls. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until frothy. Dip dough balls in egg whites and then roll in nuts. Set them on a cookie sheet and press down the center of each cookie. Bake at 350º for 10-12 minutes, then remove from oven and immediately press down center again. Cool completely. For filling, melt milk and chocolate and stir until smooth. Spoon into cookie centers and let cool until hardened. 

Now it's time for the Homemaking Party---I can't wait to see what you've got to share! 

*I was given a discount on my purchase in exchange for this review. Review was solicited by me because I LOVE this bag! All opinions are honest and are my own.

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