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It's that time of year! We've helped take the guesswork out of gift giving with the Luvin Arms Holiday Gift Guide. Check out our Top 10 compassionate and meaningful gift options. Get ready to check off your list! With Sanctuary offerings and special deals from some of our partners, there's something for everyone on your list this year!

Find it HERE! 

Horizons K8 School in Boulder Colorado will be hosting our18th annual ARTastic Holiday Market this year on December 2 from 11am-2pm. The market will be held in the gymnasium of the school, located at 4545 Sioux Drive, Boulder. This event is free and open to the public.

This year, we will be hosting over 50 outstanding front range vendors. You'll find gifts for any taste, including fiber arts, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, baked goods, soap, skin care, tie dye, and other creative arts. This is an great opportunity to spend your gift dollars with professional local artists, small local businesses, woman-owned vendors, companies that support and contribute to charitable causes, and also several talented youth artists.

In addition to shopping a great selection of artists and crafters, shoppers can purchase raffle tickets to win a gift basket featuring goods from our art vendors and gift cards from a variety of grocery stores, retail stores and restaurants.

Preview vendors on Instagram (@horizonsartastic) or Facebook (@artasticmarket).
25% of proceeds at this event will be donated to support educational programs at Horizons K8.

Your Security Professionals Want You To Stay Safe This Season

The most valuable asset for any business or corporation is its people.

That’s why savvy executives and business owners go to great lengths to keep their people safe, all year long.

Many corporate holiday events will include the utilization of security professionals, who are on hand to help the party run smoothly – and safely.

But, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the holiday season is unfortunately prime time for accidents and safety mishaps, both at work and at home.

So your firm’s security professionals would advise you to pass on these helpful tips and reminders to your folks as they enjoy another holiday season with family and friends.

Remember These Security Practices When Celebrating This Season

Here are some “best practice” reminders for safe and secure holiday activities.

• Be safe when decorating for the holidays.  House fires are sadly far-too-common as a result of haphazard or dangerous holiday decorating… don’t let your home be the next to suffer this disaster.
• • Make sure your decorations are UL-approved.  Ensure your power cords are in good repair, and don’t try to use indoor extension cords outside.  Keep live trees moist.  Be careful on the ladder, and keep lit candles away from flammable materials like draperies.  Turn off and unplug decorations when you aren’t enjoying them… and keep a fire extinguisher handy “just in case.”

• Use safe holiday cooking practices.  The kitchen is another part of the home that’s vulnerable to fires starting… but the smart chef knows how to keep things safe while preparing the feast and the treats.
• • Turn the pot handles inward on the stove (and away from the reach of curious youngsters).  Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order, and never leave the stove unattended.  If a fire does start, remember, never use water to try to douse a grease fire.

• The best holiday parties are the safest ones.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests are both comfortable and secure.
• • Check with everyone to ensure there are designated drivers to get revelers home safely.  Don’t over-sell the alcohol… instead, push the food!  You want people to enjoy the treats you’ve prepared or acquired, and well-fed guests don’t generally drink too much.  And try to offer a place to stay for guests who do overindulge.

• Keep things safe on your road trip.  Many people travel the highways to visit family and friends during the holidays.  It’s important to keep the road trip safe by remembering that it’s cold out there!
• • Make sure there are plenty of blankets and winter coats in the car… if you’re stranded, those can be life savers.  Some extra food and water in the car might also come in quite handy.  Have your vehicle checked and winterized, and don’t drive too fast when the roads are slick.  And just in case the unforeseen occurs, make sure to keep your cell phone fully charged.

• And travel safely by air, too.  If your holiday plans include air travel, make sure you’re safe throughout the journey.
• • Double-check to ensure your photo ID is current before you get to the airport security line.  Don’t make a big show of valuables at the airport… and, of course, never leave your luggage unattended (report any unattended luggage you see).  Dress for the climate you’re headed toward… and make sure any medicine you might need is packed in your carry-on (not in your checked luggage).  And you’d be surprised how many people still aren’t aware of this major warning: never carry luggage or items for strangers.

With a little attention to detail, everyone can have a pleasant – and safe – holiday season.  Pass these tips on to your cherished employees… and look forward to seeing everyone rested and refreshed after a fun and enjoyable time!

Chex^® Party Mix has partnered with Food Network star, Ted Allen, to help party hosts put a modern spin on the traditional holiday cookie exchange by creating this season’s easiest way to get ready for the holidays while getting together with friends or family: the Chex Party Mix-Change (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkmPulhrvw). Leave the stress and mess of baking behind and stir up some fun at the party by making homemade Chex Party Mix recipes that wow crowds and take just 15 minutes to make in the microwave.

The concept is simple: host a party, asking guests to make enough of their favorite Chex Party Mix recipe to exchange. Once the recipes are completed, place the treats in fun, festive DIY packaging to send everyone home happy with an assortment of goodies to share.

“This holiday season is all about making traditions new and relevant for today’s modern host,” said Ted Allen of The Food Network’s “Chopped.” “Chex Party Mix-Changes are a great way to update a classic cookie exchange and make it a new tradition to cherish for years to come.”

More than 70 tasty Chex Party Mix recipes can be made in the microwave in 15 minutes or less, so hosting a Chex Party Mix-Change involves minimal planning and preparation. And, ChexPartyMixChange.com has just about everything hostesses need to save time and add fun into the party-planning process including, invitations, packaging ideas and shopping lists.

“A Chex Party Mix-Change is a super simple way to streamline entertaining season with less work, more fun, and, of course, tons of snacks to share,” said Liz Mascolo, Chex cereal marketing manager. “And since all recipes can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes, attendees have less to do and more time to catch up and celebrate with each other.”

Most Chex Party Mix recipes, including the Original recipe, can be made in the microwave with results just as crunchy and flavorful as treats are fresh out of the oven. These five Chex Party Mix recipes are sure to tempt and satisfy all party guests:

• Original Chex^® Party Mix – A tried and true classic of many holiday gatherings.
• Chex^® PB & Chocolate Blast – Is there really a better combination than peanut butter and chocolate? Yes, when Chex cereal is added.
• Chex^® Pumpkin Pie Crunch – Mix things up and try this mouthwatering alternative to the beloved holiday pie. 
• Hot Buttered Yum Chex^® Mix – A combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and marshmallows blended effortlessly together in a crazy-delicious, gluten-free crunchy mix.
• Chex^® Caramel Chocolate Drizzles – Melted chocolate, chewy caramel and a delightful crunch carry this gluten-free party mix recipe from microwave to table in 15 minutes.

To accommodate those who follow gluten-free diets, there are also 20 gluten-free Chex Party Mix recipes available at ChexPartyMix.com

For additional information and full recipes, visit www.ChexPartyMixChange.com.

What’s new for you on Darcie Mae’s website, Darcie Mae's Children's Books & Such

First off, please remember The Peably stories and coloring pictures are free for you to use on my website:

The Peablys have gone through June with the last story in June up now, 4/17/11. It is story 39 and about a special day for Pa. The Peablys will be in the months of July and August for the next few stories.

Story 40, A funny Peably story about learning to jump rope----------4/24.

Story 41, The Peablys celebrate Independence Day--------------------5/1

Story 42, You get to meet a pesky black bear named George---------5/8

Story 43, Go with Bub & Sis to see the ocean--------------------------5/15

For the coloring pictures, On 4/17 there are Easter pictures for you to print and use. On 4/24 & 5/1 there will be Mother’s Day coloring pictures. On 5/8 and 5/15 will be coloring pictures that go with the new book, Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays.

Don’t forget the special pictures offered for Sammy & Robert fans to start groups and learn how to use postal mail, and the 2 book sets offered which include books, tote bags, posters, and coloring pictures.

Happy reading,

Darcie Mae

Darcie Mae with;

All 4 Mother Mouse Books, &

The 1st 4 Sammy & Robert Books

Darcie Mae's Children's Books & Such

Children’s Book: Full Color

Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays

By: Darcie Mae

8 ½ x 11in. - 44 pages

2 Full length, full color stories.

ISBN# 978-1-4560-5702-2

Publish America: www.publishamerica.com Scroll down home page, find search box on right, put in Darcie Mae, and all my books should be available to see

Author’s website: http://sammyandrobert.tripod.com 

This is the 5th book in the Sammy & Robert series of fun, rhyming, and educational children's stories. Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays there are 2 stories. The first story is titled: Sammy & Robert Go Home. The big gray squirrel and the small red squirrel realize the weather is turning cold. Soon, there will be snow. They decide to go home. As they are traveling home, the reader is reminded of their many differences and how these differences are not important. Sammy & Robert started out as best friends, and no matter what they go through, they remain best friends. The second story is titled: Sammy & Robert Have A Happy Thanksgiving. Sammy & Robert have made it home. Their family and friends are happy they are back. All the squirrels are gathering and storing food for the winter and a holiday feast. The reader learns about the great big grand tree, where squirrels meet, celebrate, and do things together. When Sammy & Robert left for the summer, gray and red squirrels did not get along. The bigger gray squirrels would pick on the smaller red squirrels. While they were gone, things changed. Now the gray and the red squirrels get along and do everything together, including sharing a huge Thanksgiving feast.

Look not only for Darcie Mae’s Sammy & Robert children’s books, but her Mother Mouse books as well.

Books are available on the web at Publish America, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, wholesalers, and on many other websites. You can also have your favorite book store order the books for you.

Read The Peably series of children’s stories free on the author’s website. There are 301 stories and 1 new story goes up each week. Children can read along and grow up with the Peably children. New pictures to print & color go p each week as well.

“Words can change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book.” Quote by Darcie Mae Email the author at :

Sammy & Robert (Book 1) ISBN# 1-60474-811-7 and ISBN# 978-1-4512-3383-4

1 story that teaches you can be different, how this should not matter, and

though different you still can be best friends.

Sammy & Robert’s Animal Adventures (Book 2)

ISBN# 1-60703-987-7 and ISBN# 978-1-4512-6544-6

2 stories. One teaches about farm animals, & the other about a zoo with mammals and about herbivores, carnivores, & omnivores.

Sammy & Robert Discover The Ocean (Book 3) ISBN# 978-1-61546-827-0

3 stories. In the first they visit a beach, the second they go out on the ocean in a boat, and in the third they snorkel and learn about crustaceans & mollusks.

3 More Fun Sammy & Robert Adventures ISBN# 978-1-4512-8648-9 and

ISBN#978-1-4560-1733-0

3 stories. In the first they learn about amphibians & reptiles, in the second

about birds, and in the third about insects. This book ends with Sammy

knowing he has to get Robert and himself home soon because the weather

is getting colder and food is harder to find.

Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays ISBN#978-1-4560-1733-0

2 full length, full color stories. In the first story Sammy & Robert go home

because winter is coming. The reader is reminded how different these 2

squirrels are and how this does not matter to them. They remain best friends.

In the second story Sammy & Robert realize they have made a change. Now

all the gray and red squirrels get along and do things together including

sharing a huge Thanksgiving feast.

Mother Mouse ISBN# 978-0-9817521-8-1

3 stories that teach manners, measurements, & shapes.

Mother Mouse: Book 2 ISBN# 978-0-9822560-7-7

2 stories that teach opposites & ways of transportation.

Mother Mouse Tells Mice Kids A Thanksgiving Story ISBN#978-1-936046-30-0

Teaches to be thankful for what you have and to share with those in need.

Mother Mouse Tells Kids Her Special Christmas Story ISBN#978-1-936352-53-1

Teaches many little lessons about traditions and giving up some of your

Christmas to share with a family in need. Also teaches:

Homemade and thought out gifts

are the very best kind.

These gifts don’t cost money,

instead they cost your time.

Join us and shop for holiday gifts!

Tuesday, December 14th

3:30-5:30 pm

Boulder Country Day School

Eclectic Accessories by Tall Blonde Designs

Stella & Dot Jewelry from Patti Lemlein

Sweet Madeline Homemade Desserts

Pocket Poems from Lorie Shetter

Scentsy Wickless Candles

Baby Bibs & Necessities from Liana Wolf

Cottonwood Bark Carvings from Peter Chandler

Beads & Jewelry from Diana Assenmacher

Custom Decorative Pillows from Jan Designs

All vendors will be giving a percentage of their sales to the Boulder Country Day Annual Fund.