FF - Dec 2015/Jan 2016

®

Y HA A D I

So-Easy Snowflakes!

How-to’s, page 24

Y

6 ADORABLE GIFTS KIDS CAN MAKE

PP

HOL

GREAT MEMORIES START HERE

WISH-LIST ALERT! THE COOLEST TECH TOYS

ALMOST-INSTANT DECORATIONS (The secret? Washi tape!)

BEST IN BRUNCH Simple recipes perfect for a party

Look who won our

faces of fun DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 F A M I LY F U N M A G . C O M

contest!

to the winners of the FamilyFun

®

faces OF fun PHOTO CONTEST

Each winner received a gift card and Goldfish® crackers to keep them smiling all season long!

From top: Eli, 3, Jonesboro, AR; Iman, 9, Douglasville, GA; Scout, 3, Tustin, CA; Amaren, 3, Iowa City; Taylor, 4, Pflugerville, TX; Luc, 8, Venice, FL; Valentina, 3, Philadelphia; Jesiah, 5, Central Islip, NY; Adriana, 6, Miami; Kyle, 7, Washington, D.C.

A Season to Smile Give your little ones more reasons to smile this season with fun ideas from Goldish® crackers

Brought to you by

Just Say Yes Feel like you always say “no” to your kids? Surprise them with a “Yes Day”—a day when you can’t refuse any of their requests, no matter how silly!—over holiday break. They want Goldish® crackers with breakfast? Why not? They want to go sledding?

You got it! Breakfast for dinner? Done! Set some sensible ground rules, and get ready for a day of smiles.

Trim the Tree with Memories Start a tradition your kids will love now…and really treasure in the future! Every year, let your child pick out an ornament for the tree.

With each passing year, they’ll smile as they unwrap each ornament, and reminisce about the special memories that each cherished piece holds.

®

The Glad Box Beginning December 1, have every family member write down one thing that made them smile that day on a slip of paper, and place it in a box. During your holiday celebration, have family members read them aloud. It’s a great way to get your kids (and you!) to celebrate the everyday things that make them happy.

What everyday moments lead to big smiles for your family during the holidays?

A trip to grandma’s house, a walk in the park, movie night on the couch—anything can become a Goldish® Tale. Share a personal family story in poem or prose explaining when Goldish helped turn little moments into big smiles, along with a photo, scene, or artwork created with Goldish crackers.

Find out more at GoldfishSmiles.com.

©2015 Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated.

The snow will fall throughout the night— A foot already fell!

The fire warms their little hearts, A Snow Day will as well!

Inspired by the Matson Family of Burlington, VT Share your Goldfish® Tales! GoldfishSmiles.com

DEC/JA N 2016

The Star Wars robot your child will want this year, page 50

share

create

play

smile

explore

11 | MUST-DO HOLIDAY

21 | HAT TRICK

45 | SNOW FUN! Have a

TRADITIONS Facebook fans share their faves.

Get comfortable with a quick fleece beanie.

ball with this frosty game.

69 | SILVER BELLES Shine bright with metallic eyeshadows.

12 | YOUR GREAT IDEAS

22 | JOLLY GOOD! Make

Get your kids psyched about pet care, plus cool nameplate crafts.

these festive projects in time for Santa’s arrival.

75 | 5 THINGS TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS This chic, sunny city is the perfect place for your family.

13 | STOP AND SWAP

Quick and simple paper snowflakes

Set up a winter-clothing exchange in your town.

24 | A FLURRY OF FUN

26 | A MINI MENAGERIE

14 | THE BUZZ New Year’s Eve ideas and Santa snapshots

Craft adorable critters from cereal boxes.

18 | CHALK THERAPY

BLOW! Super-clever paint-splatter monsters

How one family keeps everyone on schedule

30 | HUFF, PUFF, AND

32 | STICK TO IT

P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y J E F F H A R R I S . .

Tape up these pretty home decorations.

34 | BREAKFAST IN EVERY ISSUE

4 | welcome!

8 | big fun 79 | workbook 80 | last bite

SPECIALS Our best brunch ideas for a crowd

40| HOLIDAY: HANDMADE Help kids turn their leftover artwork into creative presents.

46 | HEALTHY FAMILY Nutritious global soups, sick-day book, and more 50 | THE COOLEST TECH TOYS Gizmos aplenty for your child’s wish list 54 | A HOLIDAY MOVIE FOR EVERY MOMENT Readers’ top flick picks

70 | BEAUTY The only three products you need in your makeup bag; a simple shampoo saver 72 | GO FOR IT Your best tips for finding calm

78 | POWER TO THE PEOPLE! The best portable chargers to take on your next trip

56 | PLAY ON WORDS A new twist on expanding kids’ vocabulary

60 | KITCHEN FUN Seasonal noshes you can make together 64 | SWEET SURPRISE Psst! You’ll want to keep these giftable treats all to yourself.

ON OUR COVER Avenlie, age 9. Photography by Gretchen Easton. Wardrobe styling

by Robin Lebowe. Set and craft styling by Amy Lipnis. Grooming by Lauren Lancaster. Dress: Chloé Kids.

Adorable Gifts Kids Can Make, 40 Almost-Instant Decorations, 32 Best in Brunch, 34 Wish-List Alert!, 50 So Easy Snowflakes, 24

DEC/JA N 2016

1

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HOW WE

HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER!

THE FISHER FAMILY of Gahanna, Ohio, hit the road this summer in their new Nissan NV Passenger van for some quality family time and serious adventurous fun. With camping gear, bikes, life jackets, and other road trip essentials, this family of six finally had enough space for the road trip of their dreams! Here’s what they had to say:

‘‘

As a family of six, our most recent challenge on family vacations has been cargo space.* We’ve always had enough room for the essentials, but when you start adding the extras, that space gets tight. We appreciate the extra space that the NV offers.

”

“

Our vacation started at a cabin by a lake on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the straights of Mackinaw. We needed life jackets for kayaking, bikes for Mackinac Island, and food for the whole week.”

“ “

Since our NV has a hitch receiver (optional feature), we bought a cargo/bike rack. We loaded four bikes on the cargo rack and put the other two in the van.* We were very excited that we were able to bring our bikes with us on this vacation.”

We had a great week at our lakeside cabin. We were even able to take a number of day trips during the week in our Nissan NV Passenger van, including a stop at Mackinac Island State Park. We went on the longest bike ride our family has ever taken, and all the children did an excellent job!”

To read more of their adventures in their Nissan NV Passenger van, scan this page with your Mom+ app or visit familyfunpromo.com/hittheroad

* Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure all cargo. Heavy loading of the vehicle with cargo, especially on the roof, will affect the handling and stability of the vehicle.

A SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS ISSUE

FREE E-BOOK!

Our elves on the shelf, Elvi and Fred

Dynamic Duo About six years ago, we were lucky enough to have Elvi (the guy on the left) join our family. A couple of years later, he recruited Fred. Monitoring the antics of our then 5- and 6-year-old boys was clearly a two-man job. (Clearly.) Since then, their work in behavior modification has truly been unmatched. That’s why when they arrive this year—always very punctually on the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving— they’ll find their very own elf door just like the one on

page 23. No more sooty chimneys for these two! From now on, they can walk right in like they own the place. (Well, when everyone is sleeping, of course.)

There is almost nothing better than creating magic for our kids, especially at this time of the year. That’s why you'll find more than 24 pages of this issue dedicated to giving, making, and sharing the very best of the holidays. We hope at least one of these ideas becomes a new tradition for you too!

Elizabeth Anne Shaw EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DEC/JA N 2016

4

Don’t miss our new digital class-party guide, which we created with our pals at Volunteerspot.com!

It's full of festive treats, crafts, games, and stories your child's class—and teacher!— will love. You can even share it on your class Web page or school newsletter.

Once you choose your favorite snacks and activities, you can use Volunteerspot to recruit parents to handle everything from cups and plates to all the decorations and cleanup. Plus, it's free! Get started: Volunteerspot .com/classparty.

Happy merrymaking!

F R O M TO P : P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y P E T E R A R D I TO ; P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y D O U G M E R R I A M .

ARE YOU PLANNING A HOLIDAY CLASS PARTY?

Happy fingers.

Stomping feet.

If you don’t have Halos, they don’t have Halos.

Sweet, seedless, easy-to-peel Halos are grown in California with pure goodness. Your kids will love them as much as they love you—that is, unless you run out. W∂ nderful Halos. Pure Goodness.

BLUE Freedom Grain-Free Grillers.

Made with the finest natural ingredients including hearty chunks of real beef, chicken, lamb or turkey, BLUE Freedom® Grain-Free Grillers let

Creative Director JOHN M. HERR

Vice President, Group Publisher, Parents Network JEFF WELLINGTON

Contributing Deputy Editor KATE LAWLER Deputy Managing Editor TARA LUSTBERG Contributing Senior Editor MARIDEL REYES Research Editor SHARON BOONE Assistant Editor DEVON ABELMAN

ADVERTISING Midwest Director LORI POPERNIK Northwest Director JULIE BANFIELD Southwest Director JACQUI DZIAK

Editor-in-Chief ELIZABETH ANNE SHAW

Art Director JENNIE UTSCHIG Photo Editor RYAN CLINE Senior Designer MARIEL MORRIS Creative Content Leader, Parents Network DANA POINTS

MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP President TOM HARTY

your dog enjoy a nutritious, mouthwatering dinner without the grains that contain gluten.

Executive Vice Presidents President, Parents Network CAREY WITMER President, Women’s Lifestyle THOMAS WITSCHI President, Meredith Digital JON WERTHER Chief Marketing Oicer NANCY WEBER Chief Revenue Oicer MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN General Manager DOUG OLSON Senior Vice Presidents Chief Digital Oicer ANDY WILSON Digital Sales MARC ROTHSCHILD Innovation Oicer CAROLYN BEKKEDAHL Research Solutions BRITTA CLEVELAND Vice Presidents Business Planning and Analysis ROB SILVERSTONE Content Licensing LARRY SOMMERS Corporate Marketing STEPHANIE CONNOLLY Corporate Sales BRIAN KIGHTLINGER Digital Video LAURA ROWLEY Direct Media PATTI FOLLO Brand Licensing ELISE CONTARSY Communications PATRICK TAYLOR Human Resources DINA NATHANSON Strategic Sourcing, Newsstand, Production CHUCK HOWELL Chairman and Chief Executive Oicer STEPHEN M. LACY President, Meredith Local Media Group PAUL KARPOWICZ Vice Chairman MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER

IN MEMORIAM – E. T. MEREDITH III, 1933–2003

Advertising Sales Staf MARY JOE CLARK, ALYSSA CRAMER COHEN, CATHERINE DAUN, ANNE GILHOOL, ERROL GRIFFITHS, HILLARI LAZZARA, MARY CAROL MURPHY, MARIANGELA SALMERON, KELLEY SHINE, CHRISTINE STRIFAS, MOLLY THOMPSON, THERESA VOYLES, ERICA WAGNER Direct Media Manager TYLER HUB National Travel Director MELISSA LUEBBE Assistants KIM KITCHEN, MICHELLE KWAN, JESSICA LEWIS, BEN PEDROSA, AMANDA PIPICH Associate Director, Advertising Business Oice BOB PARLAPIANO Associate Consumer Marketing Director SHERI STEGER Senior Production Manager PATRICK McGOWAN Ad Operations Manager SARAH OTTE Quality Technical Director DAVID WOLVEK Ad Production Supervisor ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK Associate Director of Prepress RICK JOHN Quality Analyst TONY HUNT Prepress Desktop Specialist GREG FAIRHOLM Assistant to the EVP/President, Parents Network CAROLINE VICKERSON Senior Research Manager ALISON JAYE Associate Research Director LISA GRAMLING Executive Director, Integrated Marketing SHARON MULLIGAN Senior Marketing Manager SARAH LOVE McCOURT Activation Director SUSAN JOYCE Activation and Events Associate Manager CARINA FRIAS Associate Marketing Manager JULIA CORBETT Creative Director JEANETTE CHOW Senior Promotion Designer GOSIA NOSOWICZ Custom Solutions Executive Director CHUCK HAJJ Business Manager MARTY MUSSER

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Editorial correspondence: 805 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Queries: queries.familyfun@meredith.com. All materials submitted become the property of Meredith Corporation, and submission constitutes permission for Meredith Corporation to use the material in any and all media. Materials may be used without compensation or acknowledgment and may be edited for length and clarity. Please include a daytime telephone number for verification purposes. Executive and advertising oices: 805 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Subscriptions: familyfunmag.com. Subscription help: Visit familyfunmag.com/myaccount, e-mail us at fncustserv@cdsfulfillment.com, or call 800-289-4849. Mailing lists: Our subscriber list is occasionally made available to carefully selected firms whose products may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive information from these companies by mail or by phone, please let us know. Send your request along with your mailing label to Magazine Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. © 2016 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. FamilyFun is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation, registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Oice. Reuse and reprint requests: CLPermissions@ meredith.com. Printed in the U.S.A. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

DEC/JA N 2016

6

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Open your heart & home this holiday Adopt a pet near you at home4theholidays.org/locations

EX TR A-BIG IDEAS FOR YOUR EX TR A-FUN FAMILY

2

1

DEC/JA N 2016

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l e t ’s p a r t y

PLEASED AS PUNCH! Your holiday fete will feel extra festive with these gorgeous (and super kid-friendly) drinks.

Plus, they’re a cinch to make. Cheers!

3

1. CRANBERRY SPARKLER In a punch bowl, mix together 1 bottle (64 oz.) cranberry juice cocktail, 1 bottle (24 oz.) sparkling cider, and 1 liter ginger ale. Add juice from half an orange. For garnish, place 2½ cups raspberries in a gelatin ring mold; cover berries with juice or water; freeze. Add to bowl with orange slices.

2. CITRUS PUNCH Simmer ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water until dissolved.

Let cool. Add to punch bowl with 1 qt. orange juice, 2 cups pink grapefruit juice, ½ cup fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, and 1 liter seltzer.

Refrigerate. For garnish, layer citrus slices in a round cake pan; cover fruit with juice or water and freeze.

3. STARLIGHT PUNCH Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 slice ginger, 1 tsp. cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 2 star anise. Cool, then strain. In a punch bowl, mix 1 bottle (64 oz.) white-grape juice, 1 bottle (24 oz.) sparkling cider, 1 liter seltzer, and ½ cup reserved spiced syrup. Garnish with sliced star fruit, kiwi, and grapes.

R ECIP E S BY M O L LY S H U S T ER P H O T O G R A P H Y BY RYA N L IEB E FOOD ST YLING BY CARRIE PURCELL PROP ST YLING BY BRIAN HEISER

share WHAT’S UP IN OUR WORLD AND YOURS

behind the scenes

POWER NAP Dude, that couch looks so comfy! Seven-year-old Matteo takes advantage of a break in the action on the set of our “Holiday: Handmade” shoot. See the story on page 40.

FROM TOP :LUCY SCHAEFFER/OFFSET. PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON DYER.

follow us!

finish this thought

OUR HOLIDAY TRADITION WON’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT...

Drinking eggnog and making gingerbread houses with my four girls! > SASHA ALBRIGHT

For more festive crafts and recipes, visit our Happy Holidays! board on Pinterest.

Our hand-cut tree.

We go to the same place every year. > SAMANTHA HOSBURGH The smell of Momma’s cooking! > SHANNON FITZGERALD-FAHS

The Harry Potter movies, which we watch every year as a family.

They are magical in just the right way. > COR AL ROUSSEAU Tamales! Making them together is a great way to pass old recipes on to the next generation. > ADRIANA FLORES CORDERO

Our annual afterChristmas trip to downtown Chicago. > DONNA MARIE Someone getting sick!

Sad but true. > TR ACY STUFFT An alligator in the tree. Granted, it’s a plastic toy alligator. > ELIZABETH KOLTER

LET’S SOCIALIZE!

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Search “FamilyFun magazine.”

DEC/JA N 2016

11

share | YOUR GREAT IDEAS

Q&A

<

WE ASKED: HOW DO YOU INVOLVE YOUR KIDS IN CARING FOR FAMILY PETS? YOU ANSWERED:

#FamilyFunSoCute FamilyFun Instagram followers show off personalized name crafts inspired by the September 2015 issue. Show us what you made on Instagram and Twitter, using #FamilyFunSoCute.

1.

PACK 'EM UP

When we travel with our dogs, my daughter gets to be in charge of packing their “doggy diaper bag.”

She brings collapsible bowls, food, a water bottle, an extra harness and leash, and some toys.

Keli Brings White River, SD

CREATE AMBIENCE

My 8-year-old daughter draws her own decorative backdrops for our 5-gallon fish tank. I laminate these with clear Con-Tact paper, and we tape them to the back of the tank.

She draws a new one for her fish every few months.

3.

Reader tip: Lola’s mom, Teresa Richards, found that using a glue gun made adhering the letters to the card stock much easier.

2.

ENCOURAGE PEP TALKS

I let my boys help me take the cat to the vet. They explain to her what’s going to happen, and they feel better because she “knows” what to expect. They’ve even said to me, “Don’t worry, Mom—she’ll be fine.

We’ve explained it all to her.”

Chris Bell Draper, UT

DEC/JA N 2016

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1. LETTER-PERFECT

Adelina adorned each letter with art supplies like googly eyes, feathers, and pom-poms. On a funny note, we couldn’t find the letter e, but I was able to add a piece to the bottom of an f.

Joanna Smith @joannanole

2. LOCALLY GROWN To fashion their names out of nature, Lylah and Addison collected plants, flowers, and leaves from our backyard. I thought doing something diferent to learn the letters in their names was neat.

Sara Russ @daisy_36

3. SCENIC ROUTE Love this nameplate we made! My daughter, Lola, collected the sticks, sprigs, and flowers during a family walk through a local canyon. Thanks for the idea! It was a great playdate activity.

Teresa Richards @lolanlucy

LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Linda McCowan Oakton, VA

try it in your town

STOP AND SWAP What to do with all those outgrown coats and boots?

Organize a winter-clothing exchange at your child’s school.

BY ALICI A POT TER

The Town Northampton, Massachusetts

still might need boots,” says Lindsay Sabadosa, a volunteer whose daughter is a third-grader at the school.

The School Director Susan Swift

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HARRIS. PROP STYLING BY GOZDEEKER.

The Idea For a week in early December, the front hallway of the Montessori School of Northampton turns into a cold-weather gear shop. Gently used snowsuits, snow pants, and jackets hang from racks, while neat rows of gloves, mittens, scarves, and boots line tables.

But the items aren’t for sale—they’re free for the taking at the school’s winter-clothing swap.

The swap focuses only on outerwear, which can be expensive, before it goes on sale later in the season, says head of school Susan Swift, who helped parents start the event ten years ago. “The swap has become a way for families to look after one another.” Indeed, families don’t have to donate any clothes to shop. “A family might not have anything to give one year, but they

How It Works Each year, a team of class parents organizes the swap.

By early October, Swift begins publicizing the event and asking for donations on the school’s Facebook page and in the parents’ newsletter. But advance notice is key. “Winter can sneak up on you, so getting the word out early gives families enough time to go through their kids’ clothes and find out what doesn’t fit,” she says.

A week before the swap, volunteers set up large cardboard donation boxes

“

The swap has become a way for families to look after one another.”

at the school. Next, two volunteers organize the items by type and size.

They place jackets and snow pants on a clothing rack, lay out boots by size, and display mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats on tables. This way, parents who are in a rush don’t have to rifle through boxes.

The swap opens to its eager “shoppers” on a Monday morning. “Most of the items are gone by Wednesday,” Swift says.

On Friday, the volunteers bring any remaining clothes to a local charity.

NOW YOU TRY IT

Check with the principal or PTA/PTO at your kids’ school about starting a swap. Or try your church or civic organization—the event works at any site where families gather.

DEC/JA N 2016

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share | THE BUZZ

parent-tested

YOUR BEST TRICKS FOR KEEPING YOUR KIDS UP ON

NEW YEAR’S EVE?

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town We asked readers for pictures from last year’s visit. Some of our favorites are sure to make you smile.

2.

1.

Late naps and lots of sugar— timed just right so they crash soon after midnight!

Amber Dedert Liberty, IL

We make countdown bags with activities for every hour. As midnight approaches, we begin our annual tradition of writing resolutions and reading what we wrote the previous year.

Then we toast at midnight with milk and cookies while dancing to a countdown special on TV.

3.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and keep an eye open for calls for photos.

We love to see and hear from you!

Shawn Davis Seattle, WA

Dance-party video games keep them awake and grooving.

4.

Courtney Wood Valatie, NY

We have a New Year’s tree that is decorated with balloons, party hats, and clackers. I label boxes 9, 10, 11, and 12, fill each with little gifts, and put them on the tree. The kids get to open one every hour. At midnight, we pop all the balloons and ring the clackers. It’s our favorite New Year’s Eve tradition!

Alana Hudson Greene Buford, GA

5.

6.

1. My sons Devin, Bentley, and Ryder met Saint Nick at the Alsip Nursery last year. > AMANDA DEARING New Lenox, IL 2. We put on a light show for local retirement homes; then Santa, Mrs. Claus, and our elves hand out cookies. > MELISSA PAYNE Great Falls, MT

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU DEC/JA N 2016

14

How do you make family life more fun? E-mail your ideas and photos to ideas.familyfun@meredith.com.

3. Cadence was much more interested in eating cookies than following instructions. > LAUR A R AY Charleston, WV 4. “You better not cry, you better not pout” didn’t work for Taylor and Madison. > COLLEEN K ARLS Belgrade, MT

5. Baby Amyia is skeptical that Santa will be able to fit down her chimney. > CALLEY ROWE North Vancouver, BC 6. My girls have a ton of personality, so this shot at the Tanglewood Festival of Lights came naturally. > JENNIFER CVELIC Kernersville, NC

:KROHVRPH DOO QDWXUDO YHUVDWLOH DQG GHOLFLRXV KRQH\ LV DYDLODEOH LQ DQ DUUD\ RI ć DYRU SURĆ OHV IURP PLOG WR EROG :LWK DOO WKH EX]] DERXW KRQH\ LWèV QR ZRQGHU )LUPHQLFK QDPHG LW )ODYRU RI WKH <HDU :HèUH VR SURXG ZH FDQ KDUGO\ EHDU LW

9LVLW KRQH\ FRP WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW QDWXUHèV VZHHWHVW LQJUHGLHQW

© 2015 Gym-Mark, Inc. Gymboree is a trademark of Gym-Mark, Inc. All rights reserved.

g y m b o re e. c o m

are

Gr8

gifts here

Sizes 6 months to 14 years crazy8.com/gr8gifts

share | MOMENT OF GENIUS

“WE’VE GOT TO GO! Come

on—put your dishes in the sink.

We’re going to be late! Where are your shoes?” I used to get bossy with my three children before school, since nothing seemed to happen unless I ordered it, often at high volume (and sometimes not even then).

But one morning, totally frustrated with the chaos, I grabbed a piece of chalk and started writing a list on our kitchen blackboard:

DEC/JA N 2016

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Before you eat breakfast, get dressed.

8:30 Finish breakfast and clear dishes.

8:40 Brush teeth and hair.

8:50 Do shoes.

8:55 Get in car.

I’d bought the large, rustic chalkboard because it looked beautiful, filled a blank space on the wall, and fit the style of our 95-year-old home. But I’d barely used it, except to write a menu for a party or scribble down a birthday wish.

I ERASED THE AFTERNOON

routine a while ago (although it might be time for a bit of a refresher, because we’ve slid a bit since we mastered those habits). Our latest chalk manifesto focuses on our after-dinner routine that reads: As a family, we— • Clear the table.

• Put away leftovers.

• Wash/load dishes.

• Wipe tables & counters.

• Sweep the floor.

They’ve pretty much got this list down too. Well, we do, which is the point of the “as a family” bit there. I’m not saying everything is smooth sailing the instant I write it down. But the magic of the chalkboard is that, somehow, the instructions allow us to be kinder to one another.

The reminders are objective and calm, because they sit there in plain, authoritative print. And instead of nagging the kids, I get to be the good guy.

Really! At the bottom of the board, someone recently wrote, “Mom is cool.” It wasn’t me, I swear.

meet the family

The Holbrook family of Cleveland, Ohio

ILLUSTRATION BY JOSIE PORTILLO.

Tired of nagging her kids all the time, Sharon Holbrook let her kitchen blackboard do the talking instead.

her older siblings sometimes grumbled about. “I don’t have any homework, Mommy!” she’d say with a wide grin.

<

CHALK THERAPY

My kids spotted the new schedule as soon as they walked in the kitchen. And to my surprise, they took it seriously. We are a family that really loves books, and, apparently, the spell of the written word carries over to scrawls on a chalkboard. Even my 4-year-old, who can’t read or tell time yet, wanted to hear the instructions.

It took them a few days to get the hang of it. But I found that asking, “What time is it?” or “What should you be doing now?” and pointing to the chalkboard worked miracles that my voice alone could not achieve. In a short time, we had something resembling a smooth morning routine.

I couldn’t believe it.

Feeling confident, I tackled one of our daily after-school challenges next. I erased the fading morning schedule, then wrote this: Before you request screen time, say to yourself: • Is my room picked up?

• Are my clean and dirty clothes where they belong?

• Is my homework done?

• Is my backpack in the basket and packed for tomorrow?

• Can I help Mom with anything?

Once again, the kids paid attention. The older two read the questions aloud—then scurried around, following instructions. One day, someone drew check marks next to each question after reviewing the to-do list. My youngest child got into the spirit too: When I read her the questions, she loved checking of the homework item that

HE FIGHTS DIRTY

no mater hw dirty

DIRTY IS.

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create FUN THINGS TO MAKE AND DO TOGETHER

quick craft

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. CRAFT STYLING BY BLAKE RAMSEY. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS.

HAT TRICK This cozy fleece beanie comes together so fast you’ll want to make a few. What to do: Measure your child’s head starting from the middle of her forehead. Cut a piece of patterned fleece that’s the length of the circumference (plus 2 inches) and 16 inches wide. Fold the fabric in half, matching the 16-inch edges together.

Sew a ½-inch-wide seam along this edge.

Double over one end of the tube to create a brim. Gather the top 3 inches of the hat and tie with colored cord.

DEC/JA N 2016

21

create | MAKE IT

it’s santa, baby

JOLLY GOOD! Get ready for the big guy with these cute crafts.

1

1 | yuletide garland Even Mr. Claus has to do laundry!

Cut mini replicas of St. Nick’s wardrobe from felt with scissors. Glue tiny buttons onto the jacket and pants.

Hang the finished garments on a string with miniature clothespins.

FREE PRINTABLE ONLINE DEC/JA N 2016

22

You can draw Santa’s wardrobe for our clothesline craft freehand, but if you’d rather use a template, download ours at familyfunmag.com/printables.

Add a few small toys for an extra-fun surprise.

2

2 | candy cones Who needs stockings?

Fill these festive hats with holiday treats and hang them from a neighbor’s doorknob, a branch of your Christmas tree, or your child’s bedpost.

Cut a 9-inch circle from a sheet of sturdy paper with scissors. Make a cut from the edge into the circle’s center, then roll the paper into a cone. Tape, glue, or staple the edges together.

Use a hole punch to make two holes across from each other, then tie on a narrow ribbon. Unravel a few cotton balls and glue them to rim.

Glue a cotton ball to the tip.

3 | elf entrance Create a tiny door just for Santa’s little helpers (hello, Elf on the Shelf!).

Cover a 14 x 26-inch piece of cardboard with red wrapping paper; secure with tape at the back. For the

3 wreath, cut a small ring of cardboard and tightly wrap green pipe cleaners around it. Thread a narrow gold ribbon through one of the pipe cleaner loops and tie a bow. Attach the wreath to the door with glue. For the doorknob, glue a small plastic cap to a cork, then glue it to the door. Cut the doormat from a washcloth or kitchen towel.

4 | sweet santa Our simple candy container makes a merry centerpiece.

Cover the cut edge of an empty soup can with electrical tape (adults only).

Wrap the can with sturdy red paper, attaching with glue. Glue on a paper face, arms, boots, belt, and hat.

Glue on cotton balls to make mittens, beard, rim of hat and pom-pom. Draw the face with markers. Fill the can with wrapped candies.

4

Place extra curls in the opposite direction. cover craft

A FLURRY OF FUN These fancy snowflakes require just three simple steps—even your littlest one can help!

STEP 1 Using scissors, cut medium-weight paper into ¼-inch-wide strips; then cut those strips into 6-inch lengths. Fold each strip about a third of the way down.

STEP 2 Using a pencil or chopstick, curl both ends of the strip toward the fold. You’ll need 8 strips to form one snowflake.

STEP 3 For each snowflake, arrange the points of 8 strips in the center; attach each adjoining side to the next with glue. Add on leftover strips to fill out the flakes.

EDITOR’S TIP DEC/JA N 2016

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Our snowflakes look amazing hanging in a window. Attach a loop of fishing line to each flake; then suspend a group of them, staggering the heights.

PREVIOUS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. CRAFT STYLING BY BLAKE RAMSEY. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. THIS PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRETCHEN EASTON. STYLING BY AMY LIPNIS.

create | MAKE IT

Reach for RELPAX Savings Talk to your doctor about whether prescription RELPAX® (eletriptan HBr) is right for you.

With the RELPAX $10 Co-pay Card,* you may pay less than you would for a generic prescription.† *Terms and Conditions apply. Please see below.

†

According to IMS data from May 2014, the average co-pay for other generic prescriptions on commercial health plans ranges from $16.24–$23.59. Products may not be comparable.

Terms and Conditions By using the RELPAX $10 Co-pay Card, you acknowledge that you currently meet the eligibility criteria and will comply with the terms and conditions described below: • Co-pay cards are not valid for prescriptions that are eligible to be reimbursed, in whole or in part, by Medicaid, Medicare, or other federal or state healthcare programs (including any state prescription drug assistance programs and the Government Health Insurance Plan available in Puerto Rico [formerly known as “La Reforma De Salud”]).

• Co-pay cards are not valid for prescriptions that are eligible to be reimbursed by private insurance plans or other health or pharmacy beneit programs that reimburse you for the entire cost of your prescription drugs.

• Patients must be 18 or older.

• By using a co-pay card, a patient may pay only $10 per prescription. Savings provided by each co-pay card are limited to $100 per month. Each co-pay card may be used once per month for twelve (12) months. Provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to receive a second co-pay card during the offering.

RSE687508-01

© 2014 Pizer Inc.

All rights reserved.

• Each patient is limited to one active co-pay card at a time during this offering period and the co-pay cards are not transferable.

• You must deduct the value received under this program from any reimbursement request submitted to your insurance plan, either directly by you or on your behalf.

• The co-pay card cannot be combined with any other rebate or coupon, free trial, or similar offer for the speciied prescription.

• The co-pay card will be accepted only at participating pharmacies.

• The co-pay card is not health insurance.

• This offer is good only in the United States and Puerto Rico.

• Pizer reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the co-pay card without notice.

• Offer valid from 4/1/11 to 12/31/15. No membership fees apply.

For help with the RELPAX $10 Co-pay Card, call 1-800-926-5334, or write: Pizer, ATTN: RELPAX, PO Box 2225, Morrisville, PA 19067-8025. www.pizer.com You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Printed in USA/December 2014

papier-mâché project

A MINI MENAGERIE Believe it or not, these fantastic animal heads are made from nothing more than cereal boxes, newspaper, flour paste, and paint—a simple project that Los Angeles art teacher Samara Caughey loves doing with her young students because it stretches their creative muscles.

To make the creatures at home with your kids: 1| Start with a regular or mini cereal box. From the bottom, cut halfway up each corner seam with scissors.

2| To shape the animal’s face, cut a curve into the bottom half of the front and back panels. (Make it pointier for a fox, rounder for a dog or a bunny.) Use masking tape to attach the side flaps along each edge. Trim excess.

MORE

MEET SAMARA CAUGHEY DEC/JA N 2016

26

Caughey is the owner of Purple Twig studio in Los Angeles, where she offers kids’ art classes, and does projects with her own children, Ada, 9, and Gus, 6.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. CRAFT STYLING BY BLAKE RAMSEY. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS.

create | MEET A MAKER

adver tisement

MAGICAL MOMENTS, CAPTURED

You’ll never miss another moment with this new mirrorless camera.

create | MEET A MAKER CONTINUED FROM P. 26 3| Cut out ears from a second cereal box and attach them to the animal head with masking tape.

Use white glue to attach tightly crumpled balls of newspaper to the head for eyes and/or a nose.

4| Tear newspaper into strips and squares that are roughly 2 to 4 inches wide.

5| Make papier-mâché paste: Combine 1½ cups water and 1 cup flour; stir vigorously. Add ⅓ cup white

Ready for Action His first step...the exact moment she learns to ride a bike. Catch those action-filled moments with the LUMIX’S 4K PHOTO mode, a 4K video setting that lets you pause a moment in time.

4K PHOTO mode takes up to 30 super-sharp 4K video frames per second, so you can pause and extract that exact once-in-a-lifetime moment as a printable photo.

Share & Share Alike, Online & Off Once you’ve captured that moment, it’s easy to share online with the Panasonic Image App. It allows you to wirelessly connect your Smartphone or tablet to the LUMIX G7, and post your photo within seconds, or print a professional quality image to cherish forever.

Good to Go As the pioneer of mirrorless interchangeable lens camera technology, LUMIX leads the pack with the small and lightweight LUMIX G7.

Over 24 next generation hybrid photo-video lens options gives you the optical image quality of a professional camera without the bulk—so you can toss it in your handbag or tote and have it ready for wherever your busy life takes you and your family.

6| Dip the paper into the paste, and smooth strips onto the animal head. Continue adding paper until all sections are covered with a few layers.

Let it dry overnight.

7| Decorate head with tempera paint, adding paper whiskers and eyelashes with white glue. Use hot glue to attach an unfolded paper clip to the back for hanging.

Boosting Kids’ Creativity “Sometimes making art with kids feels like alchemy,” says Caughey. “I give them trash and a few instructions, and they come up with gold.” She shares more crafty insights below.

DEVELOPING FOCUS “Kids can get overwhelmed and feel rushed if you give them a lot of materials at once. Distribute gorgeous supplies, such as beads and natural fabrics, one by one to help children focus. Let them explore each material fully before moving on to the next one.

This way, kids can work at diferent speeds, and their excitement about the materials keeps them deeply engaged.”

HER MUST-HAVE ART SUPPLY “Clay is so magical—kids always respond to it, whether they’re 2 or 14.

There’s so much potential: You can make a little fairy’s nest by adding natural materials and glitter, or you can sculpt a whole figurine.”

LEARN MORE AT

shop.panasonic.com/lumix-g7

glue and mix well. (You’ll need about 1½ cups of paste per animal.)

DEC/JA N 2016

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SMART WAY TO SAVE “I comb thrift stores for fabrics. If I’m using felt for a project, I’ll buy old wool sweaters and throw them into the washing machine.

You end up with this beautiful, thick felt that’s much nicer—and cheaper— than store-bought.”

ON TEACHING CONFIDENCE “Creative thinking comes from making diferent kinds of choices and solving problems. It’s very important that my students don’t make art with me in mind. I want them to do it for themselves. Instead of telling them, ‘I like it,’ I comment on what they’re doing. Something like, ‘I see you’re using blue to make your circles.’ This helps them articulate their ideas.”

create | ART SPARK

HUFF, PUFF, AND BLOW! Your child will have a blast creating these cute monsters with just paint and a straw. the setup Pour diferent colors of tempera paint into plastic containers. Thin the paint with water, stirring in one spoonful at a time until the paint reaches the consistency of heavy cream. Set out spoons, cardstock, straws cut in half, a glue stick, googly eyes, and scissors.

Help your child put a few spoonfuls of diferent colored paint onto the cardstock. Have her blow gently through the straw to spread the paint and create monster limbs and tentacles.

Let dry completely. Glue on googly eyes.

bonus fun Make monsters pop by cutting them out with scissors and gluing an accordion-folded piece of paper to the back of each. Mount the monsters on another piece of paper.

ABOUT THIS IDEA DEC/JA N 2016

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This project was created by crafter Maya Donenfeld. Check out more cool projects for kids on her blog, Maya Made.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS.

the project

Nothing helps us get ready for the holidays like paper and paper-based packaging.

And that’s just one way they’re important to our lives. Discover how paper and packaging can make the most of your holidays and every day. HowLifeUnfolds.com © 2015 Paper and Packaging Board. All Rights Reserved.

create | HAPPY HOME

Pressed for time? Grab some rolls of washi tape for the easiest decorations ever.

BY DEBR A IMMERGUT

For an even triangle, measure each side top to bottom, then mark.

2. Modern Menorah This project lets your little ones “light” the Hanukkah candles without matches or flames.

What to do To make the menorah, apply strips of ¾-inch-wide washi tape above the edge of a side table, as shown (our candles are about 7 inches tall; the center one is an inch taller), or dream up your own menorah design. To light it, simply add a bit of yellow tape on each evening of Hanukkah, starting with the center candle, called the shamash.

1

TAKE IT FURTHER DEC/JA N 2016

32

Don’t feel locked in to traditional holiday patterns and colors.

Find hundreds of choices at cutetape.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. CRAFT STYLING BY KIMBERLY STONEY.

STICK TO IT

1. Family (and Friends) Tree Here’s a no-fuss way to display all the holiday cards that arrive in your mailbox each day.

And don’t worry: Washi tape pulls right of the wall without damaging the paint.

What to do Use a pencil and yardstick to mark the three points of a large triangle (ours measures 5 x 3¼ feet). Apply ¾-inch-wide washi tape, as desired, to create the tree outline, and add a trunk that’s centered at the bottom. Use removable mounting squares to hang the cards and a sparkly pom-pom on top.

Chevron-pattern tape mimics the flickering light.

2

For a doubledecker wreath, simply hot-glue a small and large ring together.

3

3. Festive Wreaths Made from clothespins, these graphic rings are terrific for kids and parents to do together. The best part: You can hang them up and admire them for years to come.

What to do Start with wooden clothespins (we used white ones from Amazon.com).

Apply strips of washi or other patterned tape to one side of each pin (smooth it right over the groove that holds the metal spring). Trim the edges of the tape with small scissors.

Discard the outer rings from embroidery hoops (we used a few sizes, ranging from 4 to 7 inches) and clip on the clothespins. Hang the wreaths with nylon thread or ribbon.

create | LET’S EAT!

BREAKFAST SPECIALS These deliciously simple crowd-pleasers are perfect for a big family brunch (don’t expect any leftovers!). R E C I P E S B Y L A R A I N E

PERRI

INGREDIENTS

STICKY-BUN SKILLET CAKE

2½ Tbs. unsalted butter, divided

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES∏•∏TOTAL TIME 55 MINUTES • MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS

½ cup chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Melt 1½ Tbs. butter in a 9-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Remove from heat; add nuts, stir to coat, and arrange in center of pan, leaving a 2-inch border.

3. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Unroll pizza crust and shape into a 9 x 12-inch rectangle.

Brush dough with melted butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cut dough into 1-inch strips. Tightly roll one strip, then wrap another around it.

Continue with remaining strips to make a coil.

2. Make caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, honey, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. In a separate pan, melt remaining 1 Tbs. butter.

3. Place dough on top of nuts in skillet.

Bake until golden, about 40 minutes.

Let cool 5 minutes. Place a platter over pan and flip it over to release the cake.

Drizzle with 2 Tbs. caramel sauce.

Serve remaining sauce on the side.

3 Tbs. dark brown sugar 2 Tbs. heavy cream 2 tsp. honey ½ tsp. vanilla Pinch salt 1 refrigerated tube pizza crust (13.8 oz.) ¼ cup sugar 1½ tsp. cinnamon

PER SERVING 262 CALORIES, 5g PROTEIN, 11g FAT, 4g SAT. FAT, 37g CARBS, 2g FIBER, 376mg SODIUM

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R YA N L I E B E

TAKE IT FURTHER DEC/JA N 2016

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To bring out the sweet-and-salty flavor even more, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the cake before you serve it.

WE’VE GOT MORE GREAT RECIPES!

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

1 16-oz. pkg. Jimmy Dean® Premium Pork Sausage (Sage or Regular) 2 cups celery, chopped 1 cup onion, finely chopped 4 cups cornbread, toasted & chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp. poultry seasoning 1 cup chicken broth 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

1. PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Cook sausage, celery and onion in large skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat 8 –10 min. or until sausage is thoroughly cooked; drain. Spoon into large bowl.

2. ADD cornbread, parsley and seasoning; mix lightly. Add in broth, egg and mix until blended. Stir in pecans.

3. SPOON into lightly greased 2-quart casserole or soufflé dish; cover and bake 45 min. or until thoroughly heated, uncovering after 35 min.

PREP TIME: 20 min. COOK TIME: 45 min.

COOK’S TIP: To toast cornbread, bake at 400°F for 10 min.

and you could be featured.

TM

JIMMYDEAN.COM/RECIPES

© 2015 The Hillshire Brands Company

create | LET’S EAT!

INGREDIENTS

MONTE CRISTO STRATA

Cooking spray

ACTIVE TIME 25 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES MAKES 10 TO 12 SERVINGS

8 large eggs, beaten 2¼ cups 2% milk

1. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and a grind of pepper.

2 tsp. dry mustard ¼ tsp. salt Black pepper 1 loaf ciabatta, cut in 1-inch cubes 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh thyme 6 oz. sliced deli ham, in 1-inch strips 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting 1 cup red currant jelly, melted

PER SERVING 401 CALORIES, 21g PROTEIN, 14g FAT, 7g SAT. FAT, 47g CARBS, 2g FIBER, 719mg SODIUM

2. Arrange half the bread cubes in baking dish in a single layer.

Pour half the egg mixture over bread. Top with half the thyme, ham, and cheese. Add remaining bread to egg mixture in bowl; toss well. Arrange bread on top of first layer in baking dish. Pour any remaining egg mixture over top. Top with remaining thyme, ham, and cheese.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

4. Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover strata. Bake until set and lightly golden, about 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Dust top with sugar; serve with jelly on the side.

+ PESTO-AND-EGG BREAKFAST PIZZA Pizza for breakfast?

You bet! Scrambled eggs make a fun topping for this kid-friendly dish. To get the recipe, turn to page 79.

THIS FOR THAT DEC/JA N 2016

36

If you can’t find Gruyère at your grocery store, Swiss cheese is a fine substitute.

No synthetic colors. Fact.

No artificial flavors or preservatives. Fact.

Mutated turtles that live in a sewer and were taught martial arts by a rat. Okay, maybe that’s fiction.

Kids love eating Kraft Mac & Cheese Shapes. Now parents will love what they’re not eating.

Because their favorite characters and their favorite food now have no synthetic colors, artificial flavors or preservatives.

You know you love it.

create | LET’S EAT!

INGREDIENTS

GREEK-YOGURT TRIFLE

1 qt. 2% Greek yogurt ⅓ cup honey 2½ tsp. vanilla

ACTIVE TIME 20 MINUTES • TOTAL TIME 20 MINUTES • MAKES 12 SERVINGS

6 cups mixed berries, halved if large 3 cups low-fat granola

1. In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, honey, and vanilla.

2. Spread half the berries over bottom of a large glass bowl.

Sprinkle half the granola over berries. Starting at the sides, spoon half the yogurt over granola. Repeat, reserving ¾ cup of the berries for the top of the trifle. Serve immediately.

PER SERVING 215 CALORIES, 10g PROTEIN, 3g FAT, 1g SAT. FAT, 39g CARBS, 4g FIBER, 88mg SODIUM

FOOD ST YLING BY CARRIE PURCELL

PROP ST YLING BY BRIAN HEISER

TEST KITCHEN TIP DEC/JA N 2016

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Using frozen berries? Just make sure to defrost them for several hours before assembling your trifle.

SIMPLE BROWN SUGAR & MUSTARD MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN 1 (1 lb.) pork tenderloin ¼ cup whole grain mustard ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons minced thyme 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced salt and pepper to taste Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil DIRECTIONS 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Season tenderloin with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together mustard, brown sugar and thyme.

2 Place a large sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil onto a clean surface. In the center, place onion slices in a single layer and then place pork on top.

Brush with half of the mustard mixture.

3 Double fold top and ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Transfer packet onto a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or

4 Remove from oven. Open packet by cutting along top fold with a sharp knife, allowing steam to escape. Brush with remaining mustard mixture.

Leaving the packet open, broil for 1 minute or until a nice crust forms on top. Remove from oven and allow tenderloin to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

For more recipes from the Reynolds Kitchens Endless Table visit reynoldskitchens.com and @reynoldskitchens

©2015 Reynolds® Consumer Products LLC.

until the internal temperature reads 130˚F.

With just a few simple steps, you can help your kids transform their favorite artwork into sweet keepsake presents that relatives, teachers, and friends will absolutely love.

SHIRT BY Z A R A . FO L LOW IN G PAG E : S T R IPED G IF T B OX BY SM O CK PA PER .COM .

SPOTLIGHT

BY LINDSEY BOARDMAN |||| PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY SCHAEFFER

|

create

DEC/JA N 2016

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4

3

1 1. IRON-ON POUCH

2. CANDLEHOLDER

This is the perfect, practical gift for school friends. Experiment with using multiple images on one pouch or cutting out selected images from diferent drawings.

Your child’s creativity will light up the room!

Give these quick crafts to aunts, uncles, or teachers.

What to do Photograph artwork, reduce the size to fit a small canvas pouch, and print onto iron-on transfer paper. Peel of backing and iron the image in place. We ordered plain white canvas pouches from inkodye.com ($12 each), but you can also use this technique on plain canvas tote bags.

What to do Scan or take a high-resolution digital photograph of a horizontal artwork.

Print it on a 8½ x 11-inch sheet of plain vellum paper. Wrap the paper around a cylindrical glass vase (measure and cut the paper to fit) and adhere the overlapping edges with double-sided tape. Trim, then discard excess paper. Place a battery-operated tea light inside the vase.

2

5 3. CANVAS SILHOUETTE Your kid will get a kick out of creating an image of himself or a beloved pet.

For a wow-worthy result, paint a white stretched canvas in a bright color and choose art that contrasts.

What to do Take a photo of your child or pooch in profile. On a computer, enlarge the photo so it fills the screen, then tape a piece of butcher paper to the monitor. Trace the image with a soft pencil; remove the paper from the monitor and cut out the silhouette with scissors.

Use a glue stick to adhere it to the back of your artwork, then carefully cut around the silhouette’s border. Flip silhouette over, then use white glue to attach it to a stretched canvas. Let dry totally, then spray with a final coat of clear gloss varnish.

6 4. PAPER GLOBE

5. COVERED JOURNAL

Help your child make a cool ornament from strips of her masterpieces.

Jazz up store-bought notebooks with your little Picasso’s doodles.

6. PLANT POT

What to do Cut her paintings into 12 strips 6 x ½-inch wide. Use a pushpin to poke a hole at the end of each strip. Thread a needle with a 15-inch length of embroidery floss. Tie several knots at the end, and add a bead.

Stack the strips, then pass the needle through all the holes at one end. Bend the strips into a C shape.

Thread the needle through the other end. String on another bead and tie a knot to hold it in place. To form a loop for hanging, bring the end of the floss back down to the bead, then tie several knots to secure the bead. Fan out the strips evenly to form a globe.

What to do Place an open notebook on the back of the artwork. Using a pencil, trace around the book leaving a ½-inch border. Cut out, using scissors. Coat the outside of the notebook with a glue stick. Holding the notebook open, press the spine down on the back of the artwork, then press down the covers. Smooth wrinkles. Cut out a notch at the top and bottom of the cover’s spine, and cut a diagonal line at the four corners. Glue down each corner, then fold over and glue down each edge along the inside of the book.

Repeat process, using clear Con-Tact paper.

What to do Paint the outside of a terracotta pot with brightly colored acrylic paint. Let dry.

Apply glue to the pot, then press on cut-up artwork pieces to form patterns or images. Use a brush to apply a layer of white glue over the entire outside of the pot. Make sure that all the edges of the artwork pieces are smoothed down; let dry. Spray on several light layers of clear gloss varnish to finish.

A personalized terracotta pot makes a terrific hostess gift. Just don’t forget to include a houseplant!

CRAFT STYLING BY MORGAN LEVINE PROP & WARDROBE STYLING BY STEPHANIE HANE GROOMING BY DANIELLA SHACHTER

DEC/JA N 2016

43

play SIMPLE WAYS TO HAVE MORE FUN EVERY DAY

active game

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE BIDWELL. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS.

SNOW FUN! You and your kids know Skee-Ball from carnival midways and boardwalk arcades.

Now meet its cooler cousin: ski ball! Start by shoveling snow into an 8- to 10-foot-long pile, then shape and smooth it into an inclined ramp (carve the sides to get the full efect). Insert buckets of diferent sizes, placing the largest one at the bottom and the smallest one at the top. Gather a few balls. Players stand at the low end of the ramp and try to toss the balls into the buckets; the farthest hole earns the most points. Strings of tickets and cheap plastic prizes optional.

DEC/JA N 2016

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15-minute fun break

POWER PLAY! When the next snow day hits, bust boredom with a game of knee hockey. Form paper towels into a ball, then wrap with several layers of duct tape (or use a foam ball). In an open space, set two laundry baskets on their sides for goals. Give kids paint stirrers wrapped in colored duct tape to use as hockey sticks.

After the center face-off, each player tries to shoot the ball into her opponent’s goal, but she has to stay on her knees and slide on the floor. If a player hits her opponent with her stick, she loses control of the ball. Play for five-minute periods, or until one side scores a set number of points. No rink required.

feel-better book The clever new book Sick Simon, by Dan Krall, shows children exactly what to do—and what not to do—when they’ve got a cold. Germs cheer as Simon sneezes on classmates, kisses his family, and touches everything. Kids will love the cute (and totally gross!) illustrations. Simon & Schuster, $18 DID YOU KNOW? DEC/JA N 2016

46

Kids can still get a sunburn in the winter. On bright days, put sunscreen on your child’s face (and SPF balm on his lips) before he plays outside.

nutritious snack

STAR BRIGHT Serve a festive sweet treat to your little superstars. Mix ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 2 Tbs . Nutella. Slice one large pear lengthwise, then spread 1 tsp. yogurt mixture on each slice. Slice a strawberry lengthwise (slices should look like hearts rather than rings). Cut each slice in half to form two triangles. Arrange five strawberry pieces on the pear to resemble a pinwheel. Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top.

GIRLS PLAYING: SABRINA HELAS. STYLING BY HEATHER ROME. PEAR SNACK: TIM MACKAY. FOOD STYLING BY TAMARA GALVIN.

play | HEALTHY FAMILY

play | HEALTHY FAMILY immunity boost

SOUP UP YOUR BOWL Deliciousness isn’t the only thing chicken soup’s got going for it. The ingredients are also bona fi de cold and flu fighters. No wonder so many cultures around the world have their own chicken-soup cures. Add one of these healthy accents to your next pot.

Global twist

How it helps

Greek avgolemono

Lemon

Citrus is rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that may reduce the duration of colds and lessen symptoms by 14 percent in children.

Vietnamese pho ga

Ginger

The root kicks up the production of a compound that might help fight some viral infections.

French pot-au-feu

Leeks

The oniony-tasting vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin A, which stimulates white blood cells to ward of illness.

Mexican tortilla soup

Chili peppers

Spicy foods make your nose run and can ease congestion.

Japanese udon

Shiitake mushrooms

Regularly eating ’shrooms might enhance immune function and tamp down disease-causing inflammation.

Explore the world from home with this awardwinning subscription!

Packages include letters, souvenirs, activities & more. Find the perfect gift for ages 3–12 at:

get in gear

HEADS UP! The K2 Entity kid’s ski helmet has a light on the back, making it easy to keep track of your little one as she carves the slopes or sleds down the hill. Bonus: It’s dualcertified, so your child can use it as a bike helmet too. k2skis.com; $70

littlepassports.com

INSPIRED IDEA DEC/JA N 2016

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Another kitchen remedy that really works: Calm your kid’s cough with a teaspoon or two of honey before bedtime. (Skip in babies under age 1.)

FLAGS: ISTOCKPHOTO.

Give the gift of adventure!

Key ingredient

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Aisles

happy healthy

holidays!

Between mall mobs, houseguests, and cooking big meals, the holiday season can be a hectic and stressful time. To help keep you and your family happy and healthy, try these easy tips!

Peas in a Pod - Perfect Holiday Gifts!

Our personalized Jewelry is a Perfect Holiday Gift for Family and Friends! Personalize with initials, names and birthstones! Use 10% off code, FAMILY10. Expires 2/28/16. Visit:

www.JCJewelryDesign.com Need Space?

Dream Higher!

Unique Custom Bed Solutions. Loft & Bunk Bed Designs for youth, teen, college & adults. Custom made space saving beds in twin, full, queen & king.

Solid wood Easy-To-Assemble Kits Handcrafted in the USA. 866-739-2331

CollegeBedLofts.com/ff Backyard Ice Rinks; Anysize, Anywhere: Ultra-Strong NiceRink liners, NiceRink Bracket sideboard support systems, NiceIce resurfacers, how to and more!

Info at www.nicerink.com or call 888-NiceRink Visit HotHolidayTrends.com for links to these products.

1

Plan your holiday meals in advance. Ask guests to bring different dishes and purchase non-perishable items early to simplify your holiday shopping.

HOTtoHave.com (800) 647-7530

2

Prepare healthy snack options around the holidays so your family doesn’t over-indulge on sweets and treats, and don’t forget daily multi-vitamins for both children and adults.

3

This time of year, kids and adults alike can suffer from dry skin. So, be sure to give your baby soothing baths…and baby yourself, too!

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IF YOU PURCHASED HORIZON ORGANIC MILK OR SILK SOYMILK PRODUCTS WITH DHA OMEGA-3 FROM JANUARY 1, 2007 TO THE PRESENT YOU MAY OBTAIN CASH BENEFITS FROM A CLASS ACTION WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT? Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant misrepresented the promotion and labeling of its products containing DHA Omega-3 (“DHA”).

Defendant denies Plaintiffs’ claims. Your rights may be affected by a class action lawsuit entitled In re: Horizon Organic Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 1:12-MD-02324-JAL. The Court has preliminarily approved a settlement agreement.

THE CLASS Includes all persons who, from January 1, 2007 to the present, purchased Horizon Organic Milk or Silk Soymilk that contained DHA Omega-3, GH¿QHG LQ WKH 6HWWOHPHQW $JUHHPHQW DV “WhiteWave DHA Products”, throughout the United States for personal use and not for resale.

TERMS: Class Members who complete and return a valid “Claim Form” will be entitled to a cash payment up to 75% of the purchase price of their WhiteWave DHA Products. Claim Forms are available by going to www.dhasettlement.com, or can be requested by calling (855)2251885. Defendant has agreed to remove certain representations from its packaging, and institute a third-party substantiation program to review ongoing DHA Omega-3 trials and ensure continued accuracy of product labeling.

SETTLEMENT PROCEDURE: The Court has scheduled a fairness hearing for January 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM in Courtroom 12-1, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, located at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Court House, 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128. At the fairness hearing, the Court will consider whether the settlement should be approved, and decide Class Counsel’s request for fees, costs not to exceed $400,000, as well as Class representative awards. Although you may attend this hearing in person or through your own attorney, you are not required to do so. If you are a member of the Class, and choose to remain in the Class, you need not WDNH DQ\ DFWLRQ EXW PXVW ¿OH D &ODLP )RUP WR UHFHLYH DQ\ RI WKH FDVK EHQH¿WV ,I \RX wish to exclude yourself from the settlement, you may opt-out by submitting an opt-out request in writing, postmarked by December 30, 2015, to the “Class Action Settlement Administrator”, P.O. Box 2281, Faribault, MN 55021-2416. You may also email your request to opt-out to info@dhasettlement. com. You may also object to the settlement. $ YDOLG REMHFWLRQ PXVW EH ¿OHG ZLWK WKH Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse, 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128, on or before December 30, 2015 and served therewith upon both of the following: (1) Class Counsel Lance A. Harke, P.A. of Harke Clasby & Bushman LLP, 9699 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, Florida, 33138 and (2) Defendant’s Counsel, Angela C. Agrusa, Esq., Liner LLP, 1100 Glendon Avenue, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90024-3503.

MORE INFORMATION: Further instructions on objection and opt-out procedures and more detailed settlement information are at www.dhasettlement.com or call (855)225-1885. Please DO NOT contact the Court.

play | FAVORITE THINGS

THE COOLEST TECH TOYS Fair warning: Your kid’s wish list is about to get a lot longer.

BY MARIDEL REYES

1

2. Kids go from homework to playtime in a flash with the 9-inch Kurio Smart Windows tablet. It comes with a detachable keyboard that’s perfect for typing book reports—and it’s preloaded with Microsoft Oice, along with 40 apps and games. Ages 6 and up, $200; toysrus.com 3. Take home BB-8, the awesome new robot from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The app-controlled toy rolls around, acts autonomously, and projects holograms. BB-8 even learns to recognize voices. Ages 8 and up, $150; sphero.com

2

4

4. When your child slips an adorable DigiPuppet on his finger, the critter’s nose works as a stylus on any touch screen. Pair it with the interactive e-storybook Honey Bunny Learns to Share to build your little one’s math and spelling skills.

Ages 3 and up, $15; digipuppets.com 5. The one-button Polaroid Cube+ camera captures hi-def video and photos with a wide-angle lens. Use the built-in Wi-Fi to stream and sync to a smartphone or tablet.

Pair it with Polaroid Zip, which prints color photos from your smartphone or tablet in less than 60 seconds. Bonus: The prints have a peel-of, sticky back. All ages, Cube+, $150 and Zip, $130 (sold separately); polaroid.com

3

MORE TECH TOYS ON P. 52

VIDEO GAME WE LOVE DEC/JA N 2016

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Toys come to life in Lego Dimensions, which combines virtual gaming with hands-on building. Ages 10 and up, $100; lego.com

5

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HARRIS.

1. The classic toy View-Master has teamed up with Google to launch View-Master Virtual Reality, which comes complete with sound, 360-degree views, and educational tidbits. Download the app to your smartphone, pop it into the viewer, and let your child start exploring.

Ages 7 and up, $30, additional reels, $15 for three; view-master.com

THE NEWEST THING IN BATTERIES

ISN’T 100% NEW. Introducing Energizer® EcoAdvanced™

™

Our longest-lasting alkaline is also the WORLD’S FIRST AA battery made with 4% RECYCLED BATTERIES. ™

© 2015 Energizer Energizer, Energizer Bunny design, EcoAdvanced, card and label graphics and other marks are trademarks of Energizer.

energizer.com/ecoadvanced

play | FAVORITE THINGS CONTINUED FROM P. 50 6. Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack takes wearable tech to the next level. Your kid straps the motion-sensing, Iron Man– inspired “Repulser” to her arm for one of 25 preloaded missions. The device gives audio instructions and interacts with heroes and villains like Captain America and Iron Skull (both included). Similar to how laser tag works, the pack lets players run, shoot, and hide. More missions are available via a free AvengersNet app. Ages 6 and up, $120; playmation.com

Get the whole family moving and grooving with these tips for planning a family dance party from Orville Redenbacher’s® Gourmet® Popping Corn.

Play List Get the kids into dance night by letting them play deejay— but make sure you sneak in some oldies (but goodies) from your own tween and teen years, too!

7. Your children can engineer up to 1,000 unique rockets, using 21 colorful pieces with the Disney Imagicademy Mickey’s Rocket Builder. The smart toy pairs with the Mickey’s Magical Math World

app, which allows kids to play with their real-life creation in a virtual universe and go on Mickey-guided space missions—all while learning early math, shapes, colors, and problem solving. Ages 3 and up, $40; target.com 8. The LeapFrog Epic tablet is shareable among three children— but it’s so enthralling that you may have to referee turn-taking! The gadget is designed to adapt as kids learn and hone their own skills.

You’ll rest easy knowing that the tablet’s web browser only allows child-safe content, and that you can limit use by total time, hours of the day, or app category. Bonus: Your little ones can’t buy anything while using the device. Ages 3 to 9, $140; leapfrog.com

Boogie Down Show off your best dance moves (remember “The Sprinkler”?), then have your kids break out—and teach you—their best moves.

Be warned: you may end up doing more laughing than dancing.

7

Fuel the Fun Keep up their energy with everyone’s favorite snack food—popcorn!

Orville Redenbacher’s® Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn pops up lighter and fluffier, plus gives you 3 more cups per bag than the next leading brand*— so you won’t have to worry about running out of popcorn as you dance the night away.

6

Find more great ideas at

orville.com.

8

*Comparing average popped volume by bag (next leading brand 10.5 cups; Orville, 13.5 cups) as well as weight and pop expansion ratios (from kernel to popped flake). ©ConAgra Foods, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

ANOTHER VIDEO GAME WE LOVE DEC/JA N 2016

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In Yoshi’s Woolly World for Nintendo’s Wii U, players navigate a whimsical universe made of yarn. All ages, $50; nintendo.com

MOVIE COPYTIME TK play | TOGETHER

Before the annual wish-listing trip to the toy store

When your big kid starts wondering about you know who

how the grinch stole christmas

When everyone needs a good laugh after way too much time at the mall

rise of the guardians

elf

A HOLIDAY MOVIE FOR EVERY MOMENT We asked 536 FamilyFun readers to share their favorite films and TV shows of the season, then matched them up with the best times to watch. Grab some cocoa, cuddle up, and enjoy!

After you burn the cookies

a christmas story

MAKE MOVIE NIGHT EXTRA SPECIAL

54

Grab everyone’s sleeping bags and camp out under the tree.

Bonus points if you wear matching pj’s!

a charlie brown christmas

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THAYER ALLYSON GOWDY.

After the first big snowfall (or when you’re all just wishing for some!)

frosty the snowman

DEC/JA N 2016

home alone

When your family begs you to buy a bigger tree

When your kids just.won’t.stop.fighting

frozen

Before you travel to Grandma and Grandpa’s

With our worry-free guarantee, we’ll replace it no matter how they say it broke.

The Fire Kids Edition tablet comes with a “no questions asked” 2-year guarantee, so you can send it in and get a replacement if it breaks—even if an octopus is to blame.

1-Year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited Over 10,000 Kid-Friendly Titles Parental Controls

$

99.99

Engineered by

play | GET SMART

hands-on learning

PLAY ON WORDS An easy-to-make spool speller helps kids expand their vocabulary.

HOW TO DO IT 1| Print (or handwrite) four columns of letters on paper, making sure to choose a mix of consonants and vowels. At a loss for letters? Download our easy print-and-cut template at familyfunmag.com/printables.

2| Cut columns into vertical strips with scissors and wrap each one around an empty ribbon spool.

Make sure to use spools that have small center openings. (Larger ones won’t spin as smoothly.)

Secure paper strips to rolls with double-sided tape.

3| Thread the rolls onto a pencil and add eraser toppers to both ends. To play, kids turn each spool, lining up letters to form a word.

FIND MORE ON PINTEREST DEC/JA N 2016

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We’ve got tons of great educational projects that kids love.

Check out our Learning Fun board on Pinterest.

PH OTO G R A PH Y BY A LE X A NDR A G R A B LE WSK I . CR A F T S T Y LING BY K IMB ERLY S TO NE Y. S T Y LING BY A NN LE W IS .

BY DEBRA IMMERGUT

ADVERTISEMENT Matching PJs Make For Happy Holidays!

Bring the whole family together with matching PJs! Choose from 21 family sets in sizes for everyone, even the pets! Soft cotton jersey and warm cotton flannel, all featuring fun, festive prints and plaids.

PajamaGram.com or 1-800-GIVE-PJs

Perfect Gift For The Equestria Girls Fan! Enjoy all three My Little Pony Equestria Girls movies with this new gift set, just in time for the holidays!

This 3-DVD set includes Equestria Girls, Rainbow Rocks and Friendship Games. Now on DVD. ShoutKids.com

They’ll Want To Keep Their Room Clean Give your child the gift of an incredible room without breaking a sweat. Fathead wall decals transform a room, and they’ve got all of your kid’s favorite characters. For a more personal touch, upload a pic and make your own. fathead.com

by invitation :: tipsntrends, inc :: 323-525-1700

The Gift Of Super-Fun Fitness!!

A Healthy Holiday Is Pasta-ble!

Update holiday favorites with yummytasting pastas that won’t cause your insulin to spike. Made with the nutrition of beans, gluten-free Explore Asian organic vegan pastas pack 25g of protein. 20% off. Code: FAMILY20 at explore-asian.com

Keep your family healthy & active.

Invest in a trampoline system from JumpSport. Fun for all ages, young & young at heart!

Get a FREE HOOP with any AlleyOOP trampoline purchase with code: FAMILYHOOP15 at jumpsport.com.

Give The Favorite Gift This Season!

Join Us! tipsntrends.com Fight The Frizz!

Moisturize & define your curls. Achieve shiny, healthy hair with Kinky-Curly Hair Products. Lightweight & nongreasy. Made with All Natural ingredients & great for all hair types.

Available Nationwide at Whole Foods Market & Target.

Kinky-Curly.com

Sneakers, Dress Shoes & Sandals... Oh My! Named Children's Footwear Brand of the Year, pediped® are the ultimate in comfort with tons of styles.

Each shoe is specially engineered for healthy foot development. In sizes newborn to 6 Youth. Save 15%!

Code: FUN15 at pediped.com

Swicharoos are the perfect gift for your little fashionistas. Buy them as a complete set featuring 12 styles of uppers with both black and tan soles or pick your 3 favorite uppers and choice of soles! swicharoos.com or 866-794-2410

Simplify Your Active Wear The perfect gift for your active friends and family, the FlipBelt holds essentials like phone and keys while you run and exercise without bouncing, chafing, or riding up. Get yours for 15% off! Code: FAM15DEC (Exp. 1/31/16) at ⇓ipbelt.com

play | KITCHEN FUN

A MERRY MIX Have your kids prepare this festive and healthy veggie and white-bean dip while you get dinner on the table.

In a blender on high, combine 1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, 1 medium garlic clove, 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. red wine vinegar, ½ tsp. dried dill, ½ tsp. kosher salt, ½ tsp. black pepper, and ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil until smooth, scraping down the sides once. Serve at the tip of the Santa hat (below). Makes 2 cups.

TO MAKE THE HAT Arrange a bed, using 3/4 lb. green beans, 2 green peppers cut into strips, and 1 (10-oz.) bag of sugar snap peas. Shape hat from 2 pints of grape tomatoes, 12 radish halves, ½ red pepper cut into squares, and 1 head of cauliflower florets.

TEST KITCHEN TIP DEC/JA N 2016

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You can also create a holiday star with yellow and red pepper slices or a wreath with broccoli florets and cherry-tomato halves.

MODEL: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA GRABLEWSKI. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. INSET: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE POLILLIO. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. FOOD STYLING BY TAMARA GALVIN.

TO MAKE THE DIP

© 2013 The Hillshire Brands Company

Quarter Pup

Rockapuppy

Pig in Heaven

Pig o’ the Sea

Turkey Dog

Pigskin

Pigrim

Snow Pup

Pig Tut

For recipes visit hillshirefarm.com/partyanimals

play | KITCHEN FUN

seasonal recipe

HANUKKAH BAKING HACK We found the secret to making classic holiday rugelach in a fraction of the time: refrigerated pie dough! In a small bowl, toss together ½ cup walnuts (finely chopped), 2 Tbs. sugar, and ½ tsp. cinnamon. Unroll 1 round refrigerated piecrust and spread 3 Tbs. whipped cream cheese on top. Sprinkle the walnut mixture over the cream cheese, then slice dough into 16 wedges (a pizza cutter works well). Starting at the outside edge, roll each wedge toward the point. Transfer the rugelach to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 Tbs. water) and sprinkle with ½ Tbs. sugar. Bake at 350°F until dough is puf y and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

EASY PEASY LEMON-COCONUT ICIES Need to bake up a quick batch during the holidays?

Try these treats, which combine the convenience of a mix and the moistness of cake. Mix together a box of lemon-flavored cake mix, 2 eggs, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Spoon dollops of dough on two ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 12 minutes at 350°F, swapping the pans’ rack position halfway through. Let cool.

In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 Tbs. milk. Ice cookies, then sprinkle with unsweetened coconut.

ricekrispies.com/T4T Limit one (1) photo per person per social media channel. Kellogg’s will donate up to $50,000 total.

Visit ricekrispies.com/treats4toys for full details. ®, TM, © 2015 Kellogg NA Co.

DEC/JA N 2016

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and Decorating Kit comes with 16 pieces. $19; amazon.com

RUGELACH: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HARRIS. FOOD STYLING BY BARRETT WASHBURNE. ICIES: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE POLILLIO. STYLING BY ANN LEWIS. FOOD STYLING BY TAMARA GALVIN.

This delish rugelach takes only a half hour to make.

®, TM, © 2015 Kellogg NA Co.

Visit us at ricekrispies.com for a bazillion other fun recipes.

SWEET SURPRISE These scrumptious confections will keep your family in the spirit all season.

Bonus: They’re super giftable too!

BY JOY HOWARD AND TAMARA GALVIN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA DONNE

PEPPERMINT HOT-COCOA BARK Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Melt 1½ cups white chocolate chips in a microwave and pour into the pan; spread into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick and freeze 10 minutes.

Melt 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips. Spread over the white chocolate so that the edges are even. Sprinkle with ¼ cup crushed starlight peppermints and ⅓ cup mini marshmallows.

Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Pull of parchment and break into pieces.

Makes about 24 pieces.

SPOTLIGHT

|

play

COOKIE-BUTTER TRUFFLES Combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup cookie butter (such as Trader Joe ’s ), and ¼ tsp. vanilla in a bowl, using an electric mixer on medium low.

Use a small scoop to form 1-inch balls; roll with your hands to smooth; and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Melt 1 (12-oz.) bag of semisweet chocolate chips . Dip each ball into the chocolate with a fork, letting excess drip of. Place balls back on baking sheet, sprinkle with crushed Speculoos cookies, and chill until firm. Store in fridge.

Makes 32.

DEC/JA N 2016

65

PRETZEL SNOWMEN Melt 1 (12-oz.) bag of white-chocolate melting wafers. Dip 18 pretzel rods in chocolate and spread it over each one with a spoon. Let dry on parchment paper, about 20 minutes.

Melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tip. Pipe eyes, buttons, and twig arms as shown.

Let chocolate set, about 10 minutes.

To make top hats, use leftover white chocolate to “glue” together licorice coins and licorice gumdrops. Cut strips of red fruit leather for the scarves and use orange Nerd candies for the noses.

Attach all to snowmen with white chocolate.

Makes 18.

WHITE-CHOCOLATE SNOWFLAKES Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt 1 (12-oz.) bag of white-chocolate melting wafers and transfer to piping bag with a small, plain tip.

Pipe 2 ½-inch-wide snowflakes onto the parchment (for a template, go to familyfunmag.com/ printables), decorate with nonpareils and sanding sugar, and let set. Gently press onto chocolate cupcakes topped with pale-blue frosting. Makes 18.

CHOCOLATE SALAMI In a bowl, melt 1 (12- oz.) bag of semisweet chocolate chips and 6 Tbs. butter. Stir in ½ tsp. vanilla, ⅓ cup slivered almonds, ⅓ cup walnuts, and 1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit.

Chill mixture for 1 hour. Place half the chocolate mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap, forming a rough log as you go. Wrap with plastic, then roll to finish molding. Twist ends of plastic wrap and refrigerate until very firm, about 45 minutes. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture.

Unwrap and dredge each log in powdered sugar. Remove excess, then slice into ¼-inch rounds. Makes 36.

FOOD STYLING BY HADAS SMIRNOFF PROP STYLING BY ERIN SWIFT

DEC/JA N 2016

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What 1 in 4 women will be wearing this fall.

There’s nothing pretty about it. 1 in 4 women will be impacted by domestic violence in her lifetime. Yet there’s an even darker side. 98% of these women are trapped because of the financial control abusers have over them. It’s a secret prison no one’s talked about, until now.

Join with The Allstate Foundation at PurplePurse.com to recognize the signs of financial abuse and help women gain the financial knowledge, skills and resources they need to break free.

© 2014 Allstate Insurance Co.

PurplePurse.com

Protect against Domestic Violence

LOOK-GOOD, FEEL-GOOD IDEAS FOR MOMS

makeup lesson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS CRAYMER/TRUNKARCHIVE.

SILVER BELLES Want to look extra pretty for that big holiday party? Go glam with silver eyeshadow, the season’s hottest lid color. This shimmery hue is festive— and can be surprisingly wearable if you apply it right. “Start at the inner corner of your eye, and swipe outward just once,” says Francesca Roman, master makeup artist at Butterfl y NYC. To keep the shadow from looking streaky, put it on with an applicator, not your finger. We like Physicians Formula Extreme Shimmer Gel Cream Shadow & Liner Trio in Smoky. $15; physiciansformula.com

DEC/JA N 2016

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smile | BEAUTY

2

our favorite

little beauty gift

emergency kit

MAKEUP MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR BAG With just three products, you’ll always look flawless on the fly.

1

2 LUSH LIPS The eraserlike smudger on Maybelline New York’s Lip Studio Color Blur pencil lets you decide how bold you dare to be with the long-lasting matte pigments. $9 each; maybelline.com

3 HEALTHY GLOW Apply Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey to the tops of your cheeks, below your brow arches, and at the inner corners of your eyes. Instant, well-rested radiance! $26; ulta.com

POPPY CHEEKS Give the apples of your cheeks a fast flush with easy-to-blend Gotta Blush On You Cream Blush by Bliss, packed with avocado and jojoba oils to give your skin a moisturizing boost. $24; kohls.com

PRODUCT WE LOVE DEC/JA N 2016

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Lipstick Queen’s Galactic Gorgeous gift pack comes with four pocket-size glosses in pretty colors. $20; spacenk.com

shampoo saver You can’t always blame the weather for bad-hair days—turns out using too much shampoo can also cause flyaways and frizzies. No matter how long your hair is, a quarter-size dollop of product is all you really need, says Sarah Potempa, celebrity hairstylist in New York City. If you use more, you’ll just dry out your strands. Concentrate the product on your scalp, then make sure to rinse it totally clean.

PHOTOGRAPHY (LEFT) BY JEFFREY WESTBROOK.

3

1

Looking for a stocking stufer for your sister or your bf (or, ahem, yourself)? Splurge on a set of sleek, travel-size hair products that are a serious upgrade from drugstore samples. O&M’s Mini Minerals pack contains fi ve botanical, sulfate-free products— two shampoos, two masks, and a conditioner—all stowed in flat plastic bottles that slip easily into your cosmetics bag. They’re gentle on your hair, and they smell amazing. $36; originalmineral.com

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funfinder

FUN FINDS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

GET READY FOR THE Orville Redenbacher’s® Gourmet Popcorn Children’s All Natural Nighttime Cough Syrup Maty’s is made with 10 powerful immune boosters, chamomile, and nutmeg to help your child get a restful night’s sleep.

100% natural. 100% true.

Orville Redenbacher’s® pops up lighter and fluffier, making it the perfect popcorn for quality time with your friends and family. orville.com

matyshp.com

Holidays!

C LU B S Now’s the time to enjoy cozy winter days with your family, and making plans for the holidays.

Start your gift-giving list, and check twice to be sure you include the products featured below for

FamilyFunPromo.com

you and your family.

Have more fun with a chance to win great prizes and receive special offers from our sponsors!

Join our Mom+ Clubs and you can receive gift bags filled with products and coupons.

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Mix up lunchtime with 100% juice.

Lunchables with 100% Juice Kabobbles.

Lunchtime just got even more awesome. Because now you can let them mix up their favorite foods and give them the goodness of Capri Sun 100% juice.

To learn more, email us at MomPlus@Meredith.com

Brought to you by:

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75 Years of Savings GEICO has been saving people money on car insurance for more than 75 years.

Get a FREE quote at geico.com, call 1-800-947-AUTO (2886), or your local office.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. See geico.com for more details. GEICO and Affiliates. Washington DC 20076. © 2015

FAMILYFUNPROMO.COM/FUNFINDER

smile | GO FOR IT we asked

HOW DO YOU FIND CALM WHEN YOU’RE CRAZY BUSY?

TAKE A LIT TLE DRIVE I get in my car, roll down the windows, blast the radio, and drive along the beach. Even if I just get away for ten minutes, looking at the beautiful sky and the Gulf puts me in a good mood.

BOOK SOME DOWNTIME I curl up and read to my daughter. A good book can always take you to a far-of land, where you end with a “happily ever after.”

Trina Greene Farmington, MN

Jennifer Allen Panama City, FL

SNEAK IN A SWEET TREAT I close myself in the pantry and eat a giant marshmallow. Those things are huge, and require just enough bites to calm myself down— and just enough time for my two kids to start poking their hands under the door for me.

Jennifer MacLeod Shiloh, GA

DO A HAPPY DANCE I stop, purposefully put a smile on my face, and right then and there make time to dance around with my kids and be silly. Those moments never fail to put things in perspective and make me smile for real.

Miranda Jacques Rushford, MN

KNIT ONE, PURL T WO I nestle into the couch, get out my knitting, and drink a double espresso, which is just about the perfect thing to do during my kids’ naptime. There’s something wonderfully relaxing about making something. Right now I’m into knitting lace shawls in all kinds of crazy colors.

Julia Mills Cape May Court House, NJ

BE A NEATNIK I organize my dresser drawers! I can’t control what time my daughters’ swim meets are, who can’t find her shoes, or who suddenly doesn’t like apples for a snack, but I do have control over my drawers. It calms me to know I’ve established order over something.

SIT, SIP, RELA X Does wine count?! I love to have a glass of red wine after my son goes to bed. I turn on reruns of Law & Order: SVU, sit back in my comfy recliner chair, and do absolutely nothing for a change.

Ev Glasper Jacksonville, FL

WE KNOW YOU HAVE GREAT IDEAS! DEC/JA N 2016

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Please share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Just search for FamilyFun magazine, and you’ll find us.

STALMAN & BONIECKA/STOCKSY.

Melissa Brown Jones Frisco, TX

a dve r t is e m e n t

H LIDAY

Gift Guide ’Tis the season...to shop! From top toys to cozy clothes, these product picks are sure to help you spread holiday cheer

One Big Happy Gift Give Gymboree with head-to-toe styles that make kids smile and keep them cute and cozy for every winter moment. gymboree.com

Rapidoodle. Think Fast. Doodle Different.

Rapidoodle is a fun, fast and imaginative game for kids and parents to play together. It inspires the entire family to get creative and draw unique pictures… let the competition begin! gamesbyspinmaster.com

Play Can Be Powerful Meet Dash. Your child will have so much fun with this robot, they won’t even realize they are learning to code. makewonder.com

familyfunpromo.com/giftguide

It’s just ordinary fleece, cut into a 5 x 7 rectangle.

But when everything else has been lost, the comfort it provides is immeasurable.

©2014 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved. 92703

explore IDEAS FOR GETAWAYS BIG AND SMALL

city guide

5 THINGS TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TY MILFORD.

Sure, this California desert oasis spread out at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains is known for golf and glamour, but it’s also a family vacation magnet.

With guaranteed sun all winter, pools galore, and a ton of cool outdoor activities, Palm Springs (an easy two-hour drive from Los Angeles) is just plain fun. Kids love seeing the thousands of windmills that fl ank San Gorgonio Pass, and the awe-inspiring landscape of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Parents appreciate the slew of budget dining options and afordable attractions. And you’ll all have a blast downtown, which has a retro vibe.

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS DESERT GEM.

Indian Canyons offers a shady escape just ten minutes from downtown.

DEC/JA N 2016

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MUST SEE

4.

1.

Zip through the climates

You will cover as many climate zones in the rotating trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as you would if you were to drive from Mexico to Canada! The tram rises to 8,500 feet in just ten minutes. And bring jackets: It can be up to 30 degrees cooler near the top of the San Jacinto Mountains’ rocky clifs, where you’ll find a restaurant and café, views of the valley, and even snow. $25 adults, $17 ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and under; pstramway.com

3.

Stomp divots

2.

Clockwise from left: the view from the top of the Aerial Tramway; giraffes at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens; Eldorado Polo Club; playing pilot at the Air Museum

Man the cockpit

Hangars full of WWII flying machines capture kids’ imaginations at the Palm Springs Air Museum. They’ll get an up-close look at jets and brightly painted dive-bombers in more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

On special-event days, visitors can climb into a Huey helicopter, a MiG fighter jet, and more. Smaller kids rule the air from a mock control tower, and big kids do the same

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with computer flight simulators.

Be sure to chat up the docents— many are former pilots who have fabulous stories. $16 adults, $14 ages 13-17, $9 ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under; palmsprings airmuseum.com

Catch a free match on the lush grounds of the Eldorado Polo Club. Bring a picnic lunch, spread out a big blanket, and watch as players battle over the ball in this game of speed and agility.

Kids and parents are invited onto the field between the matches to stomp divots (chunks of earth kicked up by the horses). On the way home, stop at Shields Date Garden for a date shake, a classic for nearly a century.

Sundays at 12 and 2 p.m., January through April; eldoradopoloclub .com

More than just a zoo, the 1,200acre Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is an expansive conservation and education center, where you’ll find desert plants and animals from around the world in natural exhibits.

The 450 animal species on-site include such kid pleasers as Asian leopards and African meerkats and cheetahs.

And you can feed a girafe (kids tell us their tongues feel like wet sandpaper). Don’t miss the petting zoo, carousel, and outdoor model train exhibit. $20 adults, $10 ages 3-12, free ages 2 and under; livingdesert.org

E L D O R A D O P O LO C L U B / L AC E Y W I N T E R TO N P H OTO G R A P H Y .

Feed a giraffe

CITY GUIDE

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explore The streams that run through Indian Canyons provide a natural playground in any season.

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Splash and stroll

Just ten minutes from downtown, Indian Canyons is home to the nation’s largest fan-palm oasis.

For an easy walk beside a cool creek, try the 2-mile Andreas Canyon Loop trail.

Or take a 1-mile, ranger-led hike ($3 adults, $2 kids) and learn how the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians has used the shaggy trees for food, fiber, and medicine. Don’t have a car? Desert Adventures ofers a Jeep and hiking tour ($125 adults, $100 ages 12 and under; red-jeep .com), with free pickup from some hotels. $9 adults, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under; indian-canyons.com

GREAT EATS AND SLEEPS Tyler’s Burgers A local icon set in the heart of downtown serving al fresco shakes, burgers, fries, and hot dogs. 760-325-2990; tylersburgers.com Wilma & Frieda A homey hangout in Palm Desert that features made-fromscratch comfort food, including banana-caramel French toast and throwback favorites like melts and burgers. 760-773-2807; wilmafrieda.com Cheeky’s Local farm-to-table sandwiches, salads, and breakfast treats, right on Palm Canyon Drive. 760-327-7595; cheekysps.com Ace Hotel A retro spot in the center of the city updated with two large swimming pools, fire pits, and its own roadside diner, King’s Highway.

760-325-9900; acehotel.com/palmsprings La Quinta Resort An expansive resort just a short drive from downtown that has 41 swimming pools (really, what more do we need to we say?).

855-884-9315; laquintaresort.com Omni Rancho Las Palmas A water-filled oasis with its own Splashtopia water park (and its own beach!); it’s a quick 20-minute trip from the city.

760-568-2727; omnirancholaspalmas.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning travel writer Melissa Klurman and her family take a trip to Palm Springs every winter.

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explore | READY, SET, GO!

great gear

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

BY CHARLOT TE MERYMAN

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Most power banks require separate cords for charging, but these designs feature built-in cables, so you only have to keep track of one piece of gear. The MyCharge Hub6000 includes foldaway micro-USB and Lightning plugs, plus folding prongs for using any outlet. $100; mycharge.com

These high-capacity packs have so much juice that they can quickly recharge multiple devices.

Cables are usually included, along with handy extras such as a flashlight and an emergency strobe— all in a sandwich-size unit you can recharge via your car’s cigarette lighter. We like the Cobra JumPack 7500. $150; cobra.com

What this design lacks in versatility, it makes up for in convenience.

The battery sits inside a slim case that attaches directly to your smartphone, providing power and serious protection.

The Mophie Juice Pack (shown on an iPhone 6 Plus) refuels itself automatically when you charge the phone. $80 and up; mophie.com

Small and lightweight, these neat little powerhouses are easy to tuck in a purse or pocket. They come in a variety of shapes, from lipstick-size tubes to slim flat packs. The better ones will stand up to some knocking around and can charge your device several times over.

One good option: the Jackery Mini. $11; jackery.com

These don’t refuel as quickly as plug-in models, but they’re great for outdoor adventures. And when you buy the WakaWaka Power+, the company donates a solar light to the International Rescue Committee, which distributes them to people who don’t have electricity. Enter code FAM10 for a $10 FamilyFun discount. $79; waka-waka.com

ALL-IN-ONE UNIT

BIG BOOSTER

SNAP-ON CASE

FROM OUR TESTERS DEC/JA N 2016

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Deep discounts are easy to find online, so shop around—and don’t forget to make sure your devices are compatible.

POCKET PACK

SOLAR CHARGER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM MACKAY.

Smartphones, tablets, iPods, and other electronic gadgets can be a traveling family’s best friend—that is, until the juice runs out and backseat mayhem begins. But a new generation of portable power banks makes it easy to recharge on the go, saving time and fending off tantrums. Find the best type for your family:

workbook PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN LIEBE. FOOD STYLING BY CARRIE PURCELL. STYLING BY BRIAN HEISER.

> recipe

LET’S EAT! PESTO-AND-EGG BREAKFAST PIZZA, p. 36 ACTIVE TIME 15 MINUTES∏•∏TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES∏•∏MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

3 tsp. olive oil, divided 1 (11-oz.) tube thin-crust pizza dough 12 large eggs ½ cup 2% milk 5 Tbs. prepared refrigerated pesto, divided Salt and pepper 1¼ cups part-skim shredded mozzarella 4 ripe plum tomatoes, sliced Handful of fresh basil leaves

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Brush a 10 x 15inch rimmed baking sheet with 1 tsp. olive oil. Press dough evenly into pan; bake crust 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, and 1 Tbs. pesto; season with salt and pepper.

Heat remaining 2 tsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture; softly scramble, removing pan from heat when eggs are still a bit undercooked.

3. Spread remaining 4 Tbs. pesto over crust, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with eggs, then mozzarella and tomato slices. Bake until cheese is melted and crust is golden, about 10 minutes. Scatter basil over top.

PER SERVING 345 CALORIES, 19g PROTEIN, 20g FAT, 6g SAT. FAT, 23g CARBS, 2g FIBER, 608 mg SODIUM

FamilyFun (ISSN 1056-6333), December/January 2016, Volume 25, No. 1, is published monthly (except bimonthly in December/ January and June/July) by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription prices: $14.95 per year in the U.S.; $24.95 (U.S. dollars) in Canada; $34.95 (U.S. dollars) overseas. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to FamilyFun, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to FamilyFun, P.O. Box 875, STN A, Windsor, ON, N9A 6P2. ©Meredith Corporation 2015. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA. Ride-along enclosed in edition AN.

REINDEER GAMES Serve these adorable appetizers during the holidays, and we guarantee your kids won’t turn up their nose. Tifany Yang, who runs the Cute Food For Kids blog, created the critters from wedges of plain Laughing Cow cheese. Press on two mini-pretzel antlers. Snip two small pieces from raisins, and roll them into balls for the eyes. Use a round piping tip to cut a nose from a red pepper or a black olive. Assemble—then sit back and watch the crowd light up!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA DONNE. FOOD STYLING BY SIMON ANDREWS. PROP STYLING BY STEPHANIE HANES.

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