With several weeks left before spring, your little ones might be itching to go outside but can't quite withstand the cold temperatures. Besides your local library or museums, try taking a trip to a slightly smaller (and FREE) zoo close by…

Pet stores, which my family affectionately calls "Baby Zoo" can be a delightful trip for your kids to learn about animals and see critters that may never be welcome in your home like snakes and tarantulas. My kids always get a kick out of watching the ferrets play and are amazed to see Nemo and his friends in the fish tanks.

This is a great way to help kids learn about a variety of animals and how to care for them should they finally convince you (if they haven't already) to get a family pet.

It's free and fun and helps relieve some of the cabin fever your kids might be having as the holidays are over and the water parks remain closed!

Monster Jam is coming to Portland! For a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to a show of your choice, leave a comment below letting us know if you have ever been to a Monster Jam show. The drawing will happen on Friday, February 3rd.

Read on for more info about the show!

WHAT: For three shows only, fans will witness the world's best monster trucks battle it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction as Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^® returns to Portland.  Eight massive trucks will be part of the dirt-flying, car-crushin' action at the Rose Garden on Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12. This year's truck lineup is highlighted by the legendary GRAVE DIGGER^®, celebrating its 30^th Anniversary of car crushing mayhem, along with the Portland debut of Tasmanian Devil and King Krunch; plus fan favorites Captain USA, El Matador, Obsession, Obsessed and Titan.

In addition to the world-class racing and freestyle competition action, die-hard fans can come to the stadium early to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show experience - which gives fans unparalleled access to view their favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take photos!

One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed, power and unbelievable stunts with the world's best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle of "rock-and-roar" that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!

WHERE: The Rose Garden - One Center Court, Portland, OR  97227

WHEN: Saturday, February 11          2:00pm and 7:30pm

**Pit Party scheduled from 11:30am - 1:00pm

Sunday, February 12            2:00pm

TICKETS: Ticket price levels are $20, $30 (Gold Circle) and $40 (Front Row) for Adults; Kids (Ages 2-12) tickets are only $5 each.

Tickets available at Rose Quarter Box Office, at participating Tickets West Safeway Outlets, online at www.ComcastTIX.com or by phone at (877) 789-ROSE. (advance purchase only - ticket prices $2 more day of show, plus convenience, service & handling fees may apply).

My kids are busy baking and decorating Christmas cookies together. This is the first time that they've done it and I'm so proud of them. They are 12 and 9 years. Together we'll make goody plates for friends and family. Tonight we'll deliver them and visit some wonderful people.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Click here for some great Holiday Cookie and Homemade Candy recipes.

We are so excited to see Cavalia in Portland tonight. They have extended the show through December and created a family package, making it more affordable. Don't miss this opportunity. Check out the website for amazing video footage of the horses. And click below to learn more about the show and the family value package tickets.

I was on the black hole of time called pinterist and found this amazing recipe for fun holiday pretzel treats. Adorable and delicious - with three simple ingredients. Kisses, round pretzels and m&m's. I'm so excited to try it with the kids.

She calls them pretzel snacks. Her friends call them Reindeer Noses. Check out the step-by-step instructions and photos at the House on the Hilltop blog.

I love learning new ideas and recipes that are not only delicious, but fun to do with the kids. Just when you think you know everything, someone surprises you! Please share some of your favorite treats with us too. Add your items with a link in the comments section below and we'll be sure to share them with our readers.

If you are planning on traveling this winter, now is the time to talk to your physician and get the annual flu vaccine for everyone (age 6 months+) at least 3 weeks ahead for maximum effectiveness.  Sometimes it takes a few calls to the pediatrician to find a time to get the kids in for an appointment when they have vaccine available.  Don't wait until the last minute.  Various influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. You can be exposed to people and illnesses from all over the world when you fly.  Most doctors recommend you take multi-vitamins and eat vitamin C rich foods (oranges, guava) before and during your travels to help boost your immune system.  Have everyone get a good night of sleep before you depart and eat well- avoid anything spicy that could cause upset tummies.  Have a safe and healthy winter!

If you have travel questions- contact Vacation MOM at 541-688-7473 or find more info on her Facebook Page at "Travel MOM"

Have you seen the Dec/Jan issue of MOM Magazine in Lane County? Find these stories, plus much more!

Cover MOM Natalie Morton - How does she do it?

Birth stories - MOM readers share their unique stories

Healthy MOM - McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center - Diagnosing sleep difficulties

Money MOM - A season for giving

Food - Holiday gift jars

Vacation MOM - Cruising fun

Earth MOM - Recycling tips for the holidays

Fit MOM - Helping MOMs get fit and healthy

Real Estate MOM - Help your credit score!

SuperDAD - Roman Shapla is SuperDAD!

Get the look of expensive packages wrapped in no time and for little money. Top your gifts with beautiful handmade bows. Bows add polish to packages, wreaths and all kinds of holiday decorating. Just keep some of your favorite satin and wire-rimmed ribbon on-hand and you'll be a package pro in no time.

Pom-Pom Bow
These large and gorgeous bows add polish to packages, wreaths and decorations. Follow these five steps to craft beautiful, full bows.

Tiered Treasure
Use three widths of ribbon to make this tiered bow. Match the colors of your gift wrapping paper to the ribbons for a tailored finish. This easy-to-make bow adds a delicate touch to any gift. In two easy steps, you can make your own tiered bow.

Colorful Addition
A spin on a traditional bow, two colors ofribbon add a creative touch.

Tailored Bow
A modern, chunky spin the classic bow, you can make this tailored bow in two easy steps.

For more amazing wrapping ideas, visit www.bhg.com.

It's that time again - I'm making my shopping lists to prepare for the upcoming months. One cool new thing I have on my list for a stocking stuffer is this mini marshmallow shooter from the Marshmallow Fun Company - I just know my kids will love them.

What fun/unique things will your kids be getting this holiday seasons? Comment below and we will randomly select one person on December 9th to win a mini marshmallow shooter just in time to stuff in a stocking.

If you are trying to decide on the perfect homemade costume, turn your little one into a sweet M&M. MOM Magazine reader Evonne Walls provides a a tutorial that is simple to follow, even if sewing isn't your strong suit.

M&M Costume

Materials

• Fabric (felt or cotton blend is fine) in the color of M&M you want to be. Two yards for a toddler and up to three yards for an older child
• One to two yards of batting to make the M&M a little poufy
• Small remnant or quilter's square of white or brown fabric to make the M on the front of the costume
• White thermal underwear (one or two piece)
• Velcro strips

Instructions

1. Use a piece of cardboard to cut out a pattern. Cut a large circle to the size you need your costume to be, keep in mind its better for the costume to be a little big than too small. (Cut an oval pattern for a peanut M&M.)
2. Cut out four circles from the fabric and two circles from the batting using the cardboard pattern.
3. Cut a large M (Search for M&M under Google images for to print out a template) out of white material, then glue it to the front or use Wonder Under to iron the M onto the one of the circles. Appliqué the edges of the M. This circle will be the front of the front M&M piece.
4. Select two circle pieces and sew two strips (6"-7" each) of Velcro across each piece, one about one-third away from the top and the other one-third away from the bottom of the circle. You will then sew the other side of those Velcro pieces onto the back and stomach/chest region of the thermal underwear.
5. Now you will take one circle with the Velcro and the circle with the M and place them on top of the each other so the M and the Velcro are facing each other. You will repeat this step with the other two pieces except you just need to make sure the one circle that is blank has the right side (finished side) of it facing the Velcro strips.
6. Sew around the edges of each pair of circles leaving about 4" open at the top so you can turn the circles right side out so the raw seams are on the inside of the costume .
7. Stuff the batting inside the circles through the opening so it lays flat inside.
8. Once you have stuffed the batting inside you can close the opening by folding in the edges and hand stitching it closed or sewing it on your sewing machine.
9. You're done. Have your child put on the thermal underwear and then attach the circles.

Variations

Instead of affixing the M&M with Velcro you can sew straps or strings into the shoulder area and on the sides so you can tie the costume on.