we're diggin' ::: CANDY CANE STRIPES

We LOVE these handmade yummies!

1. Peppermint Candy Cane Heart Necklace
2. Candy Stripe Sock Bear
3. Recycled Vintage Tin Mini Dress Earrings
4. Jumbo Candy Cane Dog Treat
5. Candy Cane Bunting
6. Fabric Scarf Necklace

Coal? A Hippo? A house full of family? Just you and your lova?

What'd you get for Christmas? What will you be keeping and what will you be returning? Seriously, leave us a comment! We want to hear all about it!

We hope your heart is filled with much joy this Christmas. It isn't over! The Christmas season has just begun and we have a couple more weeks of celebration. So, don't take down your tree or stop singing those tunes! Just relax and have fun in it all.

Well, in case you didn't get too excited over Christmas.... we have a giveaway coming in a couple days! That is definitely something to be excited about. Keep your bloggin' eyes peeled, it's going to be a fun giveaway!

Okay, back to cookie eating!

Merry Christmas!!!

Our gift to you! Hope you got what you wanted!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Reflection on Christmas

I thought and thought of what to share with you this Christmas Eve but I knew I wouldn't say it correctly. So, in searching for inspiration, I came across this poem. It sums it up and I hope you enjoy it as I did. Please enjoy your family and loved ones during this special time of anticipation. Take a moment to reflect on all that is to come tomorrow... something magical... a reminder that we are all loved, unconditionally. Blessings!

The True Meaning Of Christmas

by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,

it's easy to lose sight,

of the true meaning of Christmas

and one special night.

When we go shopping,

We say "How much will it cost?"

Then the true meaning of Christmas,

Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter

And ribbons of gold,

We forget about the child,

born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa

In his big, red sleigh

Never thinking of the child

Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,

When we look into the night sky,

We don't see a sleigh

But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,

Of that night so long ago,

And of the child we call Jesus,

Whose love, the world would know.

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 23rd

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Thursday, Dec. 23rd

*SOUTH BAY* Lights in "Sleepy Hollow" aka "Candy Cane Lane" - South Torrance

Sunset- 10p

Calle Mayor and Pacific Coast Hwy

Torrance, CA

FREE

This is a community and our family's tradition! We have been Torrance residents for close to 30 years and this has always gilded our Christmas traditions. The dedication this neighborhood has to light up, literally, everyone's Christmas is beyond your imagination. Your night will be filled with Christmas spirit for sure. We stop for hot drinks, park, and walk the neighborhood to really engross ourselves in the experience. Other folks choose to drive s l o w l y and carefully to fully digest the magic. Owners of the homes hang outside around their fire pits and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Do yourself a favor, check it out!

These photos were taken from this year's coolness!

photo credits: t. dexter

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 22nd

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Wednesday, Dec. 22nd

JOY a Christmas Music Experience

5p & 7p

1404 W. Covina Blvd

San Dimas, 91773

FREE

"JOY is a Christmas music experience designed for the entire family! This experience has been designed so that you will experience the holiday music in a way like you never have before! Creative media, festive atmosphere, the finest musical and vocal talent in the valley, and an incredibly powerful message, its all part of this holiday event that you wont want to miss!"

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 21st

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Tuesday, Dec. 21st

*SOUTH BAY* Los Cancioneros Master Chorale

5p

Peninsula Center Library

701 Silver Spur

Rolling Hills Estates, CA

FREE

Listen to holiday favorites performed masterfully!

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 20th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Monday, Dec. 20th

A Magi Christmas

7p

Victory Outreach of Eagle Rock

4160 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90065

FREE

"Many have heard the story of the 3 Magi, but a fourth? Follow Mr. Magi on a journey so exciting and full of surprises you can hardly stay in your seat. Such a powerful story that His journey can change your life. A Magi Christmas is written & directed by Pixote Hunt, Director of Disney's Fantasia 2000.
This is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the holidays together. "

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 19th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Sunday, Dec. 19th

*SOUTH BAY* Family Christmas Music Festival

4p

First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro

731 S. Averill Ave.

San Pedro

FREE

"This is an annual event at the First Presbyterian Church in San Pedro, will occur on December 19, at 4 pm. The program includes six choirs of all ages and features "A Collection of Carols" by acclaimed pianist and composer Howard Helvey, arranged for choir and piano 4-hands (2 players). The hour and fifteen minute program is followed by a reception. The public is invited. "

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 18th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Saturday, Dec. 18th

Kids' Christmas Spectacular

12-5p

Dodger Stadium

Elysian Park & Stadium Way

FREE

"Kids Christmas Spectacular features carnival games, winter wonderland, a petting zoo, giant inflatable slides, jumpers, crafts, balloon animals, face painting, snacks, live music, rock wall climbing and TOY GIVEAWAY! All of this is FREE of charge to the children and families who attend."

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 17th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Friday, Dec. 17th

A Gallery Family Christmas

8-10p

3152 East La Palma Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806-2807

FREE

"Join us for a funfilled night of parody Christmas Carols, Sweet Christmas Stories and heartfelt holiday message for the whole family. This musical, comical Cabaret is just the thing to get you into that Holiday Spirit!"

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 16th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Thursday, Dec. 16th

Hot Cocoa & Story Time

4-5p

Sertino's Coffee Cafe @ the Gardenwalk

321 W. Katella Avenue

Anaheim, CA 92802

FREE

"

Bring the kids for complimentary cocoa, crafts and a fun holiday story at Sertinos Coffee Cafe!"

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 15th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Wednesday, Dec. 15th

Family Nights at Gardenwalk

5-9p

321 W. Katella Avenue

Anaheim, CA 92802

FREE

"

Bring the whole family from 5-9pm for dinner specials featuring a FREE KIDS MEAL with the purchase of an adult entree at 5 participating restaurants, then choose to bowl at 300 Anaheim where you'll receive a free game and shoe rental per person, or be treated to a complimentary holiday movie screening at UltraStar Cinemas!

Participating Restaurants: Bar Louie, California Pizza Kitchen, Fire + ice, Johnny Rockets and Roy's!

Free kids meals valid for kids 12 and under."

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 14th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Tuesday, Dec. 14th

JAZZ FOR THE HOLIDAYS | CURATED BY LEROY DOWNS, THE JAZZ CAT OF KJAZZ 88.1 FM

12-2p

725 South Figueroa Street

Los Angeles, CA 90017

FREE

Alfredo Rodriguez
Opening Act: Thelonious Monk Institute/LACHSA Ensemble
Featured Charity: The Midnight Mission

"

Arts Brookfield presents "Jazz for the Holidays", a lunchtime music series featuring well-known Jazz artists from across the nation. Curated and hosted by LeRoy Downs, The Jazz Cat of KJAZZ 88.1 FM, the event will entertain attendees for three weeks, free of charge, by an opening act as well as a headliner at the three concerts that make up the series. In consideration of the holiday season, each show will highlight a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the communities of Downtown Los Angeles. "

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

xmas tune in my head #1

I love, heart, adore, and long for Christmas music. Bells start jingling out of my mouth in August. There is that one radio station that starts playing it 24/7 on Thanksgiving day and I live for that turn. Well, I haven't been driving a lot this season. Great for the wallet and everyone's health but bad on my Christmas music listening time. See, the "other half" doesn't care for the holiday tunes, even if they bring me much cheer, so it doesn't get listened to unless I'm by myself. Well, I don't have any of that time either (we're one of those lucky families who have been graced with layoffs during this wonderful time). Anyway, back to the music!

You probably thought, from the title of the post, that I was going to whine poetic about having a "damned song stuck in my head!". Just the opposite. When I get a XMas tune that makes me giddy jumping about in my heart and brain... I will share it with all of you. This time it is The Waitresses'- Christmas Wrapping. This song has to be in my top 3, if not #1, of my Favorite Secular Christmas Songs! What is yours?

exes and oooohs

JAZ

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 13th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Monday, Dec. 13th

Christmas Lights Along the Canals in Naples- Long Beach

sunset

Naples Island

Long Beach, CA

FREE

Stroll along the beautiful canals on Naples Island in Long Beach. Check out their breathtaking displays of Christmas lights on both boat and home! A non-free option would be to rent a gondola and take it all in from the waterway.

Trinity Ornament Exchange

6p

Trinity Episcopal Church

Orange, CA

FREE

"

An evening of entertainment, good food, and fellowship. Bring an ornament to exchange. Taste delicious catered food, and spend the evening with friends. All are welcome."

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 12th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Sunday, Dec. 12th

*SOUTH BAY* Journey to the Manger Concert

3-4:15p

St John Fisher Church

5448 Crest Road

Palos Verdes Estates

FREE

"

This fun-filled program features the five adult and childrens choirs of St John Fisher Church, with nationally renowned musicians. In approx. one hour, some of the world’s great vocal music will take you from the prophesies of the Messiah's birth to His arrival in Bethlehem, in styles from Chant to Gospel."

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 11th

Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

SUPER LOCAL EDITION!!!

Saturday, Dec. 11th

*SOUTH BAY* Ek Kardia Charity Christmas Boutique

10a-3p

4208 Via Nivel

Palos Verdes Estates

FREE

This amazing organization is hosting an opportunity for you to give back to the community while shopping for Christmas presents or for yourself! Check it out and support their efforts.

American Christmas Festival

9a-8:30p

Seaport Marina Hotel

6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway

Long Beach, CA 90803

FREE

Holiday shopping, Live music, Hot dog eating contest, marbles contest, star spangled banner singing contest, and more.

IKEA and Brides Magazine present: Holiday Entertaining on a Budget Seminar

2-4p

IKEA Carson

20700 Avalon Blvd

Carson, CA 90746

FREE

"Come to a free seminar hosted by renowned Los Angeles Event Planner, Ryan Larson. Learn how to create unique and memorable occasions without breaking the bank!"

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!