When I was young, my father would come back from business trips with small figurine dolls dressed in typical attire of different countries around the world. I had a pretty extensive collection with dolls from Ireland, North America, and Italy, to name a few. To me, I felt like I was being taught something. In some ways I was, because from each doll came a story from my parents about places I had never been to but was hoping to see when I got older.

In an effort to start my blog off on the right foot this year, I am participating in a sweet meme created by Maple Leaf Mommy and Mom Vs TheBoys.

As you can see from the date, I have not been writing lately. Why? Good question. It is absolutely not for lack of inspiration. Nor is it from a lack reviews, and even giveaways. No. To be honest with you, my mind is all a flutter with the prospects of a new year at Ask Mama MOE.

As long as I can remember, New Year’s Eve has always been a pretty hyped up expectation and usually fell flat on its face. But since my kids were born, that changed.

Whether you are a traditional mama or a new and modern mama, you undoubtedly have some traditions you are making as an annual occasion with your children. This Christmas I did some of Grandma MOE’s traditional recipes. She let me take the reins this year to test out some favourites!

Years ago when I visited Italy, in the dead of summer, my friends offered me a drink that resembled milk. I was so surprised; I absolutely did not want a big glass of milk in the heat! Turns out, it was ice cold almond milk.