Giving Thanks
First of all, I want to say Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that you save bundles of money this weekend on all of your Christmas wants and needs. Second of all, I wanted to share a few thoughts about Thanksgiving :
Is it just me, or does it seem like this year the Christmas decorations began popping up BEFORE Halloween was even over? The commercialism of the Christmas season seems to be overpowering many beautiful things about the Holidays, including Thanksgiving. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Christmas season, but I think it’s a little bit sad that we skip over the one holiday that is dedicated to being mindful of the things we have to be thankful for.
I believe that celebrating Thanksgiving as a time of reflection and maybe even soul searching about the things we are truly thankful for, is vital.
I am willing to bet that for one reason or another, this year has been hard for many people. I know it’s been hard for us at times. But I have found that it is during the hard times that being thankful is the most important.
I am thankful for having to tighten our belts a bit when it comes to spending. That has helped me learn the value of hard work, and more importantly, it has shown me what things are really important. Most of the time the things that are important aren’t things.
I am thankful that my husband has been working long hours to provide for our family. That has helped me realize how much I love to have him around, and what a valiant man he is.
Finally, I am thankful that my kids argue, while politeness is a virtue, I am so glad that they are passionate people. When channeled in the right avenues, I know that will take them far.
I’m thankful for the noise that accompanies that passion because it reminds me that my hous isn’t empty and I’m not alone.
So, I would like to encourage youto think about the things that might be making your life difficult, then think about how you can learn to be grateful for them. It may just change your life.
Filed under Uncategorized | Comment (0)Money Saving Solutions
I know that by now most everybody has heard about “Black Friday.” The day after Thanksgiving when people brave the cold to stand in line for hours in the wee hours of the morning in order to get elbowed, stepped on, and sworn at. Why on earth would they do such a thing? Money, Money, Money. Shoppers everywhere save loads of money by heading out early in the morning on Black Friday to get their Christmas shopping done. Crazy? Yes. Worth it? Perhaps.
But have you ever heard of Cyber Monday? Cyber Monday is the following Monday, and traditionally that is the day that many online retailers slash their prices, offering great savings.
One company, which only occasionally has sales is The Diaper Bag Diva. Sources say that their popular JP Lizzy line of diaper bags will be dramatically reduced which could make for a great Christmas present.
Or, you could try, The Diaper Bag Center which offers a ton of great ideas for baby gifts. Perfect for the expectant mother, or little baby on your shopping list.
Be on the lookout for bargains!
Filed under Bargains | Tags: baby gear, diaper bags | Comment (0)AH-Some Carmel Sauce!!
How cute are these?! I think they would make great gifts, paired with a bunch of apples, or even some ice cream. Who doesn’t love carmel sauce. Michelle over at This Crazy Life, made these adorable labels that you can download and print for free! She also included the recipe for some sweet and tasty carmel sauce. Seriously it just doesn’t get any better.
Filed under Christmas | Tags: Gifts in Jar, Neighbor Gifts, Teacher Gifts | Comment (0)Gifts in a Jar
It seems like every year I end up spending more time trying to find simple gifts for my neighbors, kids’ teachers, and co-workers thank anything else. I always want something inexpensive yet cute or practical. Gifts in a jar are great ideas! They can be as individual and unique or simple and cost effective as you want to make them.
I found some great ideas at Organized Christmas.Com
Here are a few recipe ideas :
Brownies in a jar:
Description
Gooey and sweet, these Brownies In A Jar from Hersheys.com make an easy holiday gift. Clear layers show off the triple-chocolate ingredients in this fudgy treat.
Brownies In A Jar makes a great Secret Santa or 12 Days of Christmas treat! Use our free printable gift tag to make the gift special.
Ingredients
- 1 c flour, all-purpose
- 1⁄2 t baking powder
- 1⁄4 t salt
- 1 1⁄2 c sugar, granulated
- 1⁄3 c HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
- 1⁄2 c HERSHEY’S Mini Chips Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- 1 c REESE’S Peanut Butter Chips or HERSHEY’S Premier White Chips
Instructions
1. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
2. Layer the ingredients in a clean 1-quart glass canister or jar in the following order (from bottom to top): sugar, cocoa, flour mixture, peanut butter chips and small chocolate chips. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next one.
3. Cover jar and attach free printable gift tag. Makes 1 gift jar.
Blizzard Bites in a Jar:
Description
Crunchy and sweet, this no-bake snack mix in a jar is easy to make and fun to give.
Layer crunchy cereal, pretzels and peanuts with tangy dried cranberries and candied pineapple, then add meltable white-chocolate chips.
A great gift for teachers, Secret Santa exchanges or 12 Days of Christmas activities. Make it easy with a free printable gift tag!
Ingredients
- 1 c Rice Chex-brand cereal
- 1 c pretzel twists, small
- 1⁄2 c dry-roasted peanuts
- 1⁄3 c sweetened dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1⁄3 c dried pineapple, coarsely chopped
- 1 c white chocolate chips
- 1 canning jar, quart-size with lid and ring
- 1 food storage bag, small
Instructions
Layer cereal, pretzel twists, peanuts, cranberries and dried pineapple in a quart-sized canning jar.
Place white chocolate chips inside food storage bag, and place on top of layered ingredients.
Seal jar, and attach a printable gift tag with recipe instructions.
Makes 3 1/2 cups snack mix.
Notes
To prepare:
Remove white chocolate chips from jar. Empty remaining jar contents into a large mixing bowl, and mix thoroughly.
Place white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir until melted. If additional time is needed, check at 15 second intervals. (You may add 1 teaspoon solid shortening to thin chocolate mixture, if necessary.)
Pour melted white chocolate chips over snack mixture. Stir until snack mixture is evenly coated. Spread mixture in a single layer over waxed paper, and allow to cool completely.
Break mix into smaller pieces, and store in zipper food storage bags or an air-tight storage container.