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Category: Holiday

Gourmet Gift Baskets for Holiday Gifting

Nothing quite says “I Love You” like a stack of gourmet goodies. I received Gourmet Gift Baskets to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

Check out this years Holiday Gift Guide

If you’ve been around over the years, you know we’ve moved around a lot. I mean a whole lot. 13 times in our 13 years of marriage, and we aren’t in the military. As a result, it means we have family and friends that live all over the country. While we aren’t great at always keeping in touch with them, one thing I like to do is make sure around the holidays they all know how much they mean to me.

Often this is done through a Christmas card and letter updating them on our lives. Admittedly, I’ve been really bad at sending out that iconic Christmas letter the past few years. I mean we’ve finally settled down in Indiana (home for the last 3 years, woot!), so you’d think I’d have it together.

I don’t. Maybe this will be the year I get it together.

The last few years have gotten me rethinking how I gift my long-distance family. Now mind you, there are too many of you to send a Gourmet Gift Basket to each and every one of you – my pockets aren’t that deep. However, there have been a few big moments in my life while living here that people have sent me gourmet gifts as a special little surprise.

Once after I had Harold, and more recently when I had my Gallbladder removal. Having these beautiful packages arrive on my doorstep out of the blue brightened my days and gave me something to smile about. You know who you are, and I thank you for the smiles. In fact, you may just find a surprise on your doorstep this holiday season from me to you.

This particular gourmet gift I’m featuring is the From The Bakery Gift Tower. Full of delicious cookies, brownies, and even whoopie pies, my kids could not wait for me to take those photos. Lincoln helped as best he could since he knew he’d get first pick when the pictures were done.

Truth moment, because of Lincoln’s allergies, I would have let him pick first anyways so he could enjoy a nut-free treat. Mind, we don’t worry about cross contamination with him. Thankfully that’s never been an issue.

Gourmet Gift Baskets have gifts for every budget. So when you live far away, and just don’t know what to send those special people in your life, look at these gourmet gifts. My thoughts are that it doesn’t really matter how much you spend – whether it be $19.99 for the Happy Holidays Snack Gift BOx, or $189.99 for the Dark Chocolate Suitcase. Whoever is the lucky recipient will smile because you thought of them.

Bonus, I love that I don’t have to worry about shipping this gift around the holidays. One more company keeping me out of the post office and home with my family.

What Gourmet Gift Basket would you like to see on your doorstep?

November 8, 2018
DIY Optimus Prime Transforming Costume

This post is sponsored by Red Baron but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s October!!! That means lots of DIY costumes being put together, and often some last minute changes to what everyone wants to be. This DIY Optimus Prime Transforming Costume is sure to be on any transformer loving little boy’s list of costumes.

You know in the past I’ve loved doing a family theme, but this year the kids didn’t want to get on board with that. So we’re all doing something a little different, but I still got to be creative!

Inside Out Family Costume
Despicable Me Family Costume

While some of the kids are going to go through the dress ups we own and create their costumes out of that, I convinced Lincoln to be Optimus Prime for Halloween. It really didn’t take much convincing though. I mean he already has the Autobot costume, but wouldn’t it be more fun if he could actually transform into a truck? Thus, I got the opportunity to build an Optimus Prime Transforming Costume!

Oh yes I did! I know there may be a lot of Mom’s out there wondering why I would go to such lengths, but you also all must think I’m pretty cool now too….right? Well, my kids think I’m cool at least.

Here’s the thing though, I love Halloween. I love coming up with unique costumes that will really wow, if only for one day of the year. However, my artistic side is a bit lacking. So I called up my sister in law who is better with the art side of things.

It may have helped that I told her I would bring dinner if she would provide her creative skills. I knew I could do the engineering part, and Red Baron Pizza would take care of dinner, so I just needed her eye for detail.

We did this yesterday. I had my kids ride the bus to her house, where we attempted to have everyone do homework while we worked on the Optimus Prime Transforming costume.

While Renee and I worked, we sort of lost track of time. It’s easy to do when you’re spray painting boxes and mulling over the best way to add cardboard pipes. The time slipped past, and before I knew it we had definitely missed dinner time. It was OK though because Red Baron pizza cooks in under 20 minutes – one of the reason’s it’s what I brought for dinner.

I ran inside and got the pizza’s in the oven, checked on all the kids, and then while dinner cooked worked a bit more on Optimus Prime. When dinner was ready, the paint was all dry, so we brought it inside while we enjoyed our dinner.

Similar to our different approach to costume, we all have a different approach to pizza too! I had requests for square cut and triangle. So I did a bit of each, and everyone was pleased. Red Baron’s Brick Oven Pizza has the perfect golden crust for cutting however you please.

After dinner, we finished up, then tried it on before heading home for the night. Yes, it took a full day to create, but it was so very worth it! We got to hang out with family, enjoy some good pizza, and we may have convinced my nephew to go as Starscream – which means another day of DIY transformers building before Halloween hits!

Optimus Prime Transforming Costume

Supplies:

1 large box
2 medium boxes
2 paper towel tubes
1 large packing tube
1 Oatmeal container
Red, Blue, and Silver spray paint
Gorilla Tape
Elastic
Exacto Knife
Hot Glue

Instructions: These are just general instructions. If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out via comment, email, or facebook!

Use the large box to create the cab. Fit around your child, cut head holes and armholes.
Use 1 medium box to create the hood. Cut one side off and the flaps. Attach over the head hole on the large box with gorilla tape, so that it can flip up when the child stands.
Using the other medium box cut a piece to create the front grill.
Measure your child’s legs and cut pieces to cover the back of the legs, creating a flatbed look. Score down the sides, so the cardboard wraps around the side of the legs.
Cut the oatmeal container into 6 circles. Spray paint these black for the tires.
Cut the packing tube in half. Spray paint the packing tube, paper towel tubes, and grill silver.
Spray paint the cab and hood blue and red to look like Optimus Prime. Add in some silver or black for the windows.
Detail the hood with blue flames.
Attach the tubes and tires with hot glue.
Create an Autobot stencil, and spray paint on the front chest.
Using elastic and gorilla tape, create attachments for the leg pieces to attach to your child. We put one under the knee and one above the knee.

Don’t forget to save those pizza boxes for your DIY costume build! They are great for cutting into details like the grill, leg attachments, and back flap!

October 5, 2018
DIY Kissing Booth

Nothing says “I Love You” like puckering up for a kiss with your loved one. This Valentines Day, get the whole family in on the love with a DIY Kissing Booth full of chocolate kisses. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and make a purchase. Related post: DIY LOVE Blocks
Coffee Filter Wreath

Two years ago, I was asked to help put together a Valentine’s Day dance for the adults in our church ward. I was excited because what parent doesn’t love getting out with their spouse?

I took on the charge of making a candy guessing game. We thought it would be fun to make a little kissing booth to set the jars in. I got home from our planning meeting and told him I would need a miniature kissing booth, just big enough to hold 2 mason jars.

He went to work in the garage, making my idea come to life, and I went to work counting kisses and filling jars.

I’m kind of particular about using my canning lids for things other than actual canning, so I whipped up these cardstock lids on the computer. You can download and print your own here.

DIY Kissing Booth

To make your own Kissing Booth you will need:

1 board – 27 1/2″ x 4 7/8″
1 board – 8 3/8″ x 3 7/8″
1 piece of wood 16 3/4″x 1″ x 1″
nails
wood glue

Cuts:
Begin by cutting the 1st board into 4 pieces – 2 measuring at 9 7/8″ long and 2 at 3 7/8″ long.
Cut the 16 3/4″ piece equally in half to 8 3/8″ long pieces.

Assemble:

Nail the 3 7/8″ long pieces you cut to the outside ends of the 8 3/8″ board, creating a base for your stand.
Using the wood glue, glue one of the 9 7/8″ boards to the top of the base.
Next glue the sticks to the back of the 2nd 9 7/8″ board, creating your signage.
Once the glue has dried, use more wood glue to attach the signage to the base.
Allow the glue to dry, and then paint.

The kissing booth has come out every year since as part of our home decor. I try to keep it stocked with a variety of candies for the kids to enjoy as they show love to each other. One year I envision throwing a Valentines themed party with the kids, and letting the winning guess take home a jar of candy.

February 12, 2018
25 Advent Activities and Snacks for Christmas + $25 Visa Giveaway

*Snacks for our Advent Activities were provided by Entenmann’s® Little Bites® so that I could try the product and share my thoughts. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s® Little Bites®.*

I love the holidays! As soon as December hits, I’m ready to have all kinds of fun activities with my kids. I’m sort of an advent hoarder. This year we have 4 going to keep the kids busy, and everyone happy. I’ve compiled 25 fun advent activities you can include in your countdown to Christmas.

December is the one month a year that we seem to make a celebration out of every day. Whether it’s staying home watching movies, or getting out and serving others – every day holds an adventure. Having a quick snack on hand is key to moving from school and homework into each days activity. For our activities outside the house, we like Entenmann’s® Little Bites® paired with some chocolate milk.

Turning chocolate milk boxes into a Santa was so simple too! Just wrap each box with red and black construction paper and secure with tape. The kids get so excited when these come out. They know we’re about to head out for our daily advent activity.

25 Advent Activities

Sing Christmas Carols – either around your home, or head out to the neighbors, or a senior citizen home.
Bake Cookies – these ones are delicious.
Build and Decorate a Gingerbread House – or get creative like this planes hangar.
Drive Around Looking at Lights
Learn about another country’s Christmas traditions – we celebrate Sinterklass.
Watch Christmas Movies
Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Shovel Snow for a neighbor
Build a Snowman
Enjoy some Hot Chocolate – try this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa.
Visit Santa
Go Christmas Shopping
Grow your own Snowflakes
Decorate Sugar Cookies
Make Salt Dough Ornaments
Take Treats to Your Neighbors
Write Letters to Santa
Make a Garland
Sleep by the Christmas Tree – the kids absolutely love this!
Read the Christmas Story
Attend Christmas Eve Church
Visit a Live Nativity
Go Ice Skating
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Bake Pretzels – let the kids design their own shapes.

Giveaway

One reader will win a $25 Visa Gift Card to enjoy some Advent Activities with, and 3 coupons for FREE Entenmann’s® Little Bites®. Giveaway open to US 18+ Ends 12/10/2017

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December 6, 2017
Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

November is coming to a close and that means homes around the country are decorating with lights, tinsel, and oversized blow-up lawn ornaments. This is how we get into the holiday spirit around here.

See more Holiday Inspiration

The day after Thanksgiving is generally our day to decorate. We fill the house with music, I pull our snacks, and Christmas comes out.

In a perfect world, we would head to a Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. This is not a perfect world, though, and so we opt for our 6ft fake tree. The kids have a blast pulling out the branches and fluffing it until it looks real.

Mark tests the lights, and then on the tree and outdoors they go.

Once all the lights are up, I pull out our box of eclectic ornaments. The majority of them are the same ones I had as a kid. Slowly the kids are adding to the collection with their own ornaments. They take turns picking their favorites, and gently – or so I pretend – placing them on the tree.

Finally at the bottom of our Holiday box are my favorite part of the season – the Christmas books. From fun picture books about penguins sliding on ice to an advent story of the birth of Christ, we have plenty to read over the next month.

Once the last of the decorations are out, we gather around Dad as he reads our first Christmas story. The kids are still snacking on Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, and relaxing by the light of the tree.

I noticed as I opened both a bag of original Goldfish and Goldfish colors that the natural colors fit right into the holiday spirit with their festive greens and reds. I smiled a little smile, as I set the unintentionally festive snack out. No extra work and a treat the kids’ love left our day of decorating this year in the simplest of forms.

Getting into the holiday spirit doesn’t have to be a huge affair. Simply watching the kids’ eyes sparkle as each part of our Christmas decorations came out of their dusty box, was enough to bring the holiday spirit into our home.

How do you get into the Holiday Spirit? Share pictures of your decorations over on our Facebook page.

November 28, 2017
Nonni’s Hot Chocolate Bar
This Hot Chocolate Bar was made possible by Nonni’s. All opinions are 100% my own.

It’s just not winter without at least one hot chocolate bar. This year we had ours during Thanksgiving, however, it’s so easy to put together you can do it any day of the week for any reason you feel like it!

When the high is 29F but the “feels like” temp is 9F, you know it’s time for some hot chocolate! Of course everyone likes their cocoa a little differently. That’s what makes a hot chocolate bar the perfect accompaniment for entertaining – whether it be adults or children.

So what do you need to make the perfect hot chocolate bar? Something for everyone, of course. I start with slow cooker recipe for the actual hot chocolate. Use your favorite recipe, or store bought packets, and whip it up in the slow cooker. This makes it easy to keep hot, and serve with a ladle.

Here’s a list of what else I add, to make the perfect spread for all to enjoy.
- Creamer or Whipped Cream
- Torani Syrups
- Straws
- Marshmallows
- Nonni’s Biscotti
Those are the basics. From there you can truly become creative. Add crushed peppermints, chocolate chips, or more! I discovered Nonni’s Biscotti last year, and fell in love. It’s far from the hard non-chewable biscotti I’ve tried in the past. With Nonni’s you get a nice crunch, that then melts in your mouth. They are perfect for dipping in hot chocolate, and the kids absolutely love them. Yes I hid half my boxes just so they wouldn’t clean me out before our next hot chocolate night!

Find Nonni’s on Social – Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Right now you can get Nonni’s seasonal Biscotti, which truly are perfect for a hot chocolate bar. Flavors include Gingerbread, Dark Chocolate Pumpkin, Milk Chocolate Hazelnut, and Pumpkin Spice. There really is something for everyone with these dippers. My personal favorite right now is the Dark Chocolate Pumpkin. Yummy!
December 8, 2016
Orange Sorbet Pots of Gold
Originally posted March 16, 2012

Recipe and photos updated

Celebrate St Patricks with delicious Pots of Gold made from Orange Sorbet and orange peel cups. Top with a rainbow for a real treat the kids love.

Tomorrow is St Patricks Day! Growing up it was never a huge holiday around our house. My mom would make green eggs and ham, and if we felt like it, we would wear green. Having the last name Greene, though, we usually got away with telling people we always wore the color. Since having kids, though, I’ve really gotten into celebrating even the smallest of holidays – my college roommate also absolutely adores St Pat’s day, so it grew on me.

When I originally made these 4 years ago for my baby shower I used little green cups and didn’t take any photos. While recently going through old posts and trying to clean up the site for a better reader experience I came across it. Perfect timing! The kids were thrilled to come home from school yesterday to these little pots of gold. Scatter the snack tray with Chocolate Gold Coins, and the kids really had a blast!
Orange Sorbet

2016-03-16 07:31:35

Follow the rainbow to these pots of gold. Orange Sorbet served in orange cups make a delicious spring treat

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Ingredients

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups fresh orange juice

Instructions

Mix the water and sugar in a pot on the stove. Simmer for 15 minutes to make a sugar water. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Add the orange juice, and mix well.

Chill for about 1 hour in the fridge.

Now, if you have an ice cream maker you can use that per the instructions for your machine.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, just pop your mixture in the freezer. Every 30 minutes or so, give it a good stir. After about 2-3 hours it should be a pretty good frozen state for serving.

By Home Maid Simple

Adapted from The Idea Room

Adapted from The Idea Room

Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
To turn this Orange Sorbet into little pots of gold for the Leprechauns, serve it up in half an orange peel. Top it off with some Rainbow Candy.

Need more St Patricks decor? Make this easy Coffee Filter Wreath!
March 16, 2016
Make a PEEPS® Garden for Easter + WIN a PEEPS® Package

The PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS& COMPANY®. All opinions are my own.

I was looking at all the fantastic PEEPS® products and wondering what fun thing I could do with them for Easter while at the same time looking at our backyard and wondering what I want to plant this year. When it hit me. A PEEPS® Garden was the perfect spring pairing.

I was overwhelmed, in a good way, with all the fun springtime colors and flavors coming from PEEPS & Company®. My personal favorites are the MIKE and IKE®, and the Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks – those were always what I was looking for in my Easter Basket.

I love reusing egg cartons, and spring is when I tend to reuse them the most. Possibly because I buy more eggs in the spring – hello egg hunts, and deviled eggs. So my craft closet tends to get overwhelmed with these egg cartons this time of year. Often I will use them for starting seeds, so that is exactly what we’re doing today!

You can set your kids up with the supplies and let the kids have at it while you plant your actual seeds! Together you can then watch the gardens spring to life.

The kids absolutely loved seeing their PEEPS® Garden come to life. The jellybeans multiplied overnight, and we all know that MIKE and IKE® Jellybeans attract PEEPS® Chicks and Bunnies. You did know that right? Spring and PEEPS®, and PEEPS® and MIKE and IKE® go hand in hand.

Who wants to fill their kids Easter Baskets with PEEPS & Company® Treats? What flavors will make it to your PEEPS® Garden? One reader will win the same package of edible PEEPS & Company® products I did. Giveaway is open to US residents 18+ and ends 3/22/16

Don’t want to wait?! Use code EASTERTREATS to get 20% off your entire order now until April 15th. No minimum required.

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Loved this?! Check out the PEEPS® Hot Cocoa Bar

March 15, 2016
Ultimate Valentines Day Round-Up

Are you still looking for the perfect Valentines gift? Recipes, crafts, printables, parties and more can be found on this Round-Up from some of my favorites bloggers around the web!

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is around the corner and the Social Fabric Community has put together the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Round-Up to help you prepare for the season of love. From tutorials to crafts to delicious recipes, we have something for everyone. We dare you not to fall in love with these ideas!

Craft/DIY/Tutorial

Friendly lentine Candy Jar – Creative Ramblings

Valentine Felt Envelopes – Good Morning Loretta

Valentine’s Day Candy Filled Mason Jar – Savvy Saving Couple

Valentine’s Day Love Bug Craft – Maryland Momma’s Rambles

Last-Minute Quick, Cute Cut-Out Cards – Our Daily Craft

DIY Heart Shaped Massage Bars – Thriftanista in the City

Valentine Memo Chalkboard – Southern Couture

Valentine’s Day Chalkboard Decoration – Pretty in Pigment

Flower Vase Craft – Polka Dotted Blue Jay

No-Sew Ribbon Embellished Cocktail Napkins – Atta Girl Says

Macaroni Art Lace Hearts – ABCs and Garden Peas

Cupid’s Arrow Valentine’s Day Favors – Home. Made. Interest.

Hand Lettered Valentine Notecards – One Artsy Mama

Instagram Magnetic Bookmarks – Happy Go Lucky Blog

Birdseed Heart Valentines – Made with Happy

Valentine’s Day Burlap Wreath – The Farm Girl Gabs

Cute Flower Valentines for Kids – Jaime

DIY Valentine Flower Corsage – Suburban Wife, City Life

DIY Valentine’s Snowglobes – Woods of Bell Trees

Valentine Envelop Chair Backers – 2Paws Designs

Reversible Valentine’s Day/St. Patrick’s Day Banner – Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Mini Bubblegum Machine Valentines – Bubbly Nature Creations

DIY Button Heart Picture Collage – Our Piece of Earth

Kids’ Valentine’s Day Gift with FREE Printable – A Cowboy’s Life

Easy Mesh and Ribbon Valentine’s Day Wreath – My Pinterventures

Snickerdoodle Sugar Scrub Recipe – Sunny Sweet Days

Valentine’s Day Verse on Burlap – Life with Captain Fussybuckets

12 Days of Romance Scavenger Hunt – The Mama Zone

Candy Kiss Ring – So TIPical Me

Valentine’s Day Hand Print Craft – As Cute as a Bug’s Ear

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Ribbon Banner – Aprons and Stilletos

Date Night with a Romantic Treasure Hunt – The TipToe Fairy

Chalkboard Gift Box – Organized Island

Easy Valentines Felt Pillow Cover – Creative Southern Home

Polar Fleece Ruffle Heart Wreath – Joy’s Life

Making A Valentine’s Day Rag Wreath with Fabric Scraps – Third Stop on the Right

Washi Tape Bubble Valentines – Moneywise Moms

Homemade Candles in 5 Easy Steps – Lemon Peony

DIY Felt Ornaments for Valentine’s Day – 3 Little Greenwoods

Butterfly Valentine’s Day Craft – Sarah in the Suburbs

Epsom Salt DIY Valentine Candles – A Day in the Motherhood

I “DOVE” You Printable with Candy – Newlywed Survival

Rainbow Heart PomPom Garland – Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Wishes

Valentine’s Day Printed Burlap Subway – Occasionally Crafty

Pom Pom Cupcakes Valentine Craft – Cute as a Fox

Valentine’s Wooden Door Hanger – We Got the Funk

Hearts Aplenty: Valentine’s Day DIY Decor – Woman in Real Life

Love Letters Simple Valentine’s Day Craft – Craving Some Creativity

Valentine’s Day Coffee Cup Sleeve – Cynchronicity

How to Make a Great Loves Print – My Sweet Sanity

Cross Stitch Heart Pillow – Cutesy Crafts

Free Valentine’s Day Cards Kids Can Make – Happy and Blessed Home

Recipes

Valentine Cupcakes – Home Maid Simple

Valentine’s Day Cakes – Charleston Crafted

Red Velvet Pudding Cups – Mostly Homemade Mom

Blood Orange Panna Cotta – Mooshu Jenne

Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts – Drugstore Divas

Cranberry Bliss Bars – Swanky Recipes

Valentine Rice Crispy Treats – Midwestern Moms

Chocolate Valentine Sandies – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

M&M’s® Red Velvet Brownies – Julie is Coco and Cocoa

Nutella Filled Conversation Hearts – A Million Moments

Conversation Hearts Martini – JVKOM Chronicles

Valentine’s Day S’mores Dip – Our Mini Family

M&M’s® Red Velvet Blondies – The NYC Talon

Valentine’s Day Cheesecake Brownies – West of the Loop

Red Velvet Cheesecakes – Houseful of Nicholes

Chocolate Kiss Valentine’s Day Cookies – Moscato Mom

Chocolate and Candy Valentine Popcorn – Made by a Princess

Easy Valentine’s Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies – Janine Huldie

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – Scrappy Geek

Coeur a la Creme with Raspberry Sauce – Graceful Order

Love Dipped Wafers – Sparkles to Sprinkles

Valentine’s Day Bento Lunch – Diana Rambles

“Blackened” Seafood Medley for a Low-Calorie Valentine’s Dinner – Broken TeePee

Sweet Salty Fudge – Foody Schmoody Blog

Valentine’s Day Covered Pretzels – Texas Type A Mom

Valentine’s Popcorn – Mommy’s Bundle

The Easiest Valentine’s Day Fudge Recipe – Young at Heart Mommy

Valentine’s Day Butter Cookies – Ilona’s Passion

Valentine’s Day Blondies – Saving You Dinero

Super Healthy Pomegranate-Cranberry-Almond Smoothie – Easy Cooking with Molly

Brownie Cut-outs – Tramplingrose

Puppy Valentine’s Day Cookies – Staying Close to Home

Valentine OREO Brownie Bar Recipe – As Mom Sees It

Strawberry-Vanilla Ice Cream Pie – Johanny’s Kitchen

Strawberry Filled Chocolate Cake – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Chocolate Raspberry Truffles – Food Lovin Family

Honey Bee My Valentine Cakes – I Don’t Have Time for That

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Parfaits – Living a Sunshine Life

Homemade Strawberry Syrup – Day by Day in Our World

Cranberry Hootycreek Cookies – Momma DJane

Red Velvet Donuts – Frugal Family Tree

Strawberry Mocha Granola – Strength & Sunshine

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Tales of a Ranting Ginger

Chocolate Shot Glasses – The Bewitchin’ Kitchen

Chocolate Pretzel Kisses – Just 2 Sisters

Valentine’s Candy Bark – Life with the Crust cut off

Chocolate Kiss Shooter! – Housewives of Frederick County

Super Simple Valentine’s Day Candy Hearts – My Real Food Family

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – Meatloaf & Melodrama

3 Ingredient Strawberry Brownies – Fun Things to Do in Central Mass

Nutella Baked Brie – Basil and Bubbly

Easy Cupid Crinkles – Creative Southern Home

Valentine’s Day Edible Tic Tac Toe Game – A Frugal Friend

Valentine’s Day Ombre Sweet Treat – Tastefully Frugal

Party

How to Throw a Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Party – Amber Nicole Blogs

Valentine’s Day Party for Tweens – Soiree Event Design

Love is in the Air Valentine Table – Not Just a Mommy

Valentine’s Day Tea Party – The Peanuts Gang

Printables

Easy Valentine’s Printables – I am the Maven®

Printable Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes and Coupons – Gluesticks Blog

“I Love You Like” Valentine’s Free Printable – C’mon Get Crafty

4 Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages – Saving More than Me

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Clues – Mom on the Side

Valentine Gift for Kids {Free Printable} – Fun on a Dime

Crayon Valentines Printable – Mom’s Messy Miracles

Tic Tac Toe XOXO Valentine with Free Printable – Housewife Eclectic

Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids – Simple Living Mama

2 Free Printable Valentines (Owls) – Altamonte Family

Love is in the Air Valentine Card – Making of a Mom

Matchstick Valentine Free Printable – Frenchie

Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes & Jokes – Coupons are Great

I “Wheelie” Like You Car Valentine Printable – Artsy Momma

Round-Up

Valentine’s Day Guide – The Ranting Latina!

24 Frugal Valentine’s Ideas – Real: The Kitchen and Beyond

7 Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day – Downshifting PRO

5 Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts for Bloggers – That Chic Mom

Top 5 Romantic Restaurants to Eat at in East Greenwhich, Rhode Island – Mama Luvs Books

Other

War Room Movie Night – A Beautiful Exchange

Pairing Chocolate with Wine & Spirits – In Good Taste

Valentine’s Day Make-up Tutorial – Glam Hungry Mom

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – Natasha Byrd

Can you feel the love tonight with all these great Valentine’s Day inspired activities?

January 25, 2016
Tender Mercies and Renewed Hope

It was Friday Morning. I had a list of a million things to do, especially since it was the kids last day of school before 2 weeks of winter break. A paper to write, a speech to record, a house and laundry to clean, plus a myriad of blogging backed up just waiting for pictures, editing and a good story to go with it.

But I didn’t want to do any of it. I wanted to curl up in a corner somewhere and cry. I don’t know why. Lots of reasons came to mind on why I could possibly be feeling this way during one of my favorite times of the year. Family that is struggling, but too far away for me to help; My family too far away to spend any portion of the holidays with; old homes and friends being missed in my heart; a husband who works incredibly hard, but we see for only short moments in the early morning and late evening. The feeling had been weighing me down for a good portion of the week.

Knock Knock Knock

It was Mark’s day off, and we had been offered a night out without kids, something I wanted, but at the same time didn’t. How could I go out when the kids get even less time with their dad than I do? Why do I feel guilty when people offer to watch my kids? The downward spiral was coming on quicker than I wanted.

Knock Knock Knock

It was someone at the door. I mistook the sound originally for Little Prince trying to tap play dough out of it’s container. It was my visiting teacher (a program in the LDS church to inspire friendships, and make sure no one is overlooked). We didn’t have a visit scheduled for today…did we? I thought to myself. No no. Just stopping by to say hi, and Merry Christmas. Here’s a bag of popcorn, a card, and a talk from Elder Holland.

I love Elder Holland! Thank you so much for stopping by I said. She was just what I needed in the midst of that downward spiral. She reminded me that I am loved, cared for, and thought of. That I am a good mother and wife. A date suddenly sounded great again, and the guilt left for what originally felt like me pawning the kids off. !

Mark came out and found my crying on the doorstep. Worried something terrible had happened, he came out all concerned. What happened?

My visiting teacher took over “Oh I just gave her a hug and reminded her she is loved. We woman need to hear that from each other sometimes.”

Yup pretty much. But to me, in that moment it was more. It was a reminder that my Savior loves me too. He knows my heart. He knows my struggles. And in that moment He knew that I needed a friend, and reminder of that love.

Friends, it’s Christmas. The celebration of the birth of Christ. While we remember the simplicity of His birth, let us simplify our lives and hearts. When we simplify, we are more prone to hear the quiet promptings of the Spirit. Whether you know your effect on someone’s life or not, when you follow those promptings to visit a neighbor, or stop by a friends house just because – you may just be the angel they need in that moment.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, from shopping and shipping, and wrapping presents, remember the best present of the season is one led by the Spirit of the Lord. Be a blessing to others this year by being a friend. I know that the Lord is aware of each and every one of us. He loves me and He loves you. He knows your struggles and heartaches.

Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

December 20, 2015