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December 22, 2011 By
This post brought to you by American Baby Magazine. All opinions are 100% mine.
Marry Christmas to you!
My baby will be turning two early next year. The time flies by so quickly. Even with four boys there are still things I wish I’d known. I remember when I found out that I was pregnant with Matthias I couldn’t wait to go to the baby store and see what goodies were available. I had never heard of wraps, and comfy chairs that hold baby without them falling over, or even these nursing pillows. That wasn’t available 12 years ago when I had my last child. I wish I’d had something to direct me to what is new.
I think it is also great to hear from other moms. We inspire and motivate one another. I think that is why I enjoy American Baby Magazine.
Well, you can get your own new mom survival guide every month because American Baby is giving my readers a free subscription to their magazine…no strings attached. Just sign up and wait for it to be delivered! And if you are not a new mom then you can get a subscription for a new mom. It’s simple. Take advantage of it while you can!
Subscribe for free today: American Baby Magazine
Printable Christmas Gift Tags & DIY Brown Paper Gift Bags
December 21, 2011 By
Yesterday I shared a recipe for the best Christmas cookies I’ve ever had: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Recipe. The recipe makes so many that we began giving them away to neighbors, friends, postal carrier and others that we wanted to bless for Christmas. It became a tradition for us.
Over time I discovered inexpensive ways to craft Christmas gift bags out of brown paper bags to package the cookies in. I’m sharing the printable at the bottom of this post and I’ll also share how I make the gift bags.
First, you need lots of cookies.
Next, place a piece of tissue paper inside of each bag and fill with the goodies. I usually put about a dozen in each bag.
Watch out for cookie thieves!
Then I secure the bags a couple of different ways. I’ll show you my favorite ways but you only need to use one.
For this bag I folded over the top and then punched two holes on each side. I cut a piece of string and threaded it through the inner holes from the back and then threaded them through the holes in the front. The next photo will show it in more detail.
This shows how it loops through.
Finally, just tie it in the front.
You can attach one of the tags on the string before tying the bow.
For this one I only made two holes and I just kept feeding it through and finally tied it off.
Then I fed the thick ribbon behind it and tied it into a bow.
Simple!
Use various bows, ribbons, and string for different looks.
Deliver them to your favorite service people and let them enjoy!
Download Free Printables:
The Best Christmas Cookie Recipe Ever: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
December 20, 2011 By
For years my sister and I have made batches and batches of these cookies. I’m not even sure when we started or where we got the recipe from. It just sort of became a tradition and I must say that every member of my family is thankful for this tradition because these are some good cookies.
I’m so not kidding.
They are the kind that you could eat, and eat, and eat. They are yummy.
I happen to think they are so good because of the steps taken in the recipe. The ingredients are run of the mill but the way they are used gives these cookies a texture and flavor that is incomparable to any other cookie we’ve ever tasted.
I’ll share with you how Andrea, Tori and I make them by setting up stations but you are free to make them however you choose.
Station 1
Supplies Needed:
- mixer
- mixing bowl
- small bowl to crack eggs in
- scraper
- measuring spoon
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups of room temperature butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
Preheat the oven to 375°. This station should begin working first. The butter should be room temperature. Toss it in the mixer and let it begin whipping up the goodness. After a minute or so add the sugars. Let it beat that mixture for at least 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Once the sugar/butter mixture is frosting consistency begin adding one egg at a time. Crack the eggs in a separate bowl first to be sure there are no shells. Beat each egg just until combined and then add the next. Once all of the eggs are combined with the mixture add the vanilla. Beat for one more minute then place the mixing bowl at station 3. This job goes to Tori since, well, I don’t know why. It’s just her job. 
Station 2
Supplies Needed
- blender or food processor
- measuring cup
- grater
- bowl
Ingredients Needed
- 5 cups of oatmeal
- Hershey bar
- 3-4 cups of pecans (usually one bag)
This station will be doing the pulverizing. This is my job! I start by adding the 5 cups of oatmeal to the food processor then I put it on high speed until I have oatmeal flour. Once that is done I put the oatmeal in the large bowl at station 3. NOTE: if you use a blender then you should only do one cup at a time. Don’t try to do all 5. It won’t work unless you have a blender worthy of appearing in Transformers as Optimus Prime’s sidekick. Next I put the pecans in the food processor and pulse it until they are very finely chopped. I add that to the large bowl at station 3. Finally, I grate the Hershey bar (or drop it in the food processor) until it is finely grated. When I’m done, you guessed it, I add it to the bowl at station 3. Station 2 mission complete.
Station 3
Supplies Needed
- extra large bowl
- scraper
- 4-6 cookie sheets
- small cookie scoop
- whisk
Ingredients Needed
- chocolate chips
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- non-stick spray
- all completed ingredients from stations 1 and 2.
First, spray the pans with the non-stick spray. Next, put all of the dry ingredients into the large bowl and whisk until well combined. This includes the pecans, oatmeal, and chocolate from station 2. Once the dry ingredients are combined add the wet ingredients from station 1. Manhandle…I mean mix it well. This is my sister’s job. She is the manhandler among us. You may have to take turns with this since this batter tends to get thick and tough to fold. Your goal is to make sure all dry ingredients become wet. Or gooey as my niece says. Once all of that is well combined, fold in your chocolate chips.
Finally, scoop or spoon them onto cookie sheets. We bake 2 sheets side-by-side at one time. They will bake at 375° for 7-9 minutes depending on your oven. Do not bake them any longer than that. They will look like they aren’t baked all the way (wet, gooey inside) but they are. These cookies need to dry out for about 10 minutes before they are ready. The gooeyness is part of their goodness. If you bake them any longer they will be hockey pucks. Trust me. k?
Station 4
Supplies Needed
- cooling racks
- spatula
- containers or plates for cookies
This station is where the cooling takes place. When the cookies are done place them on the cooling racks to let them harden up a bit. Once they are ready remove them from the pans and place them onto plates. You must make room for the next set of pans that are about to come out of the oven.
This batch makes about 100 cookies. We make two to three batches and keep some for ourselves and give away many as gifts. This is a great gift idea for neighbors, the mail carrier, garbage collectors, or anyone else that you’d like to give a thoughtful but affordable gift to. Tomorrow I will show you how I use plain ol’ paper bags and pretty them up to hold the deliciousness that is these cookies. The bags are almost as good as the cookies…almost.
Here is the recipe all together in case you need it that way:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of room temperature butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 5 cups of oatmeal
- Hershey bar
- 3-4 cups of pecans (usually one bag)
- chocolate chips
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- non-stick spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Measure and blend oatmeal to a fine powder in blender or food processor. Set aside.
Measure and blend pecans to a fine powder in blender or food processor. Set aside.
Grate entire chocolate bar. Set aside.
Cream room temperature butter. Add both sugars and mix for 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time and mix until well incorporated.
Add vanilla. Mix well.
Mix all dry ingredients (flour, oatmeal, pecans, grated chocolate, salt, baking soda and baking powder) well.
Add wet ingredients and mix until all dry ingredients are wet and mixture is well blended.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop or roll dough and place on greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake for 6-9 minutes at 375 degrees.
Last Minute Holiday Coupons
December 19, 2011 By
I got these in my inbox today and thought I’d share. These are great for last minute shopping.
Life Savers® and Starburst® $1.50 off 2 Life Savers® or Starburst®
Wonka® $1.00 off TWO (2) Wonka® Candy Canes
Pillsbury® $1.00 off two Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough
Pillsbury® $0.50 off 2 Pillsbury® Refrigerated pie crusts
Welch’s® $1.00 off two Welch’s® Sparkling Juice Cocktails
Vanity Fair® $1.00 off 2 packages of Vanity Fair® Napkins
Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure $3.00 off Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure
Barbie: A Perfect Christmas $3.00 off Barbie: A Perfect Christmas
Little Mommy $10.00 off Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll
Ding Card Game $3.00 off any one Ding Card Game
How Much Do You Love Your Man?
December 19, 2011 By
I know for me loving him meant a lot of things. I’ve discovered the most important of those things is accepting him as he is and leaving him in God’s hands to change: if God so desired it. If not, God would change me.
31 Days to Build a Better Spouse, by my friend Ashley Pichea, can help you do that. And at $4.99 it is a small price to pay for eternal rewards.
I get lots of requests asking me to review e-books. A humble estimate would be about 7 per week. I don’t review them all. Good grief, if I did this would be an ebook review blog. I like to deliver content too and not just reviews so I opt out of reviewing the majority of them. I only pass on those I am willing to pay for myself and that I think would benefit the majority of my readers.
This is one of those books.
In fact, it is safe to say that I probably recommend this one more than any other I’ve reviewed. The reason? I know Ashley. I know her heart; her humble spirit; her desire to serve and help. I’ve seen her give her all to this. She is one of those people I immediately connected with because God allowed me to see right into her heart. I vouch for this girl. I don’t do that for many.
Did I mention that I have never met her in person? But that’s okay. I don’t have to. My spirit bears witness (Romans 8:14-16).
I want to love my husband enough to sacrifice some of my time, energy and selfish desires and instead, devote 31 days of prayer to him; to us.
If you want to join the challenge I invite you to buy the book that will change your marriage and then join us over at Ashley’s site and register: Register for 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse. Just remember to buy the book before you register.
You can also “like’ the Faceb00k page: 31 Days to Pray.
I’ll be participating in the challenge. I hope you will too!
DIY Fast & Easy Yarn Scarf (No Crochet or Knit): Great Last Minute Gift!
December 19, 2011 By
My lil sis, Tori, was knitting a scarf and got frustrated that it was taking so long so she came up with this idea to make a no-knit scarf. It is soooo cute! As soon as I saw it I had to have one. I just love it. And you know I love DIY projects too so this was right up my alley.
The yarn used for this is DIY winter scarf is Homespun Lion Brand Yarn (not sponsored or an affiliate). It is textured so it gives the scarf a bit of charm. First we measured out about 12 foot of yarn but we are short people. Just wrap the yarn around your neck like you would a scarf then add a foot for extra measure. You can always cut it shorter if you need to. This part of the process will vary depending on how long you want the scarf to be. Keep in mind that you can always trim it after it is finished too. You will need 50-100 pieces depending on how thick you want it.
Once the pieces are all cut and laid out, tie a knot in the end leaving about 12 inches of excess on the end for fringe. You want it to be secure but not not too tight.
Next, brush out the yarn with your fingers and then separate into three sections.
Twist each section loosely and hold the ends securely. Begin braiding. Don’t braid it too tightly.
You should see a thick braid begin to appear.
Once you reach the end (about 12 inches from longest piece of yarn), hold tightly under the braided portion and brush out the remaining yarn.
Carefully tie a loose but firm knot underneath the braid.
After the knot is tied, trim the remaining pieces of yarn to your liking. Tori and I prefer for the pieces to be uneven so we just trimmed it up a bit.
Finally, try on your new, most favorite winter wardrobe accessory. You can’t beat it for under $3, DIY, warm, and fashionable!
This would make a great last minute Christmas gift too!
There’s Still Time to Get Christmas Cards!
December 18, 2011 By
Two Shipping Options to Get Cards by Christmas
We have two options for customers to get cards by Christmas with an exclusive promo for affiliates. On Monday and Tuesday, customers can use the code below for Free Express Shipping (three business days, $24.95 value) or $5 off Super Rush Shipping (2 business days, pricing will change after first 5,000 orders). This is a great way to target those last minute procrastinators who still want to order holiday cards. Cards ordered on Monday with Express Shipping will arrive by 12/24.
Shop here: Tiny Affiliates Christmas and Greeting Cards and use the following code: FS5GIFT, Exp: 12/20 11:59pm PT
All Shipping Options: https://answers.tinyprints.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/126
Buy One Christmas or Hanukkah Greeting Card, Get One Free!
Customers who buy a Christmas greeting card or Hanukkah greeting card, can enjoy a second absolutely free. This offer applies exclusively to Christmas greeting cards and Hanukkah greeting cards and is not applicable to previously placed orders or stationery.
Shop here: Tiny Affiliates Christmas and Greeting Cards and use the following code: BOGO12 | Offer expires 12/20/11 at 11:59 pm (PT)
If You’ve Ever Wanted to Take Your Blog to a New Level…
December 16, 2011 By
…this is a good place to start.
For Two Days Only (offer ends Sunday)
EXPIRED: I’m sorry but this offer has expired. You can still purchase the workshops individually at their regular price at DIY Ministry: Blogging Workshops Online.
You can get the following online workshops, all five of them, for only $14.95. PLUS you get ebooks, guides, and other printables. Their value exceeds $300. This is a small investment with great reward.
There is no better time than now to learn how to use your blog to accomplish your goals. Start the new year out with a bang.
The workshops include:
Growing Your Online Presence
This workshop will address heart issues as well as focus on the skills, tools, and techniques needed to grow your presence online. Amy will help you discover your perspective, your “niche”. She will also teach you how to plan for success and purpose to achieve great things with your blog.
Amy Bayliss will give you the “secrets” to growing your online presence that are widely known but often overlooked and unpracticed. You will see results within weeks. This workshop will offer you a comprehensive step-by-step approach to growing your presence online.
SEO Basics and Strategies
Search Engine Optimization is not a scary process. It isn’t just for professionals and you don’t need a degree or certification to implement it. All you need is to have it explained in a way that you can relate to. Amy can do that for you.
SEO can improve the volume and quality of the traffic driven to your website from search engines. I can help you define a targeted list of keywords relevant to your site and it’s perspective or “niche”. Amy will also teach you how to add those keywords your website in the places where they matter most.
Amy Bayliss will walk you through the process of optimizing your blog or web platform and give you tools and techniques that you can implement immediately. You will see results within days.
From Blogger to Entrepreneur
If you need to know how to transition your blog from a personal memoir to a source of income then this workshop is for you. You will learn the following: how to prepare for monetization by increasing traffic, readership and influence; what revenue sources are out there and how to maximize their income; and how to find companies to pitch, what to pitch them and how much to charge.
Amy Bayliss will walk you through the process of transitioning, developing, and maximizing income potential with your blog. Through case studies and practical application, From Blogger to Entrepreneur will offer you a comprehensive step-by-step approach to earning money with your blog. This workshop includes a pre-recorded two hour workshop including a Q & A session and a full copy of Amy’s mini ebook, How to Create an Effective Media Kit.
Crafting an Effective and Captivating Post
This workshop will focus on the art of crafting an effective and captivating blog post. Amy will teach you techniques for writing strong headlines, engaging readers, encouraging discussion, and ……. We’ll also discuss how to promote your post once you’ve written it.
Amy Bayliss teaches you what’s important to your current and potential readers when it comes to your content. You will learn about perspective, writing, structure, editing, photography, promotion, and interaction. This workshop will offer you a comprehensive step-by-step approach to crafting a post that connects with your audience.
Embracing Online Media (and What to do With It!)
Christians in internet based ministry, media, business, and marketing is a growing concept and it is catching on at an alarming rate. Thousands of people log on to social networking sites, write or read blogs, and participate in forums on a daily basis. They enjoy being a part of an encouraging and uplifting group but some long to do more. They long to lead. The problem is that they don’t know where to begin.
Amy Bayliss will teach you how to approach building an online platform from a biblical perspective. You want to know where to start and step by step what to do. She will give you that information.
Only $14.95!
Within 24 hours after your payment is processed you will receive an email that will include the link to Amy’s pre-recorded workshops. Some of the pdfs can be downloaded from within the workshop software.
Testimonials:
I am so thankful for DIY ministry! I am a “newbie” when it comes to blogging and running a site and to be honest, it can be very overwhelming to learn it all! But I have no need to worry because Amy has taken me by the hand and started from Step 1, to show me everything I need to know to be a successful site owner. Both ladies at DIY Ministry are ready and willing, with incredible knowledge to answer any question I have and help me every step of the way! ~ Ruth Schwenk, The Better Mom
I talked with Amy for an hour, and within a week my search engine traffic had doubled. She pointed me to easy things I could fix on my website that I would never have thought of, and I saw the differences almost immediately. Definitely money well spent! ~ Sheila Wray Gregoire, To Love, Honor, and Vacuum
Recently I had the incredible opportunity to hire consulting time with Amy Bayliss. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish I had done it SOONER! Amy was chock full of wisdom and information. Not only that, but Amy truly cares. I felt like I was having a cup of coffee with an old friend. She was so personable and just down right friendly. She gave me the much needed direction I needed to help take my blog to a whole new level. Honestly, I just can’t say enough about her and the services she offers. In the vast internet it is hard to find where you fit in, but with Amy’s help, talent, wisdom and experience, I have found my place in the cyberworld! ~ Chelsey Hall, Chelsey’s Journey and At the Well
When I started blogging it was to keep my out-of-state family in the loop but 3 years ago, my blogging became more purposeful. I knew I needed to get serious about blogging – more focused on my content – more goal-oriented. So I looked to Amy and she shared her knowledge with me! I immediately implemented the quick changes and am steadily working on the others to bring my blog to the place that it will not only be a blessing to those who visit, but bless my family as well as a source of income. If you need any direction, any guidance on how to do that, the money you spend with Amy will be INVALUABLE! She will give you direction and share all of her insider knowledge about blogging, SEO and income generation. Hurry! You won’t regret it! ~ Mary Hess, MaryHess.com
Amy has such a gift in helping people see their vision. She shares tips that are so valuable throughout her sessions. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get more out of their blogging, whether it is to have a business or ministry or both. It is more than worth it! ~ Angela Richter, Mom with Heart
Only $14.95!
Within 24 hours after your payment is processed you will receive an email that will include the link to Amy’s pre-recorded workshops. Some of the pdfs can be downloaded from within the workshop software.
One Day I’ll “Get It”
December 15, 2011 By
Have you ever had one of those days? Yeah, me too. I just never seem to “get it” and “keep it”.
Read more about it at The Better Mom: And a Little Child Shall Lead Them.
DIY Snowman Decor Made of Yarn: Meet My Frosty!
December 14, 2011 By
Some of my favorite do-it-yourself projects are holiday decor. When it is something that is fast, easy, and inexpensive then I’m all over it. That type of project suits me because my taste in decorations tends to change from year to year. I like when I can take the same project, year after year, and make it match my colors or theme. This little guy certainly fits into that category.
My lil sis-in-law-love made this adorable snowman out of yarn. Isn’t he cute? And wintery? 
All she did was wrap some styrofoam balls with yarn, carefully binding it with hot glue. Once the balls were wrapped she glued them on top of each other to make the body of the snowman and the head. The she made a festive little scarf for and hat for him. All were wrapped and hot glued.
The arms are sticks from the backyard. It told you it was inexpensive!
To make him stand she inserted toothpicks into the bottom in four different locations. That’s it. Simply, huh?
What fast, easy, and inexpensive projects have you done lately? Leave me a link. I’d love to see it!
Holiday Entertaining: Dessert with Friends
December 13, 2011 By
Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.
Some of my most favorite holiday memories are of family and friends. There is nothing like getting together with the girls for some great food and fun!
One year my sister and I threw a party with some of our girlfriends and their husbands. We had lots of food, some catching up time and of course, the White Elephant Game! Ryan ended up with a used doorknob (?) and I got a wall hanging candle holder that can double as a fish bowl. Well, at least that is what Jodi said. You’ve gotta love the White Elephant Game!
We made it even more fun because we blindfolded the person who was about to choose a gift. That way we had to choose based on felling the packages and not by sight alone. I’m fairly certain Ryan swiped once or twice and knocked all of the gifts on the floor. It was hilarious!
One of our go -to desserts is Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. It is easy and super tasty.
It is so easy to make and it is always a hit with guests. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 c. butter (melted)
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- chocolate chips, nuts, or any other goodies you want to add!
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix butter with 1 egg and cake mix. Spread into a buttered 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 inch glass pan. Be sure to cover the bottom completely. Beat 2 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Pour over cake mix mixture. Sprinkle chocolate chips or additional “goodies” over the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.
