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Spiced Christmas Jam

12/12/2022

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The Idea

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A friend posted a recipe online and I was intreagued. Immediatly I asked when we were going to do this together - then I couldn't wait and jumped in a few days later. Once I took inventory and gathered up the supplies on hand, and added the others to the list, I started out.

It is a relatively cost effective recipe, considering what you probably already have on hand. All spice, frozen strawberries and fresh cranberries were all I really needed to add.

With all my ingredients out and ready, I prepared my jars and lids. Then it was jam time. Since I'm not great at following directions or measuring things out, I made my own plan. I like to improvise. If you see a recipe and think, I'd like that sweeter or how can I cut the calories or make it a bit healthier, try it!  Here's the results of my little experiment so you can try it too.

Canning

Canning isn't hard, but the first time I did it, I was terrified. To be perfectly honest, that hissing, steaming pressure canner can be quite scary. I get it! Luckily, this recipe is completely safe to use the water bath canning method.
Water bath processing is a processing method used in home canning for high acid or sweet foods. The jars are filled and sealed. The jars are boiled completely covered in water for a specific amount of time. High-acid or sugary foods are items such as jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, salsas, and tomato products. So, water bath canning is perfect for this Spice Christmas Jam.
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The finished product is worth the effort!

Getting Everything REady

STEP 1: GATHER THE INDEGDIENTS
  • Cranberries – You can use frozen or fresh cranberries for this recipe. If you use frozen cranberries, there will be more moisture content, so you will need to cook for a little bit longer to evaporate that moisture, which will in turn, thicken the jam.
  • Strawberries – Just like the cranberries, you can use frozen or fresh strawberries here too.
  • Sugar – Don’t cut back on the sugar! The sugar amounts are set so that safe canning practices are met, helps to determine the thickness of the jam and whether or not the jelly will set properly. I used a sugar subsitute to help watch our calories. It works and measures the same.
  • Liquid Fruit Pectin – Pectin natually occurs in the cells of nearly all fruits and berries, however, the amount varies. Pectin is low in strawberries, so a liquid fruit pectin is needed to help the jam set or firm up.
  • Spices – You will need ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE JARS
Eliminate any risk whatsoever by always sterilizing your jars and lids. Just wash the jars in hot, soapy water. Rinse the jars well under running water to get rid of any soap residue. Then boil the jars and lids (not the rings).

The Recipie

Equipment
  • 10 quart canning jars
  • Waterbath Canning (Large Pot)
  • Jar Wrench/Lifter
  • Canning Funnel (optional)
  • Ladle (I used my measuring cup)
  • Non-metallic Bubble Remover (optional)
  • Magnetic Lid Lifter (optional)
Ingredients
  • 3 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries (15 cups)
  • 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries (4 cups)
  • 5  pounds sugar (5 cups) or substitute. I used a whole bag of swerve
  • 4 pouches liquid fruit pectin
  • 3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
​Instructions
  • I like my jam chunky so I boiled and mashed my fruit (see video above). You can also puree them in your food processor if you like a smoother consistency. 
  • Measure the sugar and spices and add those to the large pot once your fruit is the consistency you'd like it.
  • Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a full boil. Continue to boil for one full minute.
  • Remove the pot from the heat  and add in the liquid fruit pectin. Stir well to combine and place the saucepan back on the heat.
  • Once the jam returns to a full boil, remove from the heat.
  • Once the bubbling settles, use a spoon or ladle to skim off any foam and discard it.
  • Next, ladle the hot jam into the hot jars being sure to leave 1/4 inch of headspace. 
  • Lower the jars (with lids and rings on) into the pot. Be sure the water level covers the jars by two inches. Bring the water to a boil, cover the canning pot, and boil for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the water and allow jam to cool and set, undisturbed, for 12 hours. Wipe jars and label accordingly. Store jam in cool, dark cabinet for up to a year.
Notes: Each serving is equal to 2 tablespoons.
​
Nutrition (if using real sugar)
Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | 
Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | 
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 0.3mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.3g | 
Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

WAys to Use Spiced Christmas Jam

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In addition to piling it on a biscut, here are a few other delicious ideas:
  • Stir jam into plain yogurt to cut the tanginess.
  • Add some to your French toast mix. 
  • Make a sweet grilled cheese with sliced brie
  • Fill thumbprint cookies
  • Make a layer cake

Give as a Gift

Thinking about what it do with 10 amazing jars of Christmas jam? Share the joy with others!

I've even made some jar lables and gift tags for you. Download your FREE Printalbes below.
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Download Lables and Tags
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Elf Fun with Teens

12/7/2022

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​When our Elf on the Shelf went to "help another family," once our kids got older, I was relieved. It was a lot of work. It was also a lot of fun. Some of our kids have graduated and moved, some are still in high school. These days I'm acutely aware of the time I have left with them in my house. I want to pack memories and lessons and time together in - just as much as possible. Therefore, I'm resurrecting the tradition with a twist - a little help from Buddy.


I'm being intentional and adding some fun to the stressful and very busy days leading up to and including Christmas Break. I'm going to try to do something with at least one of the kids each day to celebrate them - and the season.
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This pack includes
  • Sample Schedule
  • Lessons from the Elf Reminder Cards
  • Elf Hats
  • Spreading Christmas Cheer
  • Pin the Face on the Elf
  • It's Santa! I know him. Gratitude Cards
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Elf Trivia
  • Snowflake Card
  • The Elf Code
  • Random Acts of Kindness (Bonus Free Ideas)
  • Buddy's NYC Adventure
  • Elf Spotify Playlist
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We just started our fun. I'm interested to see if they think it's as much fun as I do. My guess is - nope. That's ok. I bet deep down they'll remember it - and I hope that tey smile when they do.
​
The first thing I did was cut out the Elf hats and tape them on to a few family photos around. I hope they'll notice - eventually. 

There are lots of ideas on the planner inside. We'll see what the vibe is and where we go from here. With testing and finals coming, I hope it adds some levity.

Listen along!

Grab Your Copy

Download Guide
buddy_the_elf_on_the_shelf__1_.pdf
File Size: 18503 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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How to Host a Favorite Things Party

12/3/2022

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Party planning runs deep in my blood and any excuse I have to host an event, I’m all for it! Several years ago I decided to host my very first Favorite Things Party for our baseball team moms. I'm done a few since and they are just so much fun! Because I’m a gal who loves bringing people together, I want to help you bring your people together too. To make things easier for you to host your very own party without hardly lifting a finger, here's a step by step guide!
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What is a favorite things party?

​A favorite things party is a gathering of your favorite people: girlfriends, neighbors, co-workers, church group, etc. Each guest brings their favorite things (wrapped or unwrapped – you decide) to be exchanged & in return will go home with new favorites from fellow guests! You can determine how many presents your guests will bring depending on the number you’re expecting. For example, if you’re hosting a small party you can have your guests bring enough gifts for everyone. For larger parties you can limit gifts to 3 (a great number) or even less.
Click Here to Download the FREE Printable Pack!

The Invite

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​Because the holidays fill up fast for everyone, I suggest that you choose a night towards the beginning of the month - or even in Novmeber - & send your invite out at least three weeks in advance. The invitation will include how many gifts each guest should bring, what the price limit should be, and if you want guests to provide anything else. These type of parties work great as potluck to share the load of providing all of the food!

Consider hosting a favorite things party with a theme: favorite gardening things, favorite things to read, someone elses favorite things (to re-gift things after the holidays)


What to bring to a favorite things party?

Once you set a price limit for your guests it’s time to get shopping! Black Friday sales, clearance items, and spotting a good deal are great ways to give extra special gifts for reasonable prices (within the limit!). I chose to limit the gifts to $10 and have each guest bring three each.
You could increase the limit to $15, $20 and even $25 if you’d like. The higher the limit, the nicer the gifts can be – but also keep in mind it’s an expensive time of year & it may be difficult for guests to shell out loads of extra money. The point of the party, for me, is getting together, not the items.
​
The gifts should all be the same (i.e. if your favorite thing is candles, you’ll bring three different candles). However, it’s fun to add variety by changing scents or colors when possible. Love candles but have a handful of favorite scents? Bring three different ones! Blankets happen to be your favorite? How about three different colors, patterns or prints! Add a little variety while keeping the gifts the same!

How do you choose who gets your gifts?

​When each guest arrives, they will write their name on three slips of paper (the number of slips of paper is determined by the number of gifts everyone brings. Everyone bringing five gifts? Write your name on five slips of paper).

Then the guests will also write thier name once and add it to a seperate bowl. The bowl with the name in it once is for who goes in what order to draw 3 names out of the second bowl. The names drawn out of the second bowl are for what items each guest recieves.

The first time your item is chosen, you get to describe to everyone what it is and why you love it.

How much does it cost to host a favorite things party?

​This is entirely up to you! The beauty of this party is that it can be as minimal or as elaborate as you want – or as your budget allows!
I almost never spend over $50. That includes my 3 items, printing, paper goods, and drinks.

For the printables:
  • These are a small touch that will make a big impact on your party & lucky for you all the hard work has been done! I’m providing all the party printables for FREE to you! Each printable is sized for 8.5×11
  • You’ll only need one copy of most everything, and duplicates thank you tags depending on the number of guests you have.
  • Acrylic frames are a nice touch, if you have them on hand. I found mine at the Dollar Store.
favorite_things_party_christmas.pdf
File Size: 8099 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Other variations on the idea

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Used RSVPify.com
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Students list of favorites was used to play games.
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Christmas Light Awards

12/1/2022

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December 1st is National Christma Light Day!
Let's Celebrate!

Turn up the music and the fun!

Every year we load up, crank up the Christmas music and ohh and ahh together over all the fabulous Christmas light displays in our area. Every one in a while, we take it up a notch. It always brings a smile when we give out our ​Christmas Light Awards.
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We liketo look at the lights so much that we even went to The Lights in Arlington, Texas this year. It's a drive through light display - and it was amazing!

It’s one of our favorite Christmas family traditions we enjoy each year.  One year we even gave it a Polar Express theme! We make an evening of it by making popcorn and hot chocolate, piling in the car in our jammies (just the kids when they were little) and our blankets, and getting the playlist ready.

​To ramp up our yearly Christmas light family night (and help the kids pay a little more attention) I came up with a way to celebrate the hard work neighbors put into their homes for the holidays. It  added in an extra element of excitement for the kids too.

​CHRISTMAS LIGHT AWARDS

​To be recognized and awarded for all their efforts to bring holiday cheer to the town, I created some certificates to hand out during our drive looking at Christmas lights. These certificates each have a theme.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Print out the certificates and date and sign them. You can put your family’s last name or the person who gives the award can sign their name.
​Some years we took turns giving the awards and personally signed the certificate. This year I'm printing a set for every single one of us! 
An additional fun twist to these awards is you can knock on the receivers door and give it to them personally or you can be sneaky and tape it to there door. One year we gave the gand prize winner a pie from United!
Either way it’s super fun to give these awards to the best lit homes in your town.

AWARD CATEGORIES

  • The Minimalist – Simple and clean light display
  • The White Lights – Most beautiful white lights display
  • The Inflatables – Most inflatables per square foot
  • The Reason for the Season – Best Nativity display
  • The Griswold – Sparing no expense of Christmas spirit!
  • The Disco Fever – Best projection lights and/or music
  • Blank – make-up your own award to give!
THE MINIMALIST
This home will have a simple and clean light display. They will have the windows and home trimmed and lights carefully placed. Or possibly they may only have one tree decorated or one window decorated.

THE WHITE LIGHTS HOUSE
This home will be decorated will all white lights! No multi colors to be found on this house.

THE INFLATABLES HOUSE
Every inch of this homes front yard is filled with inflatable decorations. Maybe they even skipped putting up Christmas lights at all. 

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
A nativity scene will be the focus of this person’s yard. Possibly a wooden stable with lifelike figures or a beautifully lit manger scene. 

THE GRISWOLD HOUSE
Lights covered every inch of this persons home and yard. The roof, the grass and the trees are all lit with lights!

THE DISCO FEVER HOUSE
Projection lights or lights timed with music would fit this award perfectly.

BLANK
Create your own award for a home. This one is just for you and your family.

Download Your Certificates

Judging

As you drive around town take note of which homes may be a candidate for each award (write the street name and house number). Use the Christmas Light Judges Sheet to help you keep track of your favorites. ​After taking a spin around you can take a hot chocolate break to tally up the votes and then travel back to each winners home to present the awards. Sometimes we just stop the moment we see "the one" to give the award right then.
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​GIVING THE AWARD

When you go back to each home try to get a picture of the house and have someone hold the certificate up in the picture. This will be a fun memory to look back at and as the years go by you can compare the award winners!

You can give a little gift with the award like a candy cane, chocolate bar or Christmas ornament. Or just give the award itself. 

We can't wait to hear how your Christmas Light Tour goes this year.

Bonus: a playlist to enjoy on your tour

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    Really, I never thought that I'd say, "... table for 6, please." going to dinner with my family. I had plans to be a professor and travel the world. I moved from Missouri to West Texas for graduate school and was just passing through, when I met a man that captivated my heart and held my hand.

    Both teachers at the time, we met before Spring Break, got engaged the day after school was out and got married over Thanksgiving Break. And we shared our wedding cake top with the Labor and Delivery nurses in the hospitial when our oldest child was born. Our courtship was quick and it was exciting. And I don't think that we'd trade any of it for what we thought it might be.

    This magical adventure is more amazing than anything that I had planned.

    ​See my BlogSpot

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