The Handmade Christmas List

I love crafting.  And I love gift giving.  And as we approach the holidays and the season to give, I don't think there's anything sweeter than a thought-out gift from the heart.  Below you'll find a list of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts, complements of Pinterest of course :)  Once the holidays are over and gifts have been given, I'll share pictures of my version of the below gifts!

Snow White Costume

This is a link to a FREE PRINTABLE TUTORIAL for a 2T-3T Snow White Costume.  Pair this with the Snow White storybook (on Amazon Prime for less than $4.00)!

Olliblocks

These Olliblocks are one of my favorites, though you do have to pay for the Printable.  However, they have a starter set that includes 4 different character sets which is the most economical of the options.  Grab a little Mod Podge and be on your way!

Sleeping Bag

This free tutorial is another favorite, and I'm hoping to use this for my boys.  Though with all the other handmade goodies in the works it might just have to wait until their birthdays!

Personalized Serving Plate

Ok seriously?  Too cute and oh so easy.  Makes a great hostess gift!!

Personalized Coffee Mug

This didn't come with a tutorial other than a tag line, "Paint Pen on a Dollar Store mug!"  So, I tried it out myself, and so so easy + adorable.  I used scrapbooking stickers and dotted away!  I packed it in a box full of K Cups my Keurig loving sister in law :)  

And lastly, 

Custom Coasters

I've seen these done with Scrapbook Paper, but I love this for grandparents or those that have been to really awesome places with great pictures.  

Do you have any favorite DIY gifts?? 

I Want What I Want

Lately in our home we have been talking in much detail about worry and trust.  Our first born is a worrier and can be a bit controlling.  A rule follower to his core, and everything he does is with a plan in mind.  This is fun at times, comical others.  And sometimes very irritating.  Stepping back I see that at the very end of it, it is worry.  Worry that things aren't going to go his way; things might not go according to his plan.  What if...  There's not enough... But I want... That's not how we....

At the end of the day it is worry that he's not going to get what he wants, that it's not going to go the way he planned.  A trust issue.

And this week as I stared down at 6 little faces from Compassion International in need of a one time emergency gift I was worried.  I didn't trust.  I didn't believe we could help because..
what if we could use that money for Christmas gifts.
There's not enough to pay for them and also new tires, oil changes, etc.
But I really wanted to buy the materials for Billy to build our dining room table.
That's not how we budgeted that money.

And I see that I have the same trust issue.  I worry.  Will there be enough, Lord?  This is not what I wanted.  This wasn't my plan.  And while keeping the kids pictures out on the counter for a few days in hopes that I might have a change in heart and stop being so selfish my husband walked in with a check from a doctor he saw over 2 years ago.  Enough to cover every one of those children's immediate needs.

So this evening as I wait for my absolutely lovely Bible Study ladies to arrive I am filled with praise.  Praise that my God is the God who provides.  And breaks the chains of worry.  And reminds me that even when I don't want to and I am stuck on wanting what I want when I want it.... He is still God.  And He has not finished His work in me.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3

Sick season is upon us...

And I am determined to keep our family healthy!  Or as healthy as possible...

I used to pride myself in the fact that since having kids we had never experienced ear infections or stomach bugs.  Which was all because of my fantastically awesome parenting, of course.....  We were clean.  Neat.  Relatively good eaters.  Vitamin takers.  Herbalife drinkers.  Ear infections?  Throw up?  Unheard of in the Grimme house.  

And then.  The month of our move out of Cary it started happening.  My 3 year old stopped sleeping well.  Very whiney, all the time.  Irritable, not eating.  Wasn't paying attention or listening.  But it was all because of the move and the stress, right?  It did not even occur to me that he might have an ear infection, all he had was a runny nose and it was March, the month of runny noses.  And then one day, when I could not get his attention as he was standing just 10 feet away from Billy and I, it finally dawned on me.  It's not that he's not listening... I don't think he can hear me.  So I took him in to the doctor and they told me had "glue ear." In both ears.  And that he literally could not hear me.  It was like he had his fingers stuck in his ears.  How can this be, I asked... The response: he's probably had an ear infection for several weeks.  They kindly offered to check Everett's ears (1 year at the time) and sure enough.  Same thing.  In both ears.  Not MY kids!!  We don't DO ear infections, thank you very much.

Insert humility here, followed by a  month - MONTH - of 4 different antibiotics (google what antibiotics do to your kids attitudes and behavior.  Then picture that x2 while living in your parents house while searching for a new house) before we finally reached resolution of said glue ear.  Just in time for them to get a stomach virus.  !!!!!!  I remember a friend texting me the week they got the virus and it said, "I know this is random, but have your kids still never had the stomach flu?"  Funny you ask, my friend.... 

Throughout the process of getting rid of the glue ear, and keeping it away for a year I have found several helpful tips and tricks for not just [warding off] ear infections, but also boosting immunity and fighting off the common cold.  I am indeed a Pinterest junkie.  And very thankful for the website, www.keeperofthehome.org.  This is not to say we don't or won't ever get sick.  Or that their health is entirely dependent on me.  Sickness happens.  And the more involved they get in weekly activities, so will the sickness.  But, there are some things I can do along the way to minimize the sickness.  

First of all, I keep my kids on a daily vitamin C and Herbalife multi vitamin regimen.  They get a dose of each in the morning and if they're interested, ill give them a kids Herbalife smoothie or shake for a snack at some point throughout the day.  If they show any signs of colds, I bump up their vitamin C to twice a day.  *take note that not all vitamin C's are the same!  Go for something that is all natural, no artificial flavors OR colors and is made for kids.  Too much vitamin C can be harmful.  We always get ours at Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

Eat well.  By eating well I do not mean eating an exorbitant amount of food.  I mean watch what you eat.  The month of getting our house ready to go on the market, show it, sell it, move out of it, we did not eat well.  We ate out all the time, I bought a lot of pre made snacks so we could get out quickly.  We were constantly on the go.  I really think this contributed to just how sick we got.  Double up on the raw veggies, drink tons of water, avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Ear massage.  Sounds weird, but I am convinced it has helped release some fluid in their ears and prevented infection.  If they will sit in your lap to watch a show or read a book, gently place your finger in their ear and rub in a circular motion.  I have found that when either of my boys have a runny or stuffy nose, they welcome the ear massage.  And the most recent time I did this with my youngest (whom I was convinced had an ear infection), he had quite a waxy build up that had drained within 3 hours after me rubbing his ears for 10 minutes.  And we never ended up having to go to the doctor to check on his ears.  

Fluids fluids fluids!  I know they always say this when you're sick, but I feel like there are some misunderstandings about pumping fluids when sick.  Choose something low in acid and low in sugar.  Otherwise you will likely end up with an upset stomach combined with a lot of mucus.  For example: giving a full glass of orange juice to someone who just woke up and is extremely congested may result in throw up all over the floor.  I know this from experience.  STOP THE MILK.  Dairy is a mucus producer.  So drinking milk, or any quantity of dairy, is only going to produce more mucus.  Your child will survive without milk for a few days.  *obviously not for infants...as they get all sustenance from milk*. I recently found a great "tea" that you can easily make at home.  I will post the recipe below.  This is great for several reasons-honey and ginger in their raw form are both great as an immune booster and digestive health.  This is also a great throat and cough soother.  So, in the midst of getting those fluids in I definitely recommend this.  My boys love it.  

Chicken broth.  From cooking a real chicken.  While preparing canned soup is certainly easier, the age old advice of sipping chicken broth when sick won't prove profitable from canned soup.  The marrow from the chicken is an immune booster and is packed full of great vitamins and minerals which will help you heal more quickly.  A lot of the broth in canned soup isn's nearly as potent as homemade. The next time you eat a whole chicken for dinner, throw the bones in a pot covered with water, toss in a quartered onion and add some parsley.  Let it cook for a good 2-4 hours.  Strain your broth, and freeze it for another time.  

Do you have any health tips for this fall and winter???

As promised, Homemade Pop Tarts

One of the things I love about my husband is how versatile he is.  He is book smart but also street smart.  He loves to hunt, great at cooking.  He is a man's man, but a tender tender heart.  (I promise, I will get to the pop tarts).  A few years ago we decided to dive in to the world of canning, as we'd seen his parents and grandparents do.  There is no way I would continue canning if he didn't help me with it.    It is hard hard work, but worth the reward.  He really loves it as much as I do, and for that I am thankful!  Over the years we've learned how to make many jams and jellies, along with pie fillings, canned green beans, pickles, tomato sauce and more.  What I love about the jams and jellies is that they can be used for far more than spreading on a biscuit!  My boys like to use it as a topping to their oatmeal, I use apple jelly and butter on top of a pork recipe, and most of all...we love to stuff our homemade pop tarts with our home made jams and jellies!!

Below is the recipe we use from 100 Days of Real Food.  They are easily frozen so I tend to make them in bulk, with several different varieties.  This is a great food to let your kids help with.  Mine love to help roll out the dough, spread the jelly and press the ends down.  On the morning of, pop one in the toaster and voila!  Another fresh, warm breakfast at your service.  AND it's all real food.  Winning.  

Whole-Wheat Toaster Pastries (a.k.a. Pop Tarts!)

SERVES: 7 – 8 TOASTER PASTRIES

ADAPTED FROM THE HOMEMADE PANTRY

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ¼ cup whole-wheat flour, plus extra for rolling out the dough
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup cold, unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• ½ cup water plus ice
• 1 egg beaten with a splash of water
• 7 – 8 tablespoons
• jam or jelly (we prefer either homemade jam or an all-fruit spread that’s sweetened with fruit juice concentrate as opposed to sugar or high-fructose corn syrup)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Put the flour and salt in a food processor with the dough blade and pulse it together briefly.
3. Meanwhile fill a glass measuring cup with ½ cup water and add a few ice cubes to it.
4. Take the cold butter straight out of the fridge and cut it into ½ inch chunks. Sprinkle the pieces of butter on top of the flour in the food processor. Be careful to spread out the butter as opposed to letting it all clump together in one piece.
5. Turn on the food processor and blend until the mixture resembles a crumbly meal. While the food processor is still running add ⅓ cup water through the top. Watch the dough come together and add 2 – 3 more teaspoons of water as needed so a dough ball will form. If some of the dough is in a ball and some is stuck to the sides that is okay…you can fix it with your hands. At this point the dough could be stored in the fridge in plastic wrap for up to 3 days or in the freezer (in a freezer safe container) for up to 6 months.
6. Remove the dough from the food processor and put it on a lightly floured counter or large cutting board. With a rolling pin (and another sprinkling of flour) flatten out the dough to one big rectangle or square that’s no more than a quarter inch thick. Trim any uneven ends and use those to patch other edges as necessary.
7. Using a knife cut out 14 to 16 rectangles of dough. Actually you could make them any shape or size that you want at this point. Lay half of your dough shapes onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Spoon about a tablespoon of jam down the middle of those bottom dough pieces.
8. Top them with matching dough shapes and seal around the edges by pushing down with a fork. Make a few holes in the top with the fork as well. Lastly, brush the tops of the uncooked toaster pastries with the egg wash.
9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 18 – 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the cooked pastries on a cooling rack (if you have one) then either eat them right away or store them in the fridge for 3 days or the freezer for several months. They can be eaten cold or reheated. Enjoy!

Tiny Prints GIVEAWAY

It's that time again - Tiny Prints Christmas card preview AND $50 + free shipping GIVEAWAY!!! **See bottom of this post to see how you can be entered to win the $50 gift card**

Tiny Prints is always a go to for us.  Great coupons, great specials, frequent free shipping offers....and most importantly, fantastic designs and customer service.  This year Tiny Prints has gone above and beyond with their new trim options (round, ticket and scallop) and lovely design styles.  Some of their new designs feature full bleed photos, glitter (woohoo!), clear cards (a must see) and more.  And if that isn't enough, add on minimal cost address labels and envelope liners and you're all set!  Below is a round up of my favorite cards this year.  

For those enamored with the latest trend of burlap, vintage and stripes (myself included) this one is for you.  The rounded edges give it a polished look and this card features several picture options.

 I love all things grey.  And all things simple.  The two together make this card very sweet and streamlined.  With a little bit of Christmas on top.

The polka dots bring out the kid in all of us, and who doesn't love to be a kid at Christmas??  Again with the rounded edges adds a little class and softness to the red and green. 

Wanting to make your card the most memorable?  Can't go wrong with this tastefully bold Christmas card that doubles as a Christmas ornament!  

And lastly...for the tradition in all of us, this card is elegant, classic and timeless.  None of which you can go wrong with!

To check out Tiny Prints vast collection of Christmas cards, click here.  Not interested in Christmas cards?  No worries, Tiny Prints also offers an incredible collection of personalized gifts which can be found here.  You are sure to find something for everyone!  And if you want to find out even more, check out the Twitter party #TinyPrintsCheer in November with @ResourcefulMom

And now that you've fallen in love all over again with Tiny Prints, I am sure you want to know how to enter the drawing for $50 + free shipping @ Tiny Prints!  All you need to do is check out the holiday cards Tiny Prints THEN LEAVE A COMMENT HERE ON THIS BLOG stating your favorite card.  If you do NOT comment here you will NOT be included.

Happy shopping!

Shop Local

With Christmas around the corner (did anyone else just have a panic attack with that realization???), I wanted to throw out a list of my favorite local, small businesses that can help you out with your Christmas shopping and holiday baking.

The Purple Polka Dot

Located in the heart of downtown Cary, this little shop has become a local favorite in the past two years.  Featuring home decor, clothing, hand painted barn signs, children's accessories and more you are sure to find something fun and unique to give.  And maybe yourself to.  For daily updates and staff favorites, look them up on Facebook: The Purple Polka Dot

La Farm

This quaint little bakery and restaurant is situated in western cary and is a must when in the area.  All fresh, homemade French cuisine that is cooked to perfection.  Their wide assortment of pastries, desserts, breads, savory quiches and pies, salads and cookies leave you completely satisfied but dying to come back.  Not to mention their first class coffee menu... If looking for a gift idea, think hearth made granola, holiday bread, or even a gift card.  Your loved ones will thank you!  Visit their website, www.lafarmbakery.com

Annelore's German Bakery

You're in for a treat with this one.  Every German cookie and pastry you can imagine, homemade by the master chef Annelore herself and her trusty companions.  This mom and pop shop can be found at the NCState fair grounds Monday-Saturday and is getting ready to open up shop in Cary by January.  This sweet German couple not only offers a wide selection of absolutely delectable treats, they are truly a joy to talk with and get to know.  If you're looking for a crowd pleaser for those holiday parties or an addition to your Christmas morning menu, this is the place to stop.  

www.facebook.com/anneloresgermanbakery

What A Babe

I've known Tanya for a few years now and I just love her creativity and willingness to work hard from home while caring for her daughter full time.  I can't help but take the time looking through all the cute frills and thrills for little girls since its all polos and jeans around here!  She hand crafts a huge variety of girl's hair pieces with a few accessory items on her website as well.  Check her out at www.whatababe.etsy.com!

Good Girl's Studio

Johanna has made quite a name for herself here in the heart of Raleigh.  Starting out in retail and making jewelry on the side, Johanna quickly began to notice a market and was found offering home shows to sell her jewelry.  Over the past few years or so she has become quite sought after.  Her unique revamped vintage, one of a kind pieces, and custom order designs make her jewelry truly something to desire.  You can find her on Facebook, or check out her website goodgirlstudio.com

I just noticed that if the men in your life don't like food, there's probably not much on here for them.  What are some of your favorite places to shop local???  Link up!

Freezer Muffins

The title of this post doesn't do it justice.  Freezer muffins are life altering.  Truly.  My life changed when I found out about it.  Why, you may ask?  Think hot, warm, FRESH muffins any time of day without having to make them on the spot.  Guests coming on a whim?  No problem, let me throw some fantastically awesome blueberry muffins in the oven right quick.  Taking care of kids all day with no time to make a quick treat for your Bible Study ladies?  On it.  House smell like diapers and in need of a "I promise I do more than chance diapers" pick me up?  No?  Anyone?  Ok.  Don't feel like waking up at 5:30 am just to make your family a warm breakfast?  Please, and thank you.

So, here's my little secret.  I've held on to it for a while wanting it to be all mine but I feel like there's some pride to that in fooling everyone I'm a happy little baker and have time (hah!) to bake all the day long.  So without much further ado...

Make your batter.  Pour it in your lined muffin tins. Pop that tray of raw muffins in the freezer.  Let them freeze.  Pop them out and into a storage bag.  Label said bag with oven temperature and cooking time.  Next time you want some muffins, pop some of those suckers in the oven and voila: You're awesome. 

And if you want to get CRAZY make your muffins in bulk.  Bake a few in the moment.  Save a fewer for later.  And make a few varieties all in one day.  Then you can heat up whichever muffins you want...whenever you want.  

It's ok to be hungry.

As mentioned a multitude of times, my kids eat.  And would eat all day if I let them.  One day as I was cleaning up an hour after breakfast, which is an hour before snack time (don't misunderstand - it involved 2 bowls of oatmeal each, a muffin, some fruit and possibly some eggs) my kids thought "go play in the playroom" meant, "go rummage through the pantry."  So I stopped and asked Luke what exactly he was doing in the pantry which of course led to, "because I am so hungry!  I just want to eat something right this minute!"  And I thought to myself, for heaven's sake it is ok to feel hungry!!!  

And lately as phrases like, "I'm staaaaarrvvvinnnngg", and, "I am so hungry!" start to appear within just moments of finishing a meal, I've had to step back and really process how I'm supposed - correction - WANT to respond.  

We live in a life of overindulgence.  A day filled with more, more, more.  America is the second most obese country in the world. We are given a hand full of options for every meal and those in between, while some are begging for just a hand full of food for their entire family that day.  And it causes me to pause; to wonder; aside from developing poor eating habits, it causes me to assess what I'm teaching my children.  I don't want to feed the lie that they always need more.  Or make them oblivious to the multitudes around us who are living with far less.  We teach them to give to those in need, to help feed the hungry, but I have to confess.  Do they even now what true hunger is?

I have read excerpts from a book titled, French Kids Eat, which speaks in detail on this topic of snacking all day.  Feeling that we can't ever let our children feel hunger.  I'm hoping to take time to finish the book this Christmas, but in the mean time you can take a read and let me know what you think :)

Another "cries of hunger" moment for my kids some time after my revelation of being ok with hunger in our home (who am I kidding, it was probably 5 minutes after they wandered into the playroom) I finally decided to just say it.  "It's ok!  To be hungry!"  And much to my surprise...it ended it with Luke.  And that was that.  

So next time when I tell them its another 30 minutes until our 9:30am snack time, or that they might have to wait another 15 minutes for dinner... I will also remind them that sometimes, it's ok....to be hungry.  

*disclaimer: I feed my children.  Very well.  I do not starve them.  And this is not an endorsement for the book, French Kids Eat.  

Family favorite

Often times I get the idea to blog.  You know, sit down an write a post start to finish.  And then after the flood of ideas and wondering where to start I realize that there is not a single thought in my head that make a coherent sentence by the time I actually have the time to SIT DOWN and write a single blog post.  True story.  You would be astonished at how long it took me to write the above three sentences which are more than likely grammatically INcorrect.

But hey, since we are on a roll....

You know what I love?  Food.  You know what I love more?  Chocolate.  That's true, but not where I was going with this.....

I love blessing those whom I love with food.  One of the most satisfying things for me is to get up early before my family (which lets be honest.. It's a pretty rare occurrence since I have a 3 1/2 yr old 5 am wake up call) to feed them a warm meal.  

Side note: have we mentioned I have 2 small boys and 1 large boy who eat us out of house. and. home.  So praise the dear LORD these children of mine love oatmeal.  No, but really.  They do.  By the bowls full.  Especially when it is stuffed with fresh peaches, warm cream and a tad bit of vanilla.  

Back to warm breakfasts.  This summer a favorite was fresh peaches n' cream oatmeal.  I don't like oatmeal, as its not generally something associated with chocolate, but if I did I am confident I would love this combo.  At other favorite is homemade pop tarts.  Sounds scary, but it's not so bad.  I will share the recipe soon.  But seeing as we are halfway through this glorious North Carolina fall, I'm going to share with you a family favorite from my favorite cookbook at the moment, Deliciously Organic.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Muffins, by Deliciously Organic

4tbsp unsalted butter, softened

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 1/3 cups whole cane sugar or Sucanat

1/2 cup puréed pumpkin

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour (we love King Arthur)

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/3 cup whole buttermilk

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional-but so good!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In mixer bowl, beat together butter, coconut oil, and sugar on medium-high speed for about two minutes.  Turn mixer to low and add the pumpkin.  Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.  Mix in vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl.  With the mixer on low, add half of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the buttermilk.  Repeat process and mix until just combined.  Fold in pecans.  Spoon batter into oiled muffin cups until 3/4 full.  Bake 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown.  Cool for 5 minutes before serving.  

And that's that!  This recipe makes 16 muffins.  We usually double and freeze for another day.  Check out the freeze post for an interesting twist on fresh muffins!!