Giving This Season

Operation Christmas Child

One of my favorite things to do around this time of the year is this charity. I became involved when I started going to youth group at my church in the 7th grade. Every Christmas we go to Walmart and bring ten dollars, or more, to buy toys, hair accessories, coloring books and clothes for boys and girls living in poverty all over the world. I choose whether I want to ship a shoe box of these items to a boy or girl or both. After putting what I want to give the child in the box Samaritan's Purse provides a pamphlet that tells the story of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas. You can choose to write a note to the child receiving the shoe box and include your address. They sometimes respond and send a picture of themselves that the missionaries take when they deliver the boxes. This doesn't have to be done around Christmas time because Operation Christmas Child is constantly delivering shoe boxes to children around the world year-round. You can use a shoe box of your own or OCC will send one to you. After filling the box with gifts for your child you may wrap it but only separately. If you have children have them go shopping and put the box together with you.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/


Christmas Caroling for Shut-Ins

Something great for you to do if you are already in a school chorus group or church choir is caroling for shut-ins. Get a group of friends together, as many as you want. Call retirement homes to see if you can come sing during dinner time, church's have a list of elderly/sick people who cannot leave their homes or just go around your neighbor. This is something fun and rewarding for you to do with people love and for people who need it.


Toys For Tots

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program is to collect unwrapped toys during October, November and December. The toys are given as Christmas gifts to needy children in your own community. There are drop-off locations in almost every city in every state.

http://www.toysfortots.org/


Lets Say Thanks

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in  Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How amazing it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one! It is free and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Gift Wrapping

Go Green

If you are a recycle pro and like to save money you may like this idea. Use old newspaper and maps to wrap your gifts this season. Use the comic section for the comedian in the family or a map for someone who likes to travel. A simple black and white newspaper with a big red bow can be chic.




Wine Bottles

This is two gifts in one and also good for the environment. Ditch the wine bag and tissue paper for a dish towel. Lay the wine bottle vertically on the edge of the towel with the top even with the top of the cloth. Fold the extra cloth at the bottom towards the middle then roll the bottle into the towel. Keep the top secure by tying a ribbon around the neck of the bottle. Tuck holly or a small pine branch into the ribbon for festivity. World Market, Pier One Imports and Walmart have cute dishtowels at cheap prices.

Mix It Up

Wrap presents with gold and silver. Mixing the two is modern and very chic. Try a dull silver paper with shiny silver accents and criss cross it with gold ribbon.

Jewelry 

If you have any jewelry boxes that have unwanted stickers from brands or companies on them that won't come off this may help. Separately wrap the lid and bottom of the box. Make sure the insides are especially tight so that the lid and bottom can shut properly. The lid and bottom will fit nice and snug so there will be no need for tape. To make sure the box is completely secure wrap it with ribbon. When the receiver opens the present they won't see the ugly stickers and the box can be reused.

Fun Toppers
Use big, odd buttons, fake flowers, large feathers, ornaments and shells instead of bows to top your gifts with. It's quirky and original.

Fathers, Brothers and Boyfriends

Men, they show no emotion most of the time. But that doesn't mean they don't have any. Guys like gifts that will give them a good laugh or that show that you really are listening when he is talking about the sport he loves.

Tickets to a Sporting Event


First off, automatic brownie points. Your guy will think you are the most amazing women in the world your brother will say you are cool and your father will be thankful for getting him out of the house. This is also a great way for bonding and maybe you will learn to love the sport too. If he isn't into sports get tickets to a concert instead.
Since you normally don't wrap tickets up in a big box with a bow put together a scavenger hunt with fun clues and random hiding spots.

Self Made Calendar


This is mainly for the special man in your life; your boyfriend, fiance or husband. Select twelve of your favorite pictures of you and your guy or just of you. If you don't have a calendar application on your computer Walgreens, CVS and photo specialty stores can help you out. Mark special dates such as your anniversary, birthdays and romantics moments. This way he won't forget your anniversary, if you have one, or any other special day you have together. It may seem cheesy but hey, he will think of you everything he uses it. My fiance thinks this is a wonderful, unique gift.


A Replacement T-Shirt


Every guy out there has a shirt that has seen better days. Like that shirt a dad wears from when he played college baseball or your brother's rock T with stains all over it. Maybe it's time to replace that T-shirt. You know what you are looking for all you have to do is find it. Go on their alma college website, favorite rock band or movie fan page, sports team official site or whatever it is you are trying to find. This gift is simple and will show that you notice what their favorite thing is.


Infused Vodka

As long as he's of age and his choice of liquor is vodka . What you need for this is: 1 liter of vodka, glass bottles with tight seals, like Fishs Eddy Spice bottles, and flavorings. Spilt the vodka into the bottles, depending on how many flavorings you want to infuse it with. Add your chosen flavorings into the bottles. I like lemon, pineapple, vanilla and seeded jalapeno. Refrigerate the flavored vodka until it reaches the desired infusion level. It takes 3 days to a week to do so. Remove the flavorings after 1 week. Keep the vodka refrigerated for up to 2 months. Tie festive ribbon around the necks of the bottles for gift presentation.

A Building Model


This is great for newly retired fathers or husbands itching for something to do. At arts and crafts stores there are many models to chose from. Pick a model that will spark his interest like a boat for the beach lover. This will give them motivation to build it. When he finishes it and doesn't want to keep it then donate it to a school's architectural class.

If the guy you are shopping for is a really difficult one, have him make a list of 5 or more items he wants and choose one or more gifts to buy him.

Gifts for Mothers, Sisters and Friends

Right now saving money is the new black. Here are some gift ideas for the girls.

Mini Perfume Set

Sephora has a Deluxe Perfume Sampler for Her. Right now it's $50 with a value of $94! It has scents from Michael Kors to Harajuku Lovers. Dolce and Gabbana has a collection of five of it's scents at Ulta for $65.

Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Urban Outfitters has a great selection of neat jewelry, headbands, clutches and hats. Almost everything is under $50! Check out your local consignment shops for vintage inspired and genuine vintage jewelry. Most of the time you can bargain.


Apron

Anthropologie has very unique aprons that fit everyone's personality. If you want to be more personal make an apron yourself. Get all your supplies at an arts and crafts store. Use stamps, puff paint, paint pens, iron on prints or trimmings to create whatever look you want. Make sure the gift receiver likes to cook!

Monogrammed Journal

This is a do it yourself and it's really easy. Buy a journal at a bookstore; a simple one if you want to decorate it entirely. Measure the width of the page side of the journal. Buy letter stamps according to the width of the journal and whatever colored ink pads you desire. Making sure it is closed tight stamp the letters along the outside of the pages in the order of the person's initials. Wait for it to dry then stamp the initials in the inside on the first page. If you want write a inspiring quote or note underneath for a more personal touch.

Scrapbook

Mother's especially love a gift like this. It shows that you put thought into it and is sentimental. You are free to decorate and embellish as much as you want. Choose pictures that you know whoever your giving the scrapbook to will love. At the arts and crafts store you will have a lot to choose from. Stickers, rub on transfers, stencils, cardstock and embellishments are all great for decorating!

Yummy Thanksgiving Recipes

Pumpkin Pie with Maple Sweetener

Serves 8Hands-On Time: 10mTotal Time: 3hr 30m

Ingredients

• Basic Flaky Piecrust
• or 1 store-bought piecrust, fitted into a 9-inch pie plate
• 2 large eggs
• 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the lowest position and heat oven to 350º F. Place the pie plate on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the crust and bake until the center is set, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

Thyme Infused Gravy 

 

Serves 6-8Hands-On Time: 30mTotal Time: 30m

Ingredients

• pan drippings from Classic Roast Turkey
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• kosher salt and pepper
• 12 sprigs thyme

Directions

1. Strain the pan drippings into a fat separator or large measuring cup. Let stand for 10 minutes. Skim and discard the fat from the surface.
2. Place the empty roasting pan over 2 burners over medium-high heat. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes, stirring and scraping to dissolve any bits stuck to the pan. Remove from heat and pour into the cup with the pan juices.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Still stirring, slowly add the broth, then the reserved pan juices and the thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Remove and discard the thyme and stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Cherry and Italian Sausage Dressing

Serves 8-10Hands-On Time: 30mTotal Time: 1hr 45m

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 6 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes and toasted (10 cups)
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 3/4 pound Italian sausage, casings removed, cooked, and crumbled
• 3/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 14.5-ounce cans chicken broth

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onions and cook until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. In a large bowl or pan, combine the celery and onions with the bread, cherries, sausage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the broth and stir until well combined.
3. Using a large spoon, loosely stuff the mixture into the turkey just before roasting. Cover and bake any unused stuffing in a 325° F oven for 1 hour; uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. Serve warm.

Rosemary Corn Bread

Serves 24Hands-On Time: 10mTotal Time: 35m

Ingredients

• 2 8 1/2-ounce boxes corn-bread mix
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 8-ounce container plain yogurt
• 2 7-ounce cans whole-kernel corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400º F. Lightly coat a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. 
2. Stir all the ingredients together. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake 25 minutes or just until golden. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
4. When cool, cut lengthwise into 3 strips and then crosswise into quarters. Cut each square into 2 triangles. (The corn bread can be made ahead to this point. Remove from pan, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.) To serve, thaw and reheat in the foil in a 325º F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Cranberry-Mint Sauce

 

Serves 8Hands-On Time: 10mTotal Time: 2hr 10m

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen), washed and picked over
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar
• 5 ounces mint jelly (1/2 a 10-ounce jar)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring the cranberries, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar to a simmer. Stir briefly to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to burst, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the jelly; let cool.
2. Taste and, if desired, stir in additional sugar. Transfer to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours and up to 5 days. Serve cold.