Candy Countdown

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CANDY COUNTDOWNS work for us!

Well, this will be the first year to totally forgo the Christmas chain countdown. I have tried to keep it as a countdown, but ever since I introduced the Hershey Kiss Tree Countdown, the chain kinda lost some popularity.

So . . . this is the first year that all of my kids have their very own candy countdown. And to make it even more special, I let them be creative. (Meaning they didn't have to do a tree shape.)

Lincoln made a wreath, Shiloh (I helped) a tree, and Mullin an ornament. No, it isn't a cherry bomb!

To make a Candy Countdown you will need:

• 24-25 pieces of wrapped candy--doesn't have to be Hershey Kisses. (I say 25 because in order to make a tree, you need 25.)
• sturdy piece of construction paper--I used Creative Memories paper which feels more like card stock
• glue--the white runny kind (not a glue stick)

What you will do:

• arrange candy pieces into desired shape--Christmas trees are my favorite. :)
• dab glue drop onto bottom of candy in wrapper and place back down on paper.
• let dry completely
• hang on fridge with magnets or hang on cork board etc.

**If you choose to create a Christmas tree, you will need 25 pieces and 8 rows of candy. First row, 1 piece, second row 2 pieces and so on, except for the last 2 rows. Last 2 rows are the base of the tree and only need 2 pieces each. (As shown in above picture. Also trees look really nice when the "star" is red, the tree part green and the base silver--but that is just my preference.)

So, obviously if you make a countdown with 25 pieces, you will have to start it on Nov. 30th instead of Dec. 1st. My kids don't seem to mind a bit!!

How do you countdown to Christmas?

***For more tips, visit We are THAT Family.

Agave Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce

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Wow, I can't believe I took a 2 week break from blogging! It was much needed, though. I find that I need breaks even from the things I love doing. I feel refreshed and am ready to post like crazy.

I will start off my return with a yummy and healthier version of homemade cranberry sauce.

I love cranberry season! Cranberries are so pretty and yummy. And to me, they aren't just for Thanksgiving. I like fixing whole cranberry sauce throughout December as well. This side dish compliments this porkloin recipe perfectly!!





Here's what you will need: 1 bag of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of organic raw Blue Agave, 1 cup of water, and 1 cinnamon stick.
Here's what you will do: Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup of Agave to a boil. Add cranberries and cinnamon stick and return to a boil. Reduce temperature to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. I like to stir occasionally, too. Pour into a nice bowl and cool until sauce reaches room temperature. Remove cinnamon stick. Store in fridge.


Mmmmm ~ my favorite way to eat cranberry sauce is warm!!!!

*You could aslo use raw honey instead of the Agave. I haven't tried this yet but plan to.

Linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

WFMW

Batter in a Bag

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I saw this tip a few weeks ago, but I can't remember from where. So, thankyou whoever you are--you made my cupcake baking so much better and less messy!

For nice, neat cupcakes (no batter spillage on the muffin tin) spoon batter into a large ziploc bag, snip one of the edges off, and fill each space by sqeezing the bag gently.

Thanks to my sweet 5 yr. old daughter for snapping this photo. :)

I really liked this tip! For more great tips visit We are THAT Family!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

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This is the pie that my brother-in-law requested during his visit. I changed it a bit this time and used heavy whipping cream instead of Cool Whip. I have been substituting with this for every recipe that calls for Cool Whip. I must say whipped cream tastes FAR better and I feel better about the ingredient list!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

• 1 6 oz. graham cracker crust
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tablespoon milk
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
• 1 cup cold milk
• 2 small packages vanilla instant pudding
• 1 16 oz. can pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

 

Beat cream cheese, 1 TBSP milk and sugar with wire whisk. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip or home made whipped cream. Spread on crust. Beat remaining ingredients with wire whisk. (It will be very thick) Spread over cream cheese layer. I store mine in the fridge for a few hours before serving.


*Linked to

Tasty Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Try a New Recipe Tuesday
Works for me Wednesday

This Time of Year

Pin It Now! This is the time of year that often leaves me feeling overwhelmed, giddy, stressed-to-the-max, thankful, HAPPY, depressed, and excited all in the same moment.

Can anyone relate?

I LOVE this time of year. And I dread this time of year.

I love Thanksgiving and pondering all the things for which I am thankful. I love the turkey, casseroles, and homemade cranberry sauce. I love family get-togethers.

And I really love Christmas! Decorating and reliving memories warms my heart. Baking makes my tummy smile, and Christmas music makes my ears smile! Candles, cinnamon, tinkling bells, pretty bows, sparkly ornaments . . . I love it all.

Sometimes I feel a bit guilty in the midst of the holiday season. The Christ child came to bring me peace, and I can become easily stressed by the little things.

I tend to stress over making sure everything is just right. I can get upset that we don't all have nice, new "Christmas-picture-worthy-clothes", or that we can't buy everyone really great Christmas gifts. The list goes on and on. I have been much better this year, though, and as soon as I felt that spirit of discontent trying to find room in my heart, I put up a fight. And I will continue to fight because the holiday season isn't about stuff!! It's about Jesus.

Father, may my home be a cheerful, peaceful place as we celebrate and remember your miraculous birth. May love and mercy lead, and help me not to stress over money, presents, decorations, treats, and so on. (All very wonderful, yet very worldly things.)