Gift Wrapping on Pennies

I always love when something costs almost nothing. Costing nothing is better, but that doesn't usually happen. ;)

I also love giving a gift that is beautifully wrapped. It shows that the person giving cares. It is a way of showing love, in a way.

So, putting two loves together.... Gift Wrapping on Pennies.

Showing that you care without it costing you much.

For these first couple I used white paper left over from some packaging and some ribbon scraps. Things I saved and and didn't cost me a thing!!!

And then, there are brown paper bags. My absolute favorite way to wrap anything. And they are really cheap as well. I love their versatility.

There are two sizes you can get at Dollarama. The larger ones are 2 for a $1.00. The smaller ones are 3 for $1.00. 

You can also get them at Micheals, but they are 13 for $10.00.... so a bit more expensive and they only come in one size

This wrapping paper is super thick and cheaper than the dollar store stuff!!! I love it!! :) Here I used it with a couple of cookies wrapped in plastic wrap. 

This next one wasn't my idea. I bought some amazing, organic, all natural deodorant and moisturizer at a trade show from the ladies at Burlap and Lace. I love how they package their products!! so cute!! :)

And here is the same paper again. This time paired with my favorite twine.

Gift Giving: Toiletry Bag

It was my sisters’ birthdays last weekend, and one of them didn’t have a toiletry bag… and I had happened to have some extra fabric and cosmetic bags…

Well… I can always use extra fabric in some way or another, right? ;)

I used some lovely eggplant-colored cotton twill, some light grey broadcloth and a pretty white marbled button. In half an hour I had a gift worthy of giving and worthy of using.

I had a clear bag with shampoo bottles and such from an Aloette meeting and a small grey and white dotted cosmetic bag from the dollar store.

Bag with bottles - $2.50

Cosmetic bag - $1.00

Fabric and button – Free

Total: $3.50

 

Book Review: What He Must Be: ...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter

I recently read a book that my mom got out of our local homeschool group library. This book is entitled What He Must Be: ...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter written by Voddi Baucham Jr.

Voddie Baucham is a minister from the US who is passionate about the word of God and the family. He speaks all over the place about those topics and how they relate to life, including homeschooling. He spoke at the last large Homeschooling Convention in Hamilton and was a well-loved speaker there. I hadn't heard of him until last spring... and then I found this book.

Well... you can probably guess what it is about by the title. It is about boys, men. It is about what they should be if they are going to get married, love their wife and lead their family. It is about about the qualities God commands every man to posses; headship and leadership, a focus on Christ, diligent, loving, caring, holding women and children in the highest respect and so on....

But, it is more than that. It is a plea for fathers to teach their sons. A plea for fathers to protect their daughters. A plea for daughters to honor their father and to keep their standards high. It is convicting and biblical. Baucham never makes an argument unless it is grounded firmly in scripture. The book is thoroughly filled with scripture. I think that is one of the reasons why I love it so much -every idea is based on the word and command of God.

I want everyone to read this book. I think my mom got this book for my dad to read. But it is for everyone, including dads. Girls, read this book to learn what kind of man God desires you to marry. Guys, read this book to learn what God requires of you if you want to marry the girl that you love, and what you should be looking for in a girl. Dads, read this book and protect your daughters. Don't let them go out there on their own and get hurt. Read this and learn how you should be guiding your daughters. Don't go overboard and choose their man for them, not guide, help and support them.

Once you have read this book, let me know what you think about it!!! :) I want to know!!!

Bacon Potato Chowder

This recipe is from Jacinda at the Growing Home Blog. She share it at Raising Homemakers a while ago. This is the best soup for any cold winter/fall day!!! And it is really easy and yummy too!!!

And I can't take credit for the picture. I forgot to take pictures of mine. :S

Bacon Potato Chowder

Ingredients: 

12 bacon strips, diced

2 medium onions, chopped

6 celery ribs, sliced

12 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/3 cup butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk

5 cups water

2 medium carrots, shredded

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towel. Drain grease, reserving 3 tablespoons of drippings. Sauté onions and celery in the reserved drippings until tender; drain.

Meanwhile, bring potatoes to a boil in and cook for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Add onion mixture, potatoes, carrots, bacon, salt and pepper and bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring. Cook for 10 minutes or until heated through.

*I followed the recipe until the end... where I added only 4 cups of water instead of 5. I ran out of room in my pan so I thought I would try it and add more later if I needed too. It was probably a bit thicker than originally intended, but I love thick soup, so that didn’t matter to me!! :)

Also, this is a pretty big recipe. If you only have a couple of people to feed I would suggest cutting it in half. :)

Thankful

I know it isn't thanksgiving yet, but I am thankful anyways. We are commanded to "In everything give thanks"... I think that means be thankful for the things that God has blessed you with and the situations He has placed you in, EVERY DAY of the year!!!

I am thankful for:
1) The amazing, glorious, all-powerful, all-knowing, loving, just, Fatherly, gracious, compassionate, patient, holy, awesome, Heavenly God that we serve. The God who gives life and takes life. The God who heals from both spiritual and physical sickness. The God who sent His only Son to die for our salvation. The God who is our FATHER. The God who loved us before time began. The God who we can call OUR GOD; MY GOD.
2) The sunshine. It makes my life warm, bright and happy.
3) Sisters. Today my youngest sister and I went shopping with just the two of us. We talked, laughed, got everything on the list other than a PJ shirt, because we forgot that one, and we went to Cinnabon just because it is yummy.
4) Life. God has given life to us all. This weekend a new life was born into this world to bless others and to glorify God. Praying this little lady will have a passion for Jesus Christ and His kingdom!!!!
5) Friends. Thanks for being there through thick and thin. For being there when I need a hug, for being there when I need to talk. For letting me come to your house at 9:30 at night or picking you up at 6:30 in the morning. For texting me whenever I need prayer. For listening when times are rough.
6) God's providence. Sometimes we don't understand the plan He has for out lives. Sometimes we want to see in the future. Sometimes we want to go back and re-do things. But, God has everything in control. We simply have to trust Him. Thankful that we don't have to rely on ourselves, but that God has everything under control. We would mess up continuously if we had the reigns to our lives. Praying that we will be given peace to patiently wait for God to make things clear to us.
7) Fall. I love fall. The weather. The long sleeves and cozy scarves. The savory foods. The beautiful landscapes that beg me to get my camera out.
8) The ability to care. This is something I don't have to think about. I am always wanting to serve others with my time, abilities and resources. Sometimes I wonder why I care so deeply about people, because it makes me hurt inside, but I know that God has a reason for that. Never, ever stop caring. Never stop loving others and in that way showing Christ's love to others.
9) Wisdom. Wisdom in God's word. Wisdom taught us everyday. Wisdom from friends and family who know so much more than you do!!!
10) My heritage. Thankful for growing up in a solid Christian home, a solid Christian church community. Thankful for the parents who raised me in the fear of the Lord. May I pass this heritage on to my children in the future.

What are you thankful for? I challenge you to find something to be thankful for in every situation you are in!!! :)