15 hours ago
Showing posts with label Giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giveaways. Show all posts
Specifically this morning I am trying to sort out my plans for this blog. I haven't been posting as much as I want to this month, partly because my brain has been so full of all the thoughts I didn't have time to think when I was on Instagram so much, and also because I am trying to sort out what kind of things to share here.
For the past few years I had developed pretty distinct boundaries for what type of thing I would share on social media, and what type of thing was more "worthy" of this blog...but now that I am not on Instagram, I am trying to figure out what kind of content I should migrate to my blog (and how), and what kind of content I should just let go.
How often should I post? Are short posts frustrating for blog readers, or would you all like more frequent updates? How much should I share of my daily life on this blog, and how many posts should still be topic-focused?
It's a lot to think about, figuring out how to make my ideas interesting for this medium again.
So all that to say, if you are a regular reader of this blog, I would really appreciate if you would give me an idea of what kind of posts you would be interested in seeing here. I need a little guidance on where to put my efforts going forward, and how best to still connect with my online buddies without the immediacy of Instagram. Would you mind out filling out the survey below? Or you can click here.
(I even decided to through a good old-fashioned blog giveaway in the end, just because - remember when bloggers used to host their own small giveaways? Those were fun times. Make sure to scroll all the way down in the survey box to enter your email!)
Thank you so much, friends - I appreciate you! I hope you all have been having a good week!
Make sure you scrolled all the way down and entered your email for the chance to win a book!
Fall is upon us, my friends! For our little family, that means squeezing in as much fun as we can in these last couple weeks before we add another little one to our family! And what is more fun for the fall than eating lots of autumn-flavored goodies?
Today I have for you one fall fudge recipe, one fall children's book, and two giveaways! Throw in some candles and cool weather, and you have a perfect early fall afternoon!
In the late fall of 2008 I was a newlywed, and as the holidays approached I was determined to find some new recipes to try for Christmas - recipes that could be "mine" and would become a tradition for our then family of two. That was when I found a caramel fudge recipe that has become the bane of my fudge-making existence.
The first time I made it, it was a success. It was the perfect texture, the perfect taste, and we loved it! I was excited that I found such cool recipe.
Every time I have attempted to make it since then, it has been a colossal failure. It usually ends up being a plate of sticky goo that never sets. I have made it so many times, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong! I don't even want to know how much sugar, milk, and corn syrup I have wasted trying to replicate that first plate of caramel-y goodness.
However, I think I have finally figured out a way to use my plates of sticky goo! The other day I was in the mood for some caramel popcorn, the kind that is a little more chewy, less crunchy. After a little experiment, I stumbled upon a yummy concoction!
This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn uses that caramel fudge recipe with some adjustments. And despite my caramel fudge always turning out spectacularly wrong, this popcorn turned out great!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn
1 bag of popcorn, popped (either plain or buttered is fine)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 whole milk
1/8 cup (ie. 1/2 stick) margarine, melted
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
For the pumpkin spice mixture:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1. Pop the bag of popcorn in a microwave, then pour into a greased bowl or dish. Set aside.
2. Mix together the ingredients for the pumpkin spice mixture. Set aside.
2. Brown 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan. (If you don't know how to brown sugar - just let it sit on the heat until it melts. Make sure it doesn't burn.)
3. Slowly add in the milk. The sugar will sizzle and harden into a lump ( I haven't figured out a way to avoid this). Don't freak out. Just keep stirring while the caramel cooks to encourage it to dissolve.
4. Add the margarine, 1 cup of the sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium high heat until mixture gets to soft ball stage. (The soft ball stage is when you put a little of the mixture into cold water, and it solidifies to the point where you could form a soft ball with it if you wanted to.)
5. Remove from heat and beat mixture until cool. Add three tablespoons of the pumpkin spice mixture to the caramel mixture and mix well.
6. Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix to coat the popcorn. Sprinkle the remaining pumpkin spice mixture over the popcorn.
And that is it! This popcorn has a great, fall-ish taste to it. It would be perfect to much on while reading a book to your kiddos. Or you could bring the popcorn along as a snack for some of your favorite fall activities (corn maze, anyone?).
What are some of your favorite fall snacks?
---
Speaking of fall activities, I am also on the Tommy Nelson blog today talking about some ways to use fall fun to talk to your kiddos about the Lord. I'd love for you to stop over there and say "hi"! I'm also happy to say that Tommy Nelson is giving one of you a copy of "It Will Be Okay" by Lysa Terkeurst, which I reviewed earlier this month - it's an adorable kids' book, and perfect for fall. Enter below!
The first time I made it, it was a success. It was the perfect texture, the perfect taste, and we loved it! I was excited that I found such cool recipe.
Every time I have attempted to make it since then, it has been a colossal failure. It usually ends up being a plate of sticky goo that never sets. I have made it so many times, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong! I don't even want to know how much sugar, milk, and corn syrup I have wasted trying to replicate that first plate of caramel-y goodness.
However, I think I have finally figured out a way to use my plates of sticky goo! The other day I was in the mood for some caramel popcorn, the kind that is a little more chewy, less crunchy. After a little experiment, I stumbled upon a yummy concoction!
This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn uses that caramel fudge recipe with some adjustments. And despite my caramel fudge always turning out spectacularly wrong, this popcorn turned out great!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn
1 bag of popcorn, popped (either plain or buttered is fine)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 whole milk
1/8 cup (ie. 1/2 stick) margarine, melted
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
For the pumpkin spice mixture:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1. Pop the bag of popcorn in a microwave, then pour into a greased bowl or dish. Set aside.
2. Mix together the ingredients for the pumpkin spice mixture. Set aside.
2. Brown 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan. (If you don't know how to brown sugar - just let it sit on the heat until it melts. Make sure it doesn't burn.)
3. Slowly add in the milk. The sugar will sizzle and harden into a lump ( I haven't figured out a way to avoid this). Don't freak out. Just keep stirring while the caramel cooks to encourage it to dissolve.
4. Add the margarine, 1 cup of the sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium high heat until mixture gets to soft ball stage. (The soft ball stage is when you put a little of the mixture into cold water, and it solidifies to the point where you could form a soft ball with it if you wanted to.)
5. Remove from heat and beat mixture until cool. Add three tablespoons of the pumpkin spice mixture to the caramel mixture and mix well.
6. Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix to coat the popcorn. Sprinkle the remaining pumpkin spice mixture over the popcorn.
And that is it! This popcorn has a great, fall-ish taste to it. It would be perfect to much on while reading a book to your kiddos. Or you could bring the popcorn along as a snack for some of your favorite fall activities (corn maze, anyone?).
What are some of your favorite fall snacks?
---
Speaking of fall activities, I am also on the Tommy Nelson blog today talking about some ways to use fall fun to talk to your kiddos about the Lord. I'd love for you to stop over there and say "hi"! I'm also happy to say that Tommy Nelson is giving one of you a copy of "It Will Be Okay" by Lysa Terkeurst, which I reviewed earlier this month - it's an adorable kids' book, and perfect for fall. Enter below!
When I was 18, I spent a summer as a counselor at a local Christian camp. I could probably write a whole different post with stories of that experience, but there is one conversation I remember vividly.
I had thought I was done with being a counselor for the summer, since I had to prepare for starting hygiene college in a few weeks, but I had this feeling that I should go back just one more week. I ended up being a co-counselor with a girl named Lindsey - and it was a good thing I went back that week, because Lindsey came down with an awful sickness and spent most of the week in bed, so I was able to take over counselor duties for our girls. On the last night of the week, Lindsey was feeling better. As the girls slept in our teepee (we all slept in teepees - it is a really cool camp), Lindsey and I stayed up late talking. In the darkness, Lindsey asked me "If you could do one thing before you die, what would it be?"
And without really thinking about it or knowing what I would say, the words just came out. I whispered back, "I would like to adopt a child." Through those weeks of spending so much time with these girls, I realized I could indeed love a child who was not biologically mine.
Ever since then I have had an internal passion for adoption - but it is hard to put it into words most times, because it is clear that our family is not being called to adopt a child. At least not right now.
However, over the years I have realized that even though we are not in a place where we can adopt a child ourselves, that doesn't mean that I can't still support adoption. The truth is that if you believe in Jesus, you are called to care for orphans. That may look differently for different families, but we are all supposed to do it.
There are a few ways to support adoption even when you don't adopt a child yourself, and I listed a few ideas below.
1. Be excited for those who are adopting. You have to realize that this is a big deal for families that choose to follow God's call by adopting a child. This is a brand-new member of their family that is being added! It's just as big a deal as if they announced they were pregnant. People often spend more time wondering why they are adopting, or thinking "I could never do that", than being excited about their friend's new child. That is a pity. I think a little excitement can go a long way in encouraging the hearts of those who are adopting. If you want to go all out, consider throwing them a baby/new child shower!
2. Donate money or hold a fundraiser for a friend who is adopting. Obviously donating directly is a huge blessing to friends who might be adopting! Adoption is extremely expensive, and helping financially is a really practical way to get involved. If you are comfortable, ask your friend if you can contribute to their adoption fund. There are also many ways to hold a fundraiser if you are organized enough to do it. I have had friends who did some "spring cleaning" and held a garage sale, then donated all the money they earned to their friend's adoption. Online auctions for donated items, or giveaways where donations earn entries are also good options.
3. Pray for those you know who are adopting. Pray that the process would go smoothly, for financial provision, that their wait would be short, and that the Lord would prepare them and their child for the moment they are matched. Then pray for final legal details to go through without a hitch!
4. Find an organization to support. If you don't know anyone personally who is adopting, you can still support adoption by finding an organization that supports adoption and supporting them. I am a Focus On The Family fan, so I would point you there first. I know you can call 1-800-A-FAMILY and ask to specifically donate to help children in foster care find a permanent family - you can even become a regular donor for that specific cause if you would like! Or find an adoption agency near you and see if there is a way you can donate or help.
As Christians, adoption should be important to us, because God adopted us as His sons and daughters! Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, and as a result we are called His children. He is a Father to the fatherless - adoption is the heart of our Heavenly Father, and it should be in our hearts too. I so admire those who follow God's example and adopt those children who are in desperate need of a family - what a beautiful picture of what God has done for us.
I hope you find a way to support adoption, and that these ideas help! If any of you have any more ideas or resources, I'd love it if you would share below!
Note: If you would like to help a wonderful family with their adoption, please check out this amazing giveaway on Natalie's blog, She Builds Her Home! Some of you may remember Natalie from her last blog, Extraordinary Love. I started reading Natalie's blog several years ago, and I am so excited and proud of her and her family for answering the Lord's call to "care for orphans . . . in their distress" (James 1:27). So for a chance to donate to place a child with this wonderful family, and for a chance to win some great prizes, check out her giveaway here!
I had thought I was done with being a counselor for the summer, since I had to prepare for starting hygiene college in a few weeks, but I had this feeling that I should go back just one more week. I ended up being a co-counselor with a girl named Lindsey - and it was a good thing I went back that week, because Lindsey came down with an awful sickness and spent most of the week in bed, so I was able to take over counselor duties for our girls. On the last night of the week, Lindsey was feeling better. As the girls slept in our teepee (we all slept in teepees - it is a really cool camp), Lindsey and I stayed up late talking. In the darkness, Lindsey asked me "If you could do one thing before you die, what would it be?"
And without really thinking about it or knowing what I would say, the words just came out. I whispered back, "I would like to adopt a child." Through those weeks of spending so much time with these girls, I realized I could indeed love a child who was not biologically mine.
Ever since then I have had an internal passion for adoption - but it is hard to put it into words most times, because it is clear that our family is not being called to adopt a child. At least not right now.
However, over the years I have realized that even though we are not in a place where we can adopt a child ourselves, that doesn't mean that I can't still support adoption. The truth is that if you believe in Jesus, you are called to care for orphans. That may look differently for different families, but we are all supposed to do it.
There are a few ways to support adoption even when you don't adopt a child yourself, and I listed a few ideas below.
1. Be excited for those who are adopting. You have to realize that this is a big deal for families that choose to follow God's call by adopting a child. This is a brand-new member of their family that is being added! It's just as big a deal as if they announced they were pregnant. People often spend more time wondering why they are adopting, or thinking "I could never do that", than being excited about their friend's new child. That is a pity. I think a little excitement can go a long way in encouraging the hearts of those who are adopting. If you want to go all out, consider throwing them a baby/new child shower!
2. Donate money or hold a fundraiser for a friend who is adopting. Obviously donating directly is a huge blessing to friends who might be adopting! Adoption is extremely expensive, and helping financially is a really practical way to get involved. If you are comfortable, ask your friend if you can contribute to their adoption fund. There are also many ways to hold a fundraiser if you are organized enough to do it. I have had friends who did some "spring cleaning" and held a garage sale, then donated all the money they earned to their friend's adoption. Online auctions for donated items, or giveaways where donations earn entries are also good options.
3. Pray for those you know who are adopting. Pray that the process would go smoothly, for financial provision, that their wait would be short, and that the Lord would prepare them and their child for the moment they are matched. Then pray for final legal details to go through without a hitch!
4. Find an organization to support. If you don't know anyone personally who is adopting, you can still support adoption by finding an organization that supports adoption and supporting them. I am a Focus On The Family fan, so I would point you there first. I know you can call 1-800-A-FAMILY and ask to specifically donate to help children in foster care find a permanent family - you can even become a regular donor for that specific cause if you would like! Or find an adoption agency near you and see if there is a way you can donate or help.
As Christians, adoption should be important to us, because God adopted us as His sons and daughters! Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, and as a result we are called His children. He is a Father to the fatherless - adoption is the heart of our Heavenly Father, and it should be in our hearts too. I so admire those who follow God's example and adopt those children who are in desperate need of a family - what a beautiful picture of what God has done for us.
I hope you find a way to support adoption, and that these ideas help! If any of you have any more ideas or resources, I'd love it if you would share below!
Note: If you would like to help a wonderful family with their adoption, please check out this amazing giveaway on Natalie's blog, She Builds Her Home! Some of you may remember Natalie from her last blog, Extraordinary Love. I started reading Natalie's blog several years ago, and I am so excited and proud of her and her family for answering the Lord's call to "care for orphans . . . in their distress" (James 1:27). So for a chance to donate to place a child with this wonderful family, and for a chance to win some great prizes, check out her giveaway here!
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