Mommyship

Amish Caramel Corn

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on January 3, 2010 at 9:23 am {no comments}

Boiling caramel

On Christmas’s past, I have packaged what I have officially named “Amish Caramel Corn” for my loved ones. I love this recipe because it is easy to make, ships well in the mail, and is by far the best tasting caramel corn I have ever tasted. I have received nothing but rave reviews from those who have been graced by its presence. The original recipe came from allrecipes.com – a site that I visit often for their multitude of recipes paired with reviews. I do wish they would include more photos of the cooking process. I am not an experienced cook and rely on pictures. For that reason, I have included pictures of each step. I do need to warn you…once you take a bite of this luscious treat, you will not be able to step away!

Light and foamy caramel

Ingredients

7 quarts plain popped popcorn *I used popping corn and popped it on the stove top. This fresh popcorn makes a huge difference in the taste.
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel corn

Directions

Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
Tubs from Walmart
Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don’t worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.
Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

Happy Holidays?

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 12, 2008 at 5:36 pm {no comments}

This time of the year is supposed to be a joyous time. Christmas music plays on the radio and in the stores. People seem to try small acts of patience, for they know that this is the season in which it should be shown. For many people this year, it won’t be a happy holiday. The unhealthy economy has obviously taken a toll on many families. I heard on the news the other night that the workers from the local post office were reading through the “Letter’s to Santa” (they are of course working part-time for Santa this season to get all those letters read in time!) and many kids were writing to ask Santa to help their parents. Help them because they can’t afford not just Christmas gifts, but the everyday things we often take for granted. What a heart breaker. I just want to encourage all of you to dig deep this year to bless everyone, not just the people you may know. And remember, a blessing doesn’t have to be something material. It can be an act of service or just an act of kindness. After all, isn’t love the best gift of all? This is definitely the season to show what it is all about-that sweet and glorious baby Jesus! Praise God for sending him. I can’t imagine life or this world without the Father of it all…

Greeting Card

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 11, 2008 at 6:40 pm {no comments}

This Christmas, create a unique card with a personal touch. It is not as difficult as you might think! If you have your own family photo or a layout in mind, there are many tools to create your custom design online.

There are numerous online places to find or create your special holiday card. We spent some time exploring some of the best photo sharing sites, print companies, and online tools. Here are a couple we found that were easy to use and affordable. If you have some others to add or comments on the companies we have listed, please send us an email and we’ll update our list.

OverNightPrints Greeting cards

OvernightPrints has thousands of holiday greeting card templates. Begin with a template and personalize it with the simple online design tools. If you don’t see the perfect template to start with, starting from scratch is not as scary as it seems. The free online design tools allow you to add your own images, text and colors. OverNightPrints.com is one of our favorite printing services. Not only can you create your personalized and unique Christmas card to your exact specifications, you can also have OverNightPrints print and mail your cards to your mailing list. Try out their design tools and build yourself a unique Christmas card this year – It only takes a few minutes. The quality is excellent and the service is great. If you have questions, their exceptional, friendly design team will help you out.

Watch a short demo video. We created a photo Christmas card in under 5 minutes.

Video showing how to create a photo card using Overnight Prints

30% OFF ALL Greeting Cards at OvernightPrints! use code “PARTYCARDS”

VistaPrint Christmas cards

VistaPrint has hundreds of greeting card templates. In a matter of minutes you can find the perfect Christmas card and add your personal touch. If you don’t find the perfect template create your own family photo Christmas card. Once your order is placed shipping can be arranged in as little as 3 days. VistaPrint is a great affordable printing service. While you are at it check out the calendars.

30% to 60% OFF All Products

PrintingForLess Holiday cards

I did not find a great online design tool at PrintingForLess. But these folks will go the extra mile to make your order perfect. Each order is reviewed by a design expert and the proofs are then approved by you. If you already have a design in a high quality format this could be a good option for you. Create your personal greeting card using your graphics program and place your order. The design team will help you along the way and you might improve your design skills during the process.

Get $50 off your 1st order over $100! Use coupon code MC5008.

Shutterfly Photo Holiday cards

If you have a couple holiday photos you would like to use on your family Christmas Card, then Shutterfly is another great option. At shutterfly.com there are several greeting card templates that are designed so you can just insert some of your own personal photos. You can also get a Free Card to make sure you card is what you really want.

Watch a short demo video. We created a card in under 5 minutes (from registration to completion).

Video showing how to create a photo card using Shutterfly

Have you come to the realization that you are not a professional photographer? If this is a problem for you, shutterfly.com has many images you can use to create the perfect Christmas card.

Holiday Shipping Made Easy

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 4, 2008 at 6:36 pm {no comments}

With Christmas fast approaching, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of people out and about all trying to accomplish the same goal. If you are like me (my relatives can vouch for me here), I DESPISE the act of going to the post office to mail packages! Much to my dismay, my packages are always late for birthdays and holidays. I have recently discovered a way to avoid having to even go to the post office-yeah! Thank goodness for the internet, because now I can even ship things online. Well, sort of. By visiting the United States Postal Service website, anyone can order packing and shipping materials AND schedule a pick-up from the post office! To get started, follow these steps:

Go to www.usps.com
Under “Order Supplies” , click on the blue button that reads “Stock Up On Supplies”
Select the category you wish to order (I order “flat rate” because you can stuff the box for one rate.)
Choose your item (I order “Priority Mail Box Flat Rate” because it is a reasonable size to fit a lot of goodies.)
Under “Items”, choose how many you would like-10 or 25 boxes.
Select quantity (ex. “1″ pack of 10 boxes).
Click “order”.
You should see your order and that you are not being charged for it. From here, you can continue to checkout or shop.
When you are ready to checkout, you will have to set up and online user name and password through the postal service.
Once you set up your account, your information will be saved for future purchases. Don’t forget to tip your postal worker this Christmas for all of his/her hard work!

The postal service website also allows you to print your own shipping labels and pay online for the postage (in order to weigh items, I use my little kitchen scale). You can then schedule a pick-up from the postal service in your area. Don’t forget that you MUST have the appropriate lables and postage already on the box in order for it to be pick-up directly from your home. You can schedule pick-ups in most areas up to 3 months in advance! Be sure to check the postal servide website for specific weight guidelines. Some items, even if you are using a flat rate box, have to be carried into your local post office to be processed there. Overall, this is a great service that is at no extra cost and “virtually” hassle free.

Top Ten Christian Gifts

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 2, 2008 at 5:37 pm {no comments}

Since Christmas is a holiday to celebrate the birth of our Savior, giving a Christian Christmas gift is a personal way to recognize the reason for the season. Here are the “Top 10 Christian Gifts” to give your loved ones this season. I have included a link for each item to make shopping a breeze. Just click and order online. Many of these companies are offering discounts and specials on shipping to earn your business. Happy shopping!

A Bible
- This is a great gift for everyone, especially for those who may have recently had their faith tested. There are so many different types of Bibles available. Those with daily devotionals , for leaders , for women , for Bible study …the list goes on. You can find a thorough inventory here.
A Good Book
- There are several best sellers out right now. One Christian book that is gaining much recognition is The Shack by William P. Young. You can find a complete list of my Top 10 Christian Books based on the current best sellers as well as the Top 10 Christian Books for Women and the Top 10 Christian Books for Children.
An Audio Version of a Good Book
- Christian audio books are becoming very popular. They allow a person to listen to their favorite book and even the Bible while driving or completing chores. These are a great idea and make the perfect gift for Christmas. Not sure which audio book to purchase? Companies like Booksfree.com offer an unlimited monthly rental of their inventory of audio books. Just pick-up a gift membership-your receipient is sure to be wowed!
A Christian Music CD
- Who doesn’t love a good CD? These obviously make good stocking stuffers. There are many worship CD’s’ that offer a mix of Christian songs. I particularly enjoy the CD’s that are made up of various Christian Christmas songs from different artists.
A Christian Movie
- Many people do not realize that some movies that have been popular within the secular movie scene actually have a Christian connection. For example, The Chronicles of Narnia was originally written by C.S. Lewis who was a Christian apologist (defender of Christianity). So, a wholesome family movie will fulfill the gift requirements for the little ones on your list as well!
A Magazine Subscription
- I love getting magazine subscriptions-they are the gift that keeps on giving! You can find a large inventory at MagsForLess . Don’t forget to put a note in with your gift so the recepient knows that he/she is getting a whole year of the their favorite magazine-what a treat!
Jewelry
- A cross necklace, a scripture band, cuff links, or earrings.
A Painting with a Scripture Verse
A Gift Card
A Cross

Unique Christmas Gifts

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 2, 2008 at 5:36 pm {no comments}

My husband recently shared a website with me that offers some really unique Christmas gifts. The site is called cafepress.com. You are sure to find a gift for those people on your list that are always hard to buy for. I especially like the canvas tote bags. Each bag comes with a funny quote or creative design on it. There are many that would be perfect for all of those hard working teachers, speech pathologists, and assistants that care for our children each day. I have included some of my favorites. The site also offers ornaments, stationary, calendars, clocks, t-shirts…again, all with a special touch of design! Order from the site and have your special gift shipped directly. Happy shopping!

Christmas Classics

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on December 1, 2008 at 5:37 pm {no comments}

When I was a child, there were a handful of Christmas movies that my brother and I loved to watch year after year. That tradition is one that I have now carried on into my adult life. Here is a holiday list of some of my favorites as well as some of the most popular Christmas movies available. In case you don’t already have some of these beloved Christmas Classics, I have provided a links for easy shopping. I have found Walmart to be one of the most inexpensive places to purchase Christmas DVD’s.

Wal-Mart – Movies

Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
A Christmas Story
Elf
Classic Christmas Favorites
Christmas Vacation
A Charlie Brown Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Christmas Carol
Miracle on 34th Street
It’s a Wonderful Life
Vintage Christmas Classics
The Christmas Star
The Christmas Child
Pink Panther: A Pink Christmas
Little House on the Prairie: Christmas at Plum Creek/A Christmas They Never Forgot

You will find some great holiday DVD sets that include a variety of holidays favorites in one collection! Don’t forget how great DVD’s make as stocking stuffers! Children and Family-Holidays-

Top 50 Holiday Gift Cards

Filed under Deanna's Blog by deanna on November 29, 2008 at 6:37 pm {no comments}

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift this season? Look no further! Gift cards are actually one of the most desired Christmas gifts. They are also easy to purchase and cost less to ship than a typical wrapped gift. Plus, the recipient can choose store items specific to his/her needs without having to worry with the guilt and the hassle of returning any unwanted items. So, here is the Top 50 Holiday Gift Cards to send your loved ones this season. Just click on the perfect gift card you want to purchase and ship from any of the vendors listed. Happy shopping!

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