Homemade Coffee Creamer

My new go-to place for all things crafty and frugal is Pinterest. A little while back I came across a recipe for homemade coffee creamer and fell in love. Immediately I knew it was the prefect gift for my sweet, coffee-fanatic friend, Emily.








This is the blog where the recipe originated, but I'll re-type it here for your convenience. :)

14 oz milk
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (the large can)
2 tsp vanilla
1 quart mason jar

Combine all the ingredients in the mason jar and shake vigorously. You're done!

Here are a few benefits of this recipe:

-You know EXACTLY what's in it! No artificial chemicals or ingredients you can't pronounce.

-It's convenient to pour straight from the mason jar-- no mess!

-It's cheaper!

-Even if you are not a coffee drinker, this recipe is perfect if you have company that does drink coffee. When the leave, just send the jar home with them!

-You can make different flavors! I plan to try hazelnut and peppermint. :)

Enjoy!

Christmas: Day 9

Merry Christmas!! Today, I am thankful for a wonderful Savior who came to earth to die for the sins of men. Without Him there would be absolutely no hope in this world, but what a comfort to know that He loves so much that He was willing to live a lowly life so that I can live victoriously. What a Savior!

Christmas: Day 8

Today I am thankful for Amazing Grace. The grace that is given at the time of salvation continues every day of our Christian life. The Lord is so faithful to give us what we don't deserve. This week, especially, I am so humbled by the generosity shown our family. The Lord had used so many people to be a blessing and we are so grateful for the Grace He has shown.

This year (and every other time, too) I can give the Lord my attitude... and boy, do I need to!! No matter the situation, I want to have an attitude pleasing to the Lord. It sure is hard sometimes. Often we feel justified to have a bad attitude... that we have a ugly to be upset or angry at the circumstances. We war against our flesh constantly, and a consistently good attitude is a struggle for me. BUT His Amazing Grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness so He can be glorified.

Christmas: Day 7

Today (actually yesterday) I am thankful for the Mother that the Lord has given me. I love to reminisce of childhood Christmases, especially all of the traditions we established growing up. My most favorite of all is the tradition of making treats and delivering them to friends and family on Christmas Eve and looking at Christmas lights on the way. We've made this tradition our own with our children and I hope it will be a dear part of their Christmases, too. My mom was so patient with all four of us... homeschooling us, raising us, refereeing us, and all of those "mom" duties. I constantly refer to her example as I strive to raise my children for the Lord.

This Christmas I am focusing on giving the Lord my Mind. Thinking of a gift the Lord has given me and then something I can give to him has really focused my Mind during this busy time. Even if I don't get it posted here each day, I am constantly thinking of it throughout the day. I pray that this will continue throughout the year, as well.

The last two days have been filled with baking for our Christmas goodie boxes. This year's contents are:

Martha Washingtons (if you're family, you'll understand completely).
Pumpkin cookies (Mamaw's recipe)
Chocolate Chip Cookies ( Mom's award-winning recipe)
Divinity
Peppermint Bark
Peanut Butter Fudge (Mom's recipe, but can anyone really make it like mom?)

Best Upholstery Cleaner Ever

When we moved to Maine last year my in-laws gave us their tan suede couch. Since then, my children have been less than friendly to it. I've cleaned it multiple times with variable success. Finally it got to the point that no matter how much I scrubbed, it would not come clean. So out came the couch cover.

Then a few weeks ago, my son somehow came across a red Sharpie marker and drew all over the arm of the couch while I was on the phone. I was mortified and immediately turned to my best friend in these situations: Google. The best suggestion seemed to be rubbing alcohol and a wet cloth. By the time I finished scrubbing the arm looked brand-new!

So I finally took the time to do the whole couch yesterday, and it looks 100% better! (It works best if you put it in a spray bottle.) Forget all those expensive upholstery cleaners with all the chemicals... just grab a bottle of rubbing alcohol for $1 and start scrubbing!

Christmas: Day 6

Today I am thank the Lord for giving Truth. In a day when there is so much evil and corruptness in the world, what a reassurance to know that there is a right and true way to live. God's Word is the only source of absolute Truth available. The more we study it, the more we understand Truth.

This Christmas, I can give the Lord my Trust. Honestly, this can sometimes be the hardest to give especially when we can't understand what His plan entails. As women, we need security on our lives and that makes it even harder for us to trust without seeing. Thankfully, we know that all things will work together for good if we love the Lord and desire to serve Him. (Romans 8:28)

Christmas: Day 5

Today, plain and simply, I'm thankful that the Lord gave us Snow this week. For years growing up in Texas, I would pray for a White Christmas... the closest we got was a white Easter! So moving to Maine I assumed we'd always have a White Christmas. Last week it rained and melted all the snow! Therefore, I am thankful that the Lord gave us a little snow right before Christmas.

The past few weeks, the Lord has really opened my eyes anew to Study. It's often hard to find time to really dig deep into God's Word, but there are some really amazing truths just waiting to be discovered. This Christmas I am excited to really Study the Bible and see for myself what God has to say.