by kathilipp | Dec 8, 2014 | Christmas |
Christmas gifts for the person who is having a hard time making ends meet…
Let’s face it. This is a rough economy. There are a lot of people without jobs or who are behind on their bills. Movie tickets are fun or a gift certificate for a manicure is nice, but sometimes, practical gifts are more appreciated and necessary. What good are movie tickets if you have no gas to get to the theater? That manicure might actually stay nice for a long time when there’s no food to prepare, but well, you get the point.
Consider giving gift cards for grocery stores or all-purpose stores like Wal-Mart. How about gasoline gift cards? Or restaurant gift cards for a special Holiday meal out of the house? This enables your gift recipient to choose just what they want, which might be simply what they need.
You meet a practical need by providing food or gas or even grocery money, but you are meeting that “you-are-awesome-here’s-a-really-cool-gift” target as well.
Consider a Safeway, Publix, Kroger or Ingles Gift Card
for groceries.
Another idea is one of my favorite sites, featured on my blog before.
Grass fed beef. Yum. Practical, nutritious, delicious. You meet a practical need by providing some food, but you are meeting that “you-are-awesome-here’s-a-really-cool-gift” target as well. My favorite place to buy? Open Space Meats.
How about you? Do you have any enjoyable gifts that can also meet a need?
by kathilipp | Dec 2, 2014 | Christmas, Podcast, tips and ideas |
Do you feel your shoulders getting more and more tense as the days to Christmas tick down? Ready for a less stressful Christmas?
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Kimberlee Stokes, the author of Stress Free Holidays, walks you through her totally doable tips (hint: She got rid of her Christmas tree and makes popcorn for gifts!) to make this holiday season simple and joyful. Listen in as Kimberlee shares her ideas on how to:
- Make gifts without feeling stressed about crafting
- Save money for Christmas without sacrificing the things that matter.
- Choose which events truly matter (and which will only leave you feeling overwhelmed.
- Get rid of the clutter in your home and life to keep your stress levels down.
Listen in and get ideas to keep your holiday low-stress, plus get a free download of Kimberlee’s Candy Cane Bath Salts recipe.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Don’t miss out on this awesome Candy Cane Bath Salt recipe! Click here!
Kimberlee Stokes is the happily married mom of four teens and the owner and editor of the popular website ThePeacefulMom.com where she gives women encouragement, inspiration and practical tools to save money, get organized and enjoy life.
In her latest e-book Stress Free Holidays Kimberlee shares real ways to simplify, save money and stay sane this holiday season including a free holiday planner.
by kathilipp | Dec 2, 2014 | Uncategorized |
In January, I’m launching my new book: Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps to Simplifying Your Space and you could be a part of our launch team!
If you struggle with clutter, and want some practical and real ways to deal with it once and for all, I would love to consider you for the team. We will be 
starting great guns right after Christmas with a 21 Day project that launch team members will get a sneak peek at before the rest of the world – and of course, you’ll get the book ahead of publication as well.
We are looking for women who have some (not necessarily all) of the following:
- An active presence on social media
- A blog
- A sphere of influence (part of a MOPS group, Lead a group, Women’s Ministry Leaders, etc.)
But here are a few things we are definitely looking for:
- Women who struggle to keep their clutter under control
- Willingness to share your feedback about the book on BN.com Amazon and other retail outlets
- Participate in our 21 Days to Kicking Out Clutter in 2015
- Reading though the book for quotes and ideas to highlight in social media
- Share some before and after photos
- Willingness to cheer others on!
- Share ideas on how to spread the Clutter Free message.
If you are interested just take a moment to fill out the application below:
CLUTTER FREE LAUNCH TEAM APPLICATION
by kathilipp | Dec 1, 2014 | Christmas |
Are you looking for easy Christmas gifts for your friends and family?Our family is trying hard to be clutter-free in our Christmas giving this year. Here are a few things to consider if you’re trying to cut down on the clutter… (I’ve included the Amazon links to for ordering supplies…)
Try these ideas:
- Laundry Soap
My #1 post ever is How to Make HE Laundry Detergent (This list included Amazon links for the cheap ingredients). And my kids? They each love getting a batch. It’s cheap, easy to make, and gets your clothes really, really clean.
- Hummus Kit
If you or your gift receiver love hummus, how about a hummus kit (I’ve sent this to friends who absolutely LOVE it.)
Here is a great hummus recipe and here is what I’d include in the kit: 
(All included the Amazon links…)
Lemon Juicer
Dried Garbanzo Beans
Kevala Organic Tahini 16 oz
- Homemade Vanilla Kit
Here is my post on how to make homemade vanilla. (Including Amazon links, of course.)It’s too late to make it yourself to give to other people, but you could buy the ingredients, make up a huge batch and then attach a cute label that says, Use Me! (and then put the date six weeks from when you put the beans in the vodka.)
- EBooks and Ebook Readers
Ebooks take up no space and are great for travelers, late-night-in-bed-readers, and parents waiting for kids in minivans. I’ve had my Kindle for over five years and just now am replacing it with a Kindle Fire 7 because I want to be able to watch movies on it – if it lasts me another five years, that works out to be about $20 a year. That’s a pretty sweet deal to not have to lug multiple copies of books on a plane.
The Get Yourself Organized Project is a great gift idea! December 1st only, Harvest House Publishers is offering this book at a special “sale” price of $1.99 through their eBook distributors—this includes Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, and the Sony Reader. Visit Harvest House today! http://harvesthousepublishers.com/ebook-deals
AFTER DECEMBER 1st, you can purchase it at its regular price on Amazon!
- An Audible Subscription
I love audio books – for long car trips, cleaning the kitchen, or walking the dog, I almost always have an audio book going. Audible is having a sale right now, and they also have subscriptions available.
- Add-On Parts
OK so this is “stuff” but I’ve found that adding on to something someone already has isn’t more “stuff” they have to manage usually. Like this dough hook for my Kitchenaide. It made it so that I didn’t have to replace my bread maker – now I just do my dough in the Kitchenaide and bake it in the oven. (BTW – my rolls this year for Thanksgiving were To. Die. For.)
- Help
Last year, my daughter gave my mom the gift of time. Being a broke college student, Kimber didn’t have a lot of money, but told my mom that she would come to her house and work for five hours doing whatever my mom needed. They worked on organizing the garage and did some baking. My mom was glad for the help, and Kimber had the satisfaction of knowing she was giving my mom what she wanted – help and company.
- I already mentioned ebooks and ereaders, I know, but here’s a book I want to introduce you to written by author Sherri Wilson Johnson. Her latest novel, To Laugh Once More, the second book in her Hope of the South series, is on sale for a limited time for $.99 on Kindle! This is a Victorian novel set in Georgia and deals with the struggles and trials of a young married couple. Lydia Scarbrough is trying to find her purpose in life and everywhere she turns, she meets obstacles. Check this book out!
by kathilipp | Nov 26, 2014 | God, Home, Praying God's Word |
Quotes
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. -Theodore Roosevelt
Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now. -A.W. Tozer
Thanksgiving is a time when the world gets to see just how blessed and how workable the Christian system is. The emphasis is not on giving or buying, but on being thankful and expressing that appreciation to God and to one another. – John Clayton
Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. – Henry Van Dyke
Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more: Peace in the hearts of all men living, peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving. – Joseph Auslander
Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. -E.P. Powell
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Remember God’s bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude! -Henry Ward Beecher
If we meet someone who owes us thanks, we right away remember that. But how often do we meet someone to whom we owe thanks without remembering that? – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. – W. T. Purkiser
“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” -William Arthur Ward
Prayers
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into God’s presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 111
Praise the Lord.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who have pleasure in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever.
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy,
they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!
We Give Thanks
Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father.
– Harry Jewell
And just for giggles…
What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? -Erma Bombeck, “No One Diets on Thanksgiving,” 26 November 1981
by kathilipp | Nov 24, 2014 | Christmas, Podcast, tips and ideas |
WHAT TYPE OF BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPER ARE YOU? The one that’s standing at the store door chanting “open… open… open” at 4 am… or the kind that stays home and drinks coffee while the rest of the crazy people are, well, being crazy.
Whatever type of shopper you are, we have the tools and tips you need to rock your shopping list this Black Friday. Shellie Deringer from www.savingwithshellie.com gives you loads of expert advice on everything from finding the best deals to sticking to your budget.
Find out:
- How to do your holiday shopping on a realistic budget.
- Where to get the best deals for your family?
- What are the best deals for this Black Friday for everyone on your list?
- How do you know if something is a really good deal?
- And much more…
Listen in, and then click here to find Saving with Shellie’s best shopping deals for Black Friday to get your shopping done fast and within your budget.
There’s lots of deals to be found on Saving with Shellie!
Shellie Deringer founded SavingWithShellie.com in January 2009 as a resource for moms struggling to reconcile their pre-baby lifestyle with post-baby budget busters. Shellie works to show moms that by shopping diligently and purposefully, they can afford the quality brands they love without exceeding their budget. Saving money isn’t about sacrificing quality for price or sacrificing precious time to save a few pennies. You can be a brand loyalist without breaking the bank.
by kathilipp | Nov 24, 2014 | Foodie Friday, Recipes, The "What's for dinner?" Project |
There is enough drama around Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner that it’s best to keep some things very simple. The funny thing is, four of the five super simple recipes listed below are the ones that we get requests to make (and for the recipes… I end up emailing at least a couple of my kids or their friends the recipes every holiday season.
So here are 5 Quick Dishes To Make (or Bring) for Thanksgiving or Christmas. whether you’re hosting at home, or bringing these on the road, you’ll be thankful for a few appetizers and deserts you can make (mostly) ahead.
Artichoke Dip
-
8
oz
cream cheese
-
1
c.
Parmesan cheese – shredded
-
1
c.
mayonnaise
low-fat or fat-free is acceptable (pantry)
-
½
t.
dill weed
-
1
clove
garlic
crushed
-
1
can artichoke hearts
drained and chopped (pantry)
-
Preheat oven to 350
-
Cream the cream cheese, add the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed and garlic. Mix well.
-
Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and then spoon mixture into a 9×9 pan.
-
Bake for 30 minutes.
Serve with crackers, toasted baguettes, or toasted pita points. Serves 8 as an appetizer
Goat Cheese Bruchetta
-
2
tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
-
2
tablespoons
chopped fresh herbs
such as dill, parsley, or basil
-
Toasted baguette
-
Goat cheese
-
Add the balsamic vinegar and herbs together. Drizzle over slices of toasted baguette or other bread and spread with goat cheese. Finish with another drizzle of vinaigrette. Garnish with thyme.
Drive By Cheese Plate
For those last minute party invites. Just grab a plate and cheese knife from home. You can assemble once you arrive. (Or, if you’re like me, in the backseat of the car while your hubby is driving…)
-
Camembert or other artisan cheese
-
Carr Water Crackers
-
1
bunch of green grapes
Roger’s Pumpkin No-Bake Cheesecake
-
2
sticks of cream cheese
-
1
Cup
of sugar
-
1
Tablespoon
vanilla
-
1
Tablespoon
lemon juice
-
¼
Cup
Pumpkin pie filling
-
Pre-made graham cracker crust
-
Blend until creamy and fluffy
-
Pour into graham cracker crust.
Garnish with Cinnamon sugar (makes it look baked) Shaved white chocolate Refrigerate for a few hours
Roger’s Cranberry No-Bake Cheesecake
-
2
sticks of cream cheese
-
1
Cup
of sugar
-
1
Tablespoon
vanilla
-
1
Tablespoon
lemon juice
-
1/3
Cup
Whole cranberries in jelly
-
Pre-made graham cracker crust
-
Blend until creamy and fluffy
-
Pour into graham cracker crust
Garnish with any (or all) of the following: The remaining whole cranberries/jelly. I put this just on the outside edge of the pie. Orange peel zest Shaved white chocolate Refrigerate for a few hours
And don’t forget the TURKEY!
Here’s my recipe that you’re sure to love!
Now it’s your turn. Tell me your can’t miss, so simple it’s embarrassing, recipe that you pull out for the holidays in the comments below.
by kathilipp | Nov 19, 2014 | Christmas, The "What's for dinner?" Project, tips and ideas, Uncategorized |
Yikes! It’s almost time to cook the holiday turkey!
Do you have turkey-phobia?
It can seem like a daunting task to make the perfect turkey, but I promise you, it isn’t. Try my turkey recipe and follow my instructions, and you’ll have a table full of guests licking their fingers and begging for more. But beware, this turkey is so good, there may not be any leftovers for turkey sandwiches.
Kathi's Brined Turkey
-
1
gallon
water - cold
-
1
cup
sea salt
-
1
tablespoon
crushed dried rosemary
-
1
tablespoon
dried sage
-
1
tablespoon
dried thyme
-
1
bottle dry white wine
-
3
oranges
cut in half
-
In a large garbage bag, combine the all the ingredients.
-
Wash and dry your turkey. Make sure you have removed the innards. Place the turkey, breast down, into the brine. Make sure that the cavity gets filled. Place the bag in a roasting pan and in the refrigerator overnight, turning once.
-
Remove the turkey carefully draining off the excess brine and pat dry. Discard excess brine.
-
Cook the turkey as desired reserving the drippings for gravy. Keep in mind that brined turkeys cook 20 to 30 minutes faster so watch the temperature gauge.
by kathilipp | Nov 18, 2014 | God, Me, Podcast, Relationships |
What is born from the restless moments in your life?
Jennie Allen, the author of Restless and Anything and the founder of IF Gathering, believes that God burdens our souls with the people who he wants us to reach. Listen in as she gives you simple tools and ideas to:
• Be faithful where God puts you, regardless of how big, how small or how chaotic your dream is.
• Move in obedience when God gives you a burden in your heart.
• How to help raise up a generation of people that love Jesus with our entire hearts so that we can be unleashed to move in big ways for His kingdom.
Listen as Jennie Allen shares her heart behind the IF Gathering and get some ideas on how you can become part of it. Plus, head to IF: Table to sign up to host your IF: Table.
What is IF: Table? A place to gather women and share a simple meal and dive deep with people over real stories and Christ centered conversations. A time for a whole lot of laughter — and maybe a few tears — but time spent that leaves us with glad hearts. Full hearts. Grateful hearts.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Each month, at each IF: Table, a series of questions is asked of the women attending. There purpose is to take each person deeper into understanding who she is and who God is in her life. Download this month’s questions and bring them to your next friend gathering to see how they work.
Click here to download.
JENNIE’S PASSION IS TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF WOMEN TO ENCOUNTER THE INVISIBLE GOD. She loves to gather deep kindred souls around food she didn’t cook, and ask terribly intrusive questions.
She is a catalytic leader, risk taker type and then in God’s humor, she married a crazier more risky leader than her (Zac). Then somehow God thought it would be even more funny to give them 4 crazy strong risky dreamer kids.
She loves and believes in this generation of women. She gives her life to see women spend their time here beautifully. She does that through writing, teaching, and leading the little dream in her soul, IF:Gathering.
Her goal: to gather and equip and unleash a generation of women. It will take awhile, but she thinks it’s a fun way to spend a life, running beside the dearest of friends for the name of Christ and the good of others.
by kathilipp | Nov 17, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Are you tired of feeling tied to your everyday way of living?
Are you trying to do something new in your life, but are scared to take the next step?
Boy, have I got something special for you today.
Today on Focus on the Family, my coauthor Cheri and I are talking with Jim Daly about the struggle each of us go through to fight perfectionism and live the life that God designed us to live.
Here is the link to our conversation.
And here is the the free download that we talked about – how to discover which of the four perfectionist bullies is beating you up and what to do about it:
The 4 P Bullies at a Glance
Cheri gets real and honest about her struggles with perfectionism (talking about stuff even I didn’t know) and what it led her to. You won’t want to miss this powerful couple of days.
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