Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope that you had a relaxing Labor Day and were able to do something exciting. I spent time with my husband and his family in the mountains by a stream. I also finished my Thanksgiving drama and got a few scenes written for my novel. Oh, and not only did I put out Fall decorations, but I also gently pushed my husband to help me rearrange the furniture in three rooms. I want to add one more thing: if you have had a birthday this week, I hope it was a good one.
Quote of the Week: “True giving from the heart is an expression of love.” –Cara Stein
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: Since the holiday season will be quickly approaching, I thought I would talk about ways to make nice gifts when you are on a budget. While my husband and I do things differently with our children, when it comes to our extended family members, we draw names for Christmas. We usually set a $30-$35 limit on the gifts. Let’s break down some ways to do this.
One of the things we take on as a challenge is to try and find the ultimate gift for our designated family member by shopping at yard sales or thrift stores. Believe it or not, this can be a great way to find gifts that are more of a vintage nature. One other thing we all do is write three categories of gifts we would like to receive. For example, I almost always ask for movie gift cards, writing tools, clothes with cute sayings, or books. For a time I was heavily into cats, so I received cat candle holders. The fun in this is to find the most unusual gift that fits the description of what your person requested. Last year, our daughter-in-law found a frying pan that my husband had wanted at a thrift store. They both were thrilled.
Another way to give a nice gift while sticking to a budget is perhaps baking or assembling a snack or beverage. We were surrounded by wonderful neighbors when we lived in our previous house, so at Christmastime, we would sometimes make desserts in nice bakeware and give that in appreciation of our neighbors’ friendship. Making cookies and putting them into decorative tins (that you may find at a thrift store) could bring a smile to someone’s face. You could also make wassail and put it into a uniquely shaped bottle.
Telling your family members how much they mean to you is an emotional gift they will especially treasure. You could find an item on their list, such as a figurine or coffee mug, and write them a short note expressing how much they mean to you. It is a gift that no one else could give them, in that they won’t get multiple sets of it. One time when I was a teenager, I got three Batman T-shirts for Christmas because my relatives didn’t communicate with each other when they shopped. Luckily, I liked Batman, so wearing the shirts wasn’t too bad.
Finally, one other way to give a special gift is to create something unique. I have made floral arrangements and painted keepsake boxes or other items to give to my mom as gifts. Find out something they want or need and make it. My daughter, who has gotten into sewing, made me an apron for Mother’s Day this year. I love the fabric she used and the style. Plus, every time I wear it, it reminds me of her.
Recipe of the Week: Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
What you’ll need:
1 bad of chocolate-covered vanilla cream drops
1 small jar of peanut butter
Empty the bag of cream drops into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the entire jar of peanut butter, then microwave for one minute. Remove from microwave and check melt status, stirring if necessary. Return to microwave, adding 30 second increments until the mixture is completely melted. Stir thoroughly. Pour it into a baking pan or onto a cookie sheet, depending on how thick you want the fudge to be. Slice once hardened, and place into a decorative tin.
This is a wonderful treat/gift to give teachers, bus drivers, or anyone special enough to get a little something from you. Enjoy!
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to all of the folks who do their best to make their loved ones happy when gift-giving. No matter what your budget is, thank you for putting much thought into the gifts you give. Happy gift-giving!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
