High School Graduate DIY Survival Kit {diy, craft, gift}

In college I learned I could get by on $30 a month for groceries.  In college I learned I could work more, study more, and have more fun with friends than I thought possible.  In college I learned that I should think before acting b/c the consequences can be painful and long lasting.  In college I learned that even the hardest classes still only last 4 months and you just have to hang on.  

College, and those early working years as an elementary school teacher, provided a lot of lessons learned.  I loved those years of learning more about myself and what I was capable of.  I truly hope the high school kids I interact with at school or at church can make fewer mistakes than I did and learn who they are and what they are capable of. 

When I was 17 I had a teacher at church that gave me this small Survival Kit.  It was similar to the kit shown above.  I don't remember all the items and lessons those items taught, but I remember looking back at the survival kit for many years after I received it.  

I teach junior and seniors in high school at church.  Many of the kids are graduating this week, and moving onto bigger and better things.  I gave them my version of a High School Graduate Survival Kit.  I also gave a little info or story to go with why that lesson is important to surviving the storms of life.  

When I scoured Pinterest I found some okay ideas for Survival Kits, but nothing I felt was really good to go like I was hoping.  Therefore, I made what I consider to be the best survival kit for high school graduates moving onto the next phase.  This kit has some candy and all of the items are easy to find and not expensive.  This kit has some fun reminders as well as deep and meaningful lessons.  I'm telling you, this kit has it all and it is good to go.    

You can print off the bag label/descriptions here; it is a document you can edit if there is something you want to remove, add, or edit.  

In regards to the Survival Kit, I placed all of the items in a sandwich bag, and handed a bag to each of the kids as we had a great lesson.

May this Survival Kit be helpful, and may it make your life a little easier b/c it is already done.  

Happy Do It Yourself Survival Kit Making and Teenage Influencing!

Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Pecans {Gluten Free} {No Refined Sugar}

I'm all about nuts for a healthy fats and protein filled snack or treat, but, but a sweet and spicy chocolate nuts that are easy to make in 30 minutes are pretty much the best. 

Plus, I just came across this article with talking about a TON of health benefits for including cinnamon in your diet.  I thought this article was thorough and comprehensive; I was also fascinated as I read how cinnamon can help acne, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, and so much more.  To be honest, after reading article I've been using cinnamon with honey to boost my immune system, and trying to include cinnamon in my diet daily.  Cinnamon seems to be quite the super-spice.  

Now, to have a bit more cinnamon in your life, and enjoy them in a healthy way give these Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Nuts aka Mexican Chocolate Pecans a go.  They are oh so delicious and oh so easy to make.  

Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Nuts
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 
4 c. pecans 
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp cocoa
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp chili powder

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil. 
2. Put your pecans in a medium to large bowl. 
3. In a small bowl mix the remaining ingredients together, and pour them over the pecans. 
4. Stir everything together and pour it all onto the prepared pan.  
5. Bake your nuts at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes stirring them every 5 minutes.
6. Enjoy! 
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container. 

Happy Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Pecans eating!  Watch out, they are addictingly good!  

Orange Spiced Pecans {Crock-Pot} {Sugar Free} {Gluten Free}

2 Weeks! I can't believe it's been that long since my last post.  The holidays were rough, and then we got the dreaded and absolutely miserable stomach bug.  Last week we got the bug.  It all started with my 1 year old, and I am still not sure how such a horrible stomach bug could reside in that little human being.  My 3 year old son was the lone holdout; I don't know how he didn't get it, but I am glad, and totally jealous, that he stayed healthy.  As for the rest of us, last week was a complete blurr that we wish to never ever repeat.  Have you got the bug this year?  It's a doozer. 

Again, sorry for the slackerness, but today I have a deliciously easy treat and a healthy snack for you.  These Orange Spiced Pecans are easily made in the crock-pot, or slow cooker if that's what you call it, full of protein and healthy fats, and there are no processed sugars added.  Score!  PS: Can I call it sugar free if you add a naturally derived sugar like maple syrup.

These nuts are great to snack on at a party or for a mid-afternoon snack, and they make fabulous gluten free treats to give to friends or neighbors for the holidays or any occasion or for no occasion. 

Orange Spice Pecans {Crock-Pot}
Recipe: Alohamora adapted from Food Network
Active Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 
4 c. pecans
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp zested orange
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper

Directions: 

1. Line your crock-pot/slow cooker with a liner or heavy duty aluminum foil.  The liner is far easier and worth the purchase in my opinion. 
2. Spray your liner/aluminum foil with a cooking spray.  I've used olive oil, canola, or grape seed oil. 
3. Pour your pecans in a large bowl.  
4. In a small bowl whisk the remaining ingredients together and pour it over the pecans in the large bowl.
5. Stir everything together and pour it into your lined crock-pot in an even layer. 
6. Cook the nuts on high for 1 hour and then turn it down to low.  Cook the nuts for 1 more hour but stir it every 20 minutes. 
7. When the nuts are smelling delicious pull the entire liner out of the crock-pot and lay it on a cookie sheet to cool completely. You can snack on them while they are cooling. 
8. Enjoy!
9. Store nuts in an airtight container. You can put them in a jar to gift or a cute bag with a ribbon. 
10. Now you may be tempted to double this recipe, but this recipe does not double well.  If you really need to double it cook it for no more than an hour more on low still stirring every 20 minutes. 

Happy Orange Sweet and Spicy Pecans eating! 

$5 DIY Father's Day Gift- A Personalized Finger Painting

Father's Day is coming up.  I swear it sneaks up on me faster and faster each year, or maybe it's the more kids you have the quicker time goes.  How do people with more than 3 kids do anything at all?

This Father's Day I decided a personalized finger painted picture by the kids would be the best gift.  I didn't have a lot of time, and I'm running short on funds. 
  
This $5 DIY Father's Day Gift is easy to make, takes only a few supplies, clean up is a snap, and the kids love finger painting.  In only a few minutes and a few bucks you'll have a personalized handmade gift this year.

Here's the quick tutorial/how to:

What You Need:

• Blank Canvas Picture: You can get any canvas size.  I found a 12x12 inch canvas at JoAnns, and I could use a coupon making it less than $5. 
• Finger Paint: Any colored paint you want.  I used some Crayola Finger Paint I had on hand b/c it is washable and ideal for a 4, 3, and 7 month old to paint with.  However, you can use whatever paint you want.
• Painters Blue Tape: you won't need a lot of tape, but enough to make the design you want.  

 DIY Personalized Father's Day Painting How To:

1. Take your blank canvas and use the blue tape to make your desired design.  Put the blue tape where ever you want white to appear  
2. I did at times cut the blue tape in half or even fourths to get the desired width.
3. Lay the canvas on a trash bag, and place some finger paint on paper plates. 
4. Let your kids start painting; be sure they cover the entire canvas.  A lesson I learned while my kids painted is to have a lot of baby wipes on hand.  Seven month olds like to put their hands everywhere.   
5. When done painting let the picture dry completely before removing blue tape.

That's all.  This is a crafty/artsy gift even non crafty or artistic people can do.  Trust me.  You are now done with a perfect handmade Father's Day gift.

Holler with questions, otherwise... 

Happy inexpensive DIY Father's Day Finger Painting Gift  making and enjoying!  

Happy Father's Day! 

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar w/ Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Topping

There are certain things you can make when you are baking for a party or bake sale.  You have to think of easy delivery; an entire cheesecake, pie, or cake is usually out unless it is an intimate party.  

Usually for a party or bake sale you either need a cookie, bar, brownie, or bite of something that can be easily handled or it needs to be in a jar or individual carrying case.

It is far too difficult let someone buy a slice of pie or cheesecake at a back sale.  They either need to buy the entire cheesecake or pie or you need to make small individual cheesecakes in a jar.  

Last week I told you my husbands work had a bake sale and I made these delicious Golden Oreo Truffles.  These truffles are bite size and therefore great for a party or bake sale.  

I had some more Oreos and cream cheese to use up so I made this Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache for the bake sale as well.  According to my husband they were a big hit.  However, anything with Oreos, Cheesecake, and Ganache is bound to be a big hit I would think. . 

The whole cheesecake in a jar sounds complicated, but I guarantee it is easy.  Plus, it looks so fancy and cute in a little jar.

Whether you want to make a fun treat for a bake sale or a New Years Eve Party, give these Cheesecakes in a Jar a go.  They are delicious and their black and white appearance is so very appropriate.  

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache

Recipe: Alohamora

Active Time: 45 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8- 1/2 pint jars 

Ingredients: 

8 half-pint jars

For the crust: 

1 pkg (15 oz) peanut butter Oreos, or regular Oreos, crushed (approximately 3 cups)

1/2 c. butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling: 

2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c. milk

1 (8oz) cool whip

For the Ganache Topping: 

1/2 c. bittersweet/semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. peanut butter, creamy

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Directions: 

1. Using a food processor or a Ziploc bag crush your Oreos.  You need approximately 3 cups of crushed Oreos. 
2. In a medium bowl stir the crushed Oreos and the melted butter together. 
3. Distribute about 1/4 c. cup of crust mixture to the bottom of the 8 half pint jars and press it down in the jar. You can stretch it to nine jars, but I just use the leftover crust for topping.   
4. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a stand mixer or large bowl until smooth. 
5. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk together one at a time mixing after each addition. 
6. Using a spoon or the stand mixer on low fold in the Cool Whip. 
7. Place approximately 1/2 cup of cheesecake filling in each jar on top of the already pressed down crust. 
8. In a small bowl or a 2 cup pyrex measuring dish place the chocolate chips and peanut butter. 
9. In a small microwaveable dish, or I use a mug, scald the heavy cream by placing it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  
10. Pour scalded cream over the chocolate chips and peanut butter and stir it until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and make a smooth ganache. 
11. Add the vanilla and powder sugar one at at time stirring after each addition.  
12. When ganache is smooth pour approximately 3 tablespoons of ganache on top of each cheesecake filling in each jar.  You can also evenly distribute the ganache among the 8 half pint jars.
13. Top your cheesecakes with any leftover crust crumbs, secure the lids, and place the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. 
14. Enjoy! 
15. Store leftovers in the fridge. 

Happy Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a jar with an Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache eating!

Saltine Cracker Toffee- Sweet and Salty Deliciousness

So, I had surgery this past Friday.  Fun huh?! This is my first official surgery. Sure I had lasik eye surgery back in the day, but that seems like nothing compared to the prep that goes into having real surgery that leaves you with a scar.

I had half of my thyroid removed since I had a large nodule/cyst that popped up.  Anyone else have/had thyroid issues?  

Right now, I feel like I have a super bad sore throat from the air tube that was place down my throat during the surgery.  It hurts to swallow, and therefore makes eating anything that isn't warm and pureed impossible.

It's a good thing I made this Saltine Cracker Toffee before the surgery so I could enjoy the sweet and salty goodness.  I made several pans to "test" them out, and gave a lot of it away as neighbor gifts. 

It may sound weird to make toffee with saltines, but it's amazingly delicious.  Seriously good.  You should quickly make some and enjoy it's goodness for me since I have been banned to the world of soft, easy to swallow foods.  

Saltine Cracker Toffee

Recipe: Alohamora slightly adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Active Time: 25 minutes

Inactive Time: At least 1 hour. 

Servings: 12-15

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sleeves salted saltine crackers or enough to line your pan
1 c. butter, unsalted
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. milk chocolate chips

1 c. semi or bittersweet chocolate chips 
1 c. pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Line a cookie sheet, with edges, or jelly roll pan with parchment paper (you can use aluminum foil if you want). Spray your paper with baking spray. 
3. Line saltine crackers in a single layer on the parchment paper. 
4. In a small pot over medium heat bring butter and sugar to a boil.  Once the mixture is boiling continue to boil it for 3 more minutes.  The mixtures should be a deep caramel color, and it will smell amazing at this point. 
5. Immediately pour the boiling mixture over the saltines and use a spatula to evenly distribute the butter sugar mixture over the crackers completely.
6. Bake crackers and sugar at 400 degrees for 4-6 minutes.  Mine took only 4 minutes.  
7. The sugar mixture will be bubbly when it is ready to be removed from the oven.
8. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the toffee mixture and place it in the oven for 1 minute. This will help the chocolate to melt a bit quicker. 
9. Remove pan from oven and use a spatula to evenly distribute the melted chocolate over the toffee mixture. 
10. Top the toffee with chopped nuts if you desire.  It tastes delicious either way. 
11. Place pan in the freezer for 1 hour or the fridge for 2-3 hours.  You can also let the pan cool on the counter overnight.  
12. Let the toffee cool completely before using a pizza cutter to help cut/break the toffee into pieces. 
13. Enjoy!
14. Store leftovers in a sealed container on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Happy Saltine Cracker Toffee eating!  This will easily become your favorite way/reason to eat saltine crackers. 

Cinnamon Ornaments- a Diet Friendly Neighbor Gift

I love getting Christmas cards from friends and family.  I also love giving little gifts to neighbors and loved ones that are near by. It's a fun, but oh so busy, time of year.  

I have a friend that specifically requested they don't receive treats this year b/c they are trying to be healthier as a family.  I fully support this.  I love baking and sharing the plethora of treats I make, but I am a big fan of being healthy.  

There are also way too many allergies out there from nuts to eggs to gluten.  With all of the limitations I figured a universal non-edible neighbor gift, but still something I can make, would be perfect.

I'm not the most crafty of individuals, but I do love to bake.  Therefore, Cinnamon Ornaments is a baking "craft" that's perfect for me, and people like me.  It also fits that "universal non-edible gift."  

With only 4 ingredients, and a little time, you can also make this meaningful gift.

You can use whatever cookie cutter you want for the shape.  However, I thought it would be fun to make them in the shape of the state in which we currently live.  We may not always live in Arizona, and same for those that we give this present to, but this ornament will be a way to remember some of the fun we had while here.  

Cinnamon Ornaments
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 45 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 day or more until dry completely
Servings: 15-20 3 inch ornaments. 

Ingredients: 
2 c. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp all-spice
2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. flour, or until reach desired consistency
cookie cutters

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.  You want to make sure you do this step to avoid ornaments sticking to the pan. 
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer combine the cinnamon, all-spice, and applesauce together. 
4. Add the flour a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  You don't want the mixture sticking to your hands, but you don't want it to be too crumbly.  If you mixture is too wet and sticks add a little flour.  If you mixture is crumbly and dry add a bit more applesauce.  
5. Dust a clean surface with cinnamon, and dust some cinnamon on your rolling pin.  
6. Place your dough on the cinnamon dusted surface and roll it out to approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. 
7. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.  
8. Using a spatula carefully place the ornament on the prepared pan.  The cookies don't spread in the baking/drying process so you can place them closer together. 
9. Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament so you will be able to hang it with a ribbon. 
10. Place your cookie sheets in the preheated 200 degree oven and bake/dry for 2 hours.  
11. Remove pans from the oven.  Using a spatula remove the ornaments from the pan and place them on an air rack to dry for a day or so.  You don't want to leave them on the pan to dry b/c they will begin to stick. The air rack will also help your ornaments to dry a little quicker and look a little cuter.
12. When dry place a ribbon through hole, tie it off, and place it on a tree or give it away. 
13. Enjoy the cinnamon smell in your home and tree!
14. Store ornaments from year to year in a ziploc bag and keep it away from items that can crush or break it. 

Happy Cinnamon Ornaments gift giving! Enjoy the wonderful cinnamon smell on your tree, and it will last in your oven for the entire Holiday Season.  

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays! 

The Last Lecture gets 4.5 Stars

My husband and I took a weekend trip to California without the kiddos.  It was fabulous to spend time just as a couple (marriage maintenance as my parents refer to these trips as), not have to worry about nap times, and going for a run as a couple without having to push a stroller.

The drive alone is fabulous as well.  It's so wonderful to just be able to talk as adults and not have to turn around to pass snacks, toys, or put out fires between the kiddos.

A car trip without kids means we can also listen to an audiobook.  This is super exciting for us! 

We gave The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch a listen to, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.  
I give The Last Lecture 4.5 out of 5 stars.   It's a great book with great life lessons.  The Last Lecutre is a great discussion book that men and women, young and old, will enjoy equally.  As fair warning, it is a bit touching and emotional at times as you easily relate to it.  I totally cried at points, but even my husband (who seriously never cries) mentioned how he was having a hard time listening to Pausch talk about his kids and missing them since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only months to live. . Therefore, this book can touch everyone, even the not so emotional men like my husband. 

The only reason this book lost half of a star was b/c at times I wasn't completed riveted with this non-fiction/memoir read.  However, even with my pickiness with the rating system I will say that this book is a fabulous book.  

I would actually recommend this book to men and women high school to adult.  It would also make a great gift for a recent high school or college graduate.  The lessons learned in this book is applicable to anyone at any stage.  

This book is full of more than 50 small life lessons.  Those short life lessons allow you as a reader to read and listen to it a little bit, go away, and then come back at a later date to read more.  You aren't going to impact your comprehension of the book b/c of the short lesson format.  This is helpful for the reluctant reader aka the one that doesn't love or have a habit of reading. 

This short lesson/stories format is great as an audio book and for someone that wants to listen to something at home between lots of activity or for commuting to work.  A bonus is the audio book reader is fabulous as well.  

I don't love all audio books, but I do think readers are improving b/c I haven't had any qualms with an audio book version of a book for years.

Amazon had the following book description that helps you understand the background of the story.

"A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?

When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave--"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"--wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.

In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." --Randy Pausch"

This book is great, and a book that you can refer to and read over and over again to be reminded of the important lessons that we should apply to our lives.   

Below are a few of my favorite lessons from Pausch: 

"Luck is indeed where preparation meets opportunity." 

"Complaining does not work as a strategy. Whining does nothing." 

"Give your kids permission to dream. Help fuel their dreams as well." 

"The best short cut in life is only two words... work hard."

 Those are just a few of the 50+ lessons learned from The Last Lecture.  All around it is full of great advice that makes you really think and want to improve in your personal life, as a parent, and in your career.  

This last lecture is a book that is worth the little time it'll take to read/listen to.  Go check it out for your next road trip or free time you can find.

Happy inspiring reading!   

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green was published two years ago.  I read it before, and I thoroughly enjoy all of John Green's books; I read Looking for Alaska in grad school and it was my first John Green book.  Since then I have read all of his books.  The review I wrote and my thoughts on Paper Towns is found here.  It's another great book by Green if you haven't read it.  

With the movie based on this book coming out in June (previously I had wrote Valentine's Day... where I got that in my head I am not sure), I decided to re-read the book so it was fresh in my mind.  There were pluses and minuses for rereading The Fault in Our Stars. Pluses include having the storyline and my thoughts on the book fresh in my mind for when I see the movie and finally write my review for yall.  Minuses for rereading the book is purely the timing and emotional toll it took on me.  Reading a book about kids with cancer when I had to take my 20 month old son to the hospital for something  the doctors were unsure what the problem was was not the best idea.  I'm not going to lie, I was crying quite heavily in the hospital reading while my sick son just laid on my shoulder and others just watched our little spectacle.  Plus, I had plenty of freak out thoughts about "What if Lucas has cancer?!" while reading this book in the hospital.  Reading this book in such circumstances was not a good thing for my overall well-being.

All in all, I would give The Fault in Our Stars 5 out of 5 stars.  The writing is witty and great.  The story seems more real, and the characters seem and act how I imagine teenagers with cancer would be.  It's a great fast read that you'll have trouble putting down.  Sure, you may at times not know what a word means, but you'll be able to use a dictionary or context clues to figure it out.  It's good, and in my eyes it deserves all 5 stars.

The Fault in Our Stars is narrated by Hazel.  She is 16 years old and has had cancer for 3 years.  Hazel has a friend named Isaac (who Green thought about having narrate the story) who has a form of eye cancer, and Augustus aka Gus who also has cancer.  The kids talk about cancer perks (Make a Wish Foundation and other things like that) that I found to be a little humorous b/c I could see teenagers in that situation referring to such things in that way.  I'm not saying it's humorous to be disrespectful b/c it's a great foundation; I just felt it was a way to show how realistic and honest the story felt.

This story does have language and reference sex as well as teenagers having sex.  Though there is no description of the sex; the story just says the characters did it.  I like to be upfront and honest about the story b/c I know some people really want to know the good and bad in a story including the story line, writing, as well as the content matter.

Amazon had the following "Starred Review" from Booklist.  I think it is a well written review that gives detail, but doesn't ruin anything for you.

"At 16, Hazel Grace Lancaster, a three-year stage IV–cancer survivor, is clinically depressed. To help her deal with this, her doctor sends her to a weekly support group where she meets Augustus Waters, a fellow cancer survivor, and the two fall in love. Both kids are preternaturally intelligent, and Hazel is fascinated with a novel about cancer called An Imperial Affliction. Most particularly, she longs to know what happened to its characters after an ambiguous ending. To find out, the enterprising Augustus makes it possible for them to travel to Amsterdam, where Imperial’s author, an expatriate American, lives. What happens when they meet him must be left to readers to discover. Suffice it to say, it is significant. Writing about kids with cancer is an invitation to sentimentality and pathos—or worse, in unskilled hands, bathos. Happily, Green is able to transcend such pitfalls in his best and most ambitious novel to date. Beautifully conceived and executed, this story artfully examines the largest possible considerations—life, love, and death—with sensitivity, intelligence, honesty, and integrity. In the process, Green shows his readers what it is like to live with cancer, sometimes no more than a breath or a heartbeat away from death. But it is life that Green spiritedly celebrates here, even while acknowledging its pain. In its every aspect, this novel is a triumph. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Green’s promotional genius is a force of nature. After announcing he would sign all 150,000 copies of this title’s first print run, it shot to the top of Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s best-seller lists six months before publication. Grades 9-12. --Michael Cart"

On John Green's website he has a bunch of FAQ's and answers about this book.  At one point he talks about the "contract between the author and reader" that is referenced to in the book.  Green said, "I think the writer’s responsibility is to tell an honest story (which is also, I would argue, definitionally a hopeful story) and to make it as a gift to the reader."  TFIOS is an honest story, that's hopeful.  To me, as cheesy as it sounds, every 5 star book feels like a gift that I am lucky to have received.  

What do you think of that statement?  Agree or not so much? 

There are many parts of the story that I think have worthy thoughts and quotes.  This one is a common statement said by either Hazel or Gus many times throughout the story.
"The world is not a wish granting factory." At least in my world that is the case; maybe you are a lucky one.

At one point Gus and Hazel go to Amsterdam to visit an author Hazel has been obsessed with (an author that ended a book mid-sentence... that is just mean). They visit in the spring and the description alone of the elm tree seeds falling like confetti aka "Spring Snow" makes me want to visit Amsterdam.  At one point it is stated that Amsterdam is usually thought of as a city of sin.  However, the book states that it is a city of freedom, but in freedom most people find sin.  What do you think of that statement?  I have mixed thoughts. 

I had many sad heart breaking thoughts as well as happy thoughts while reading this book.  The story in general is sad, but the happy things like kissing in the Anne Frank home with people clapping is oh so cheesy and happy.  

I really really enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars.  It's well written with an honest but hopeful story.  I would say high school girls and older would be the ideal audience for this book, and it would make a great gift for the reader or non-reader alike.  

If you liked Nicholas Sparks' A Walk to Remember, you will like this book.  The Fault in Our Stars is similar to the emotional storyline, but with a lot less romantic fluff that ends up making the story seem much more realistic.  Plus, it will surprise you.  Basically, it's a great read, and if you haven't read it you should.  Go get it! 

****Quick spoiler alert.  Skip the rest if you don't want any of the story given away.*** 

Near the end of the story after you find out Gus has cancer that has spread throughout his entire body the chapters become shorter and less memorable.  Since Hazel is the narrator I found this to be symbolic to maybe how life feels at that point.  When someone you love and care about is dying your life begins to feel less memorable with a feeling of anxious anticipation for the inevitable.  I hate it, and so does everyone I am sure.  Hazel hated it too, but it's realistic.  I appreciated how masterfully Green wrote on cancer, life, love, and death.  He is a fabulous writer!.    

Edible Coal

Is there someone on your Christmas list that you'd love to give some coal to?

Is there someone that you know that deserves to get coal?

Is there someone on your list that loves Oreos and marshmallows, and tasty chewy goodness?

Is there someone you know that really loves the idea of actually receiving a gift of coal for Christmas? Because let's be honest, doesn't almost every teenager deserve coal? I know I did as a teenager.  You?!

Have you ever found yourself avoiding using the oven?

Have you ever wished you could make a treat for your neighbors or friends in 30 minutes or less?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, or if you would like to make some fast, easy, no bake, Oreo marshmallow goodies to devour yourself then this "COAL" is perfect for you.

Give the gift of Coal... whether that is to your son, daughter, husband, in-law, neighbor, babysitter, mailman, teacher, or even yourself.  Everyone deserves coal this Christmas!

All you need is 30 minutes, a pot,  spoon, blender/food processor, package of Oreos, marshmallows, butter, and vanilla. 

This recipe will look and feel a lot like Rice Krispie Treats, and if you are like me, the more marshmallows the better.  I like to add a little extra marshmallows to make them even more ooey gooey goodness.

With these Oreo goodies you are basically making Rice Krispie Treats minus the Rice Krispies and replacing them with Oreo crumbs.   

Edible Coal aka Oreo Marshmallow Treats

Active time: 30 minutes

Inactive time: 15 minutes. 

Makes 2- 2 1/2 dozen large coal balls

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag Oreos or approximately 3 1/2 cups of Oreo crumbs
• 4 Tbsps Butter
• 5 cups Marshmallows or 1-10 oz bag of large or small marshmallows 
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions: 

1. Using a food processor or a blender grind up your Oreos into crumbs.  If you do it in a blender put only a few Oreos in at a time.  There's no need abusing that blender of yours; you'll need it for your morning green smoothies after the plethora of Oreo treats you indulge in.  As far as the Oreo crumbs are concerned you can make the,m as fine as you want; I prefer some fine and some larger chunks for variety purposes.  
2. Lay some wax paper down on the counter.
3. In a pot over low heat melt the butter.  Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted.  Small marshmallows melt faster, but people swear the big marshmallows taste better.  You decide what camp (large or small marshmallows) you stand in.  I like to walk the line and do both b/c that is what I had on hand. 
4. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla (not necessary, but it gives it good richness).
5. With a Pam sprayed or buttered spatula stir the Oreo crumbs into the pot of melted marshmallows.  
6. Using a large spoon lay approximately 2 tablespoons of the Oreo mixture down onto the wax paper.  This will give you a decent sized coal ball treat; b/c I figure if you are going to give someone coal it might as well be of a good size.
7. You can also spoon the mixture in a lined 8x8 pan, but coal squares don't seem nearly as fun as coal balls to me.  
8. Let the treats cool for at least 15 minutes or until you can handle them comfortably.  
9. One at a time take a treat and roll them into coal balls.
10. Enjoy (aka perform a little quality control to make sure they are acceptable) and then Give the Gift of Coal.  

     

Everyone deserves coal this Christmas.  Plus, with it being Christmas Eve is tomorrow I'm thinking even Santa would enjoy receiving some coal! 

Easy yet Fancy Peppermint Bark

I have declared Peppermint Bark to be the Christmas neighbor gift of choice this year.  It's easy to make, you can store it in your fridge until you are ready to deliver (which with cookies you have deliver pronto for ideal freshness and taste), and it looks oh so fancy.  I've already done two batches so far, and it has made Christmas "baking" easy, painless, and stress free.  Plus, if you whip up a batch of these bad boys your neighbors will love you.  Who doesn't love chocolate and peppermint at Christmas time?

As if an easy but fancy Christmas treat isn't enough, this peppermint bark is kid friendly.  My oldest was a fan of watching the chocolate melt.  Personally I think she was just attempting to sneak a finger lick, but yet she appeared completely fascinated by the process.  Watching chocolate melt is perhaps a tad more exciting than watching grass grow, but to each his/her own.  

With chocolate melting on the stove my kids were more than willing to "help."  Since Peppermint Bark includes dark and white chocolate I had to wash pots.  My kids felt a good licking of the bowls was necessary before washing the pot out.  Apparently, it only takes two Peppermint Bark batches for my kiddos to become expert chocolate pot scrappers.  Though, we may have to work on keeping the chocolate IN the mouth not ON the mouth.

Now for the recipe.  It's quick and easy, especially with the few tips I have provided below.  You can now make this yumminess and impress your family, friends, and neighbors with this oh so fancy and festive treat.  The steps to delicious Peppermint bark are truly easy: Prepare pan, melt chocolate, freeze, melt more chocolate, throw in peppermint pieces, freeze, and eat.   

  

Easy Peppermint Bark 

Active time: 40 minutes max

Inactive time: 1 hour minimum

Ingredients: 

• 4 cups chocolate chips (bittersweet, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) 
• 4 cups of white chocolate chips
• 1/2- 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup + decoration toppings of chopped candy canes or peppermint candies

Process:

1- Line a 11x17 sheet pan with wax or parchment paper.  I like to use a piece of masking tape on the long edges to secure the paper down; it just seems to make it a tad easier.  

2- Fill a double boiler with 1/2 inch of water.  If you don't have a double boiler you can finagle one with two pots of different sizes.  The larger pot fill with a bit of water and the smaller one will rest on top.of the larger one with water.  You will be melting the chocolate in the top pot.  

3- Melt the dark chocolate over low-medium heat; be sure to stir every few minutes to get ideal smoothness and prevent overcooking. As far as chocolate is concerned I really like all bittersweet, all semi-sweet or a mixture of the two.  However, I have done it with milk chocolate, but the white chocolate is so sweet I like to have a balance with the bittersweet.  Basically, just melt what you have on hand.  Now, if you really don't like to melt chocolate over the stove (though I think it is actually easier and harder to burn/ruin on a stove) then you can melt chocolate in the microwave.  Just use a large glass bowl and melt the chocolate in 30 second intervals.  Be sure to always stir the chocolate every 30 seconds even if you think it needs it or not; this will help prevent the chocolate from burning or being ruined.  Really, I have found stirring it frequently, whether in the microwave or on the stove, is the best and easiest way to melt chocolate b/c the goal here is smooth delicious chocolate.  Stirring frequently is the way to that smooth and delicious chocolate. 

3- At this point you can taste it for a bit of quality control if you would like.   Quality control is always an important step. :)  

4- When the chocolate is smooth, pour the melted chocolate into the lined pan.  I prefer to have a towel on hand to wipe the bottom of the pot so the water doesn't have to mix with the melted chocolate.

5- Evenly spread the chocolate around the entire pan.

6- Place the dark chocolate in the freezer to set for at least 30 minutes.  If you leave it in the freezer for longer than 30 minutes be sure to take it out just as you are starting to melt the white chocolate. 

7-  Now, melt the 4 cups of white chocolate.  You can use almond bark if you would like, but I think white chips are usually cheaper and taste delicious.

8- When the white chocolate is melted all of the way stir in the peppermint extract while the white chocolate is still in the pot.  The extract isn't really necessary, but it just adds a bit more of the peppermint flavor.  If you love peppermint add closer to the 1 teaspoon. 

9- Stir in a 1/2 cup of chopped peppermint candy.  You can chop/crush the candy using either a food processor or a ziploc bag and a hammer/rolling pin.  Unless I have some anger to get out I prefer to use a food processor.  It's easy, and allows me to control how small I chop the candies.  Plus it is fast.   

10- With the peppermint and candy pieces all mixed into the melted white chocolate pour that mixture over your frozen dark chocolate.  I like to pour the white chocolate out all over the dark chocolate rather than just all in the middle.  I have found you want to spread out the white chocolate as quick as possible.  No need for perfection here.  Resist the urge to keep spreading, as soon as it looks spread out stop.  The more you spread the white chocolate around the quicker it melts the dark chocolate; therefore you can end up with some dark chocolate swirled in the top white chocolate layer and it doesn't look as pretty.

11- Top your white chocolate layer with some more candy pieces.  I like to do mostly bigger pieces but mix in small pieces as well.  At this point just make it look pretty.  I find pressing the candies down into the chocolate a bit really helps to set the candies in the bark.  

12- Freeze your peppermint bark pan for at least 30 minutes.  You can also place your bark in the fridge at this point for at least 3 hours, but it can be left for days.  That is the joy of peppermint bark; there is so much flexibility.  

13- When you are ready, use a knife and your clean hands to break the peppermint bark into pieces.  I have found the random bark size pieces is easier to do and looks more legit than exact square sizes.

You are now done with at least 7-8 good family size bags of peppermint bark treats for your neighbors.  I like to put them in those cute treat bags you can get at JoAnns/Michaels for cheap, tie a ribbon and attach a tag.  Easy, peasy, and oh so fancy.  Peppermint bark is most definitely a winner this year!  So yum!