Top 5 last-minute Valentine's Day gift ideas

The best gifts are gifts from the heart

In yesterday's sourdough bread post I confessed (probably not for the first time) that I often fly by the seat of my pants. Unfortunately, this habit often finds me scrambling for gifts when holidays and birthdays roll around. If you find yourself thinking, "It's Valentine's Day already!", here are a few last-minute ideas that your family and friends will love.

1 - Gifts of Food. You can't go wrong with My Favorite Sugar Cookies! No time to bake? Try popcorn and 2 liters of soda, "I just popped in to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!" A jar of last summer's fruity preserves and a note that reads, "You're my Jam, Valentine!" will please your friends, as well.

2 - Gifts of Service. Shovel someone's walk and leave an anonymous note that reads, "I would move mountains of snow for you." Do a family member's household chores without being asked or pick up groceries for a neighbor who might not want to venture out. (It's still bitter cold where I live!)

3 - Gifts of Future Service. Make a coupon for a future task such as babysitting, homemade dinner for two, or yardwork. It's okay to put parameters on it such as a "renew by" or "4 hours of babysitting" or "on a Saturday." Just be certain if you give a gift that will be redeemed in the future, you are willing to fulfill it.

4 - Gifts of Words. Write a personal note that includes a favorite memory of your Valentine. It could be a shared experience or something you've observed about them. Tell them why you value their friendship. Be silly, be clever, or be honestly blunt, "You make me laugh." There are many ways to make this happen through a written card, text, email, or a blast on social media. Be thoughtful and use the format that will best speak to your Valentine.

5- Gifts of Time. Plan a date. It can be as simple as a walk or as committed as a weekend getaway. Even an impromptu visit with a friend. "Can I stop by with a snack and visit for a bit?" Time together can reinforce a relationship, especially if it has been a while since you've taken time to connect.

So, don't panic! You have a few days left to make your Valentine(s) feel special. 

If you have an idea to add to this list, please feel free to share it in the comments.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Black Friday Book Bash!

I don’t know about you, but I’m not much for fighting crowds on Black Friday. I would rather stay home with family enjoying the company and leftovers. Perhaps I’m not really a shopper!

That’s why I’m offering 25% OFF all my book titles ALL WEEK LONG! Browse. Go eat another piece of pumpkin pie. Email me if you have questions. Shop some more. Purchase when it’s convenient for you. You can even use the coupon more than once. And there are no crowds to fight!

This offer is good now thru Cyber Monday in my Etsy shop or by contacting me personally. It is not valid on Amazon!

Use coupon code: BOOKBASH25

People on your Christmas List who might enjoy my books:

Kids

Country Folks

Fishermen

Quilters

Runners

Non-runners who wish to be runners

Readers with short attention spans

Readers who love life lessons

Writers

And the list goes on …

So, give the shop a visit when you have time between baking, eating, and recovering from that hectic Black Friday shopping trip! Remember the code: BOOKBASH25

Happy Thanksgiving and ...

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

10 Things I Love About Christmas

I'm feeling reflective today, so I thought I would share 10 things I love about Christmas! They aren't the only things, but they are definitely some of my favorites.

1 - All things sparkly.

Lights, fancy Christmas dresses, Christmas ornaments, and children’s excited eyes!

2 - Red

It's my favorite color! Candy canes, tree skirts, ornaments and bows! Red noses, too!

3 - Christmas music

Traditional carols and country songs, too. O Holy Night and I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas are at the top of the list.

4 - The Nativity as portrayed by small children

Little Mary is always so excited for her role. Joseph is serious and proud. Tiny angels and five year-old wise men! Love them!

5 - Christmas movies

White Christmas. The Grinch. Charlie Brown. Rudolph.

6 - Shiny wrapping paper

This might qualify as All Things Sparkly. I love the way the tree lights reflect on the shiny packages.

7 - Holiday Fun Runs

Who doesn’t love a group of fast and not so fast folks bundled up to enjoy the cold and company only a fun run can provide and only runners can understand?

8 - Giving the perfect gift

It doesn’t happen every year, but once in a while I get it right! That’s way more fun than receiving the perfect gift!

9 - An excuse to bake all my favorite goodies for all my favorite people

Like I need an excuse!

10 - Remembering the Reason for the Season

Jesus Christ came to save us from ourselves. He overcame the world so that we, too, can have eternal life. There is no greater gift.

What are some of your favorite things about the Christmas Season? Do you take time to remember Him?

Merry Christmas and ...

 Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

5 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

This recipe HERE.

 

You've got five days left before Valentine's Day.  What are you going to do?  Here are five sweet ideas for your Valentines!

 

For Your Sweetheart - This idea comes from Hub Pages.  Fill a jar with mixed nuts and add a note that says, "After all these years, I'm still nuts about you!"  Or make up a quote of your own.

 

For the Kids' lunchboxes - This idea comes from The Cards We Drew.  Include a mandarin orange or nectarine in their lunch with a note that says, "You're a real Cutie!" 

 

For Your Running Friends - (You know they love a gift!) A pair of new running socks, headband, cheap knitted gloves for the cold days, or even one of these cute new shirts.  They are made of technical fabric - just in time for warmer temps!

 

For the College Kids - A gift card for a favorite meal.  College kids are always hungry!  You can order online. Try Five Guys, Café Rio, or Chili's.

 

For Everyone Else - You can't missed with My Favorite Sugar Cookies!  I'm going to give it a permanent place on my Home Page.  It's that good!

 

So get busy! You have five more days!

Happy Valentine's Day and ...

 

Happy Running!

 



DIY: Glove monster crafting

I have a confession. It won't be news to some of you. I am not much of a crafter - unless it is in the kitchen or at the computer - and the computer is questionable! (Still learning to put words on photos.  So far, they look rather elementary.)  Anyhow, I am visiting my grandchildren soon and I wanted something fun and unique to give them. So ... I made this!

Purple Glove Monster


It's my first attempt and he needs a little tidying up, but I kind of like him.  I found the idea on Pinterest.  You can do a "glove monster" search and find all kinds of ideas.  I think he cost about $.50.  The gloves were $.97 and the rest of the stuff was just hanging around in my many neglected crafting collections! I'm going to make him some friends while I have the crafting bug! (It doesn't usually last very long!)

Happy Running!
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Silicone lid kitchen gadget

Isn't it cute?

And strong!

I love this and had to share it with you.  My Spudman Teammate, Paulee, gave me one of these cool silicone lids.  It's not only functional, it's cute! It's great for those times when you want to cover a bowl full of food quickly.  It works better and faster than plastic wrap. You'll be the envy of the potluck party or picnic when you show up with one of these covering your salad.

You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond, The Kitchen Outlet, or on Amazon. 

Check out more of my favorite Gadgets!

Happy Running! 

Gifts and Gadgets!

So ... my hubby doesn't like to run, but he likes me and he knows I choose to run.  He gave me this nifty LG Tone Pro Bluetooth headset for Christmas!  Now I can listen to my running music without getting caught up in my headphones. I'm loving it!  I cant wait to take it for a run.

 

Did you get any new gadgets for Christmas?  Do you have a favorite running gadget? 

 

I would love to hear about your favs.  Please feel free to comment below!

 

Happy Running!

A Raggedy Christmas

Here is a Christmas story from Gold Pans and Iron Skillets. Enjoy!

A Raggedy Christmas

It must have been about 1966, for I recall that I was not yet in school. The memories remain, few but vivid. I remember a sewing machine, bits of fabric, a door that remained closed, sneaking a peek with my younger sister and straining to decipher the whispers coming from behind the door. For two small girls, the expectations were wonderful. Our excitement was limited only by our imaginations! Whatever could be happening in that room?

The secret emerged Christmas morning. Beneath our tree sat two of the largest, happiest, rag dolls we had ever seen. Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy! At least, they were almost the Raggedys. The dolls were twenty-four inches tall, with orange (not red) hair, red triangle noses, wide spaced black button eyes, and red boots that pointed East and West. They were identical. The only distinguishing characteristic was their clothing. Andy looked like a clown in his one-piece suit and pointed hat. His striped suit was ruffled at the wrists and ankles. It had a red ruffled collar. Ann’s dress had a blue bodice and a dark print skirt with an apron attached. A pocket on her apron housed a bright red hankie. Ann wore a scarf that complimented Andy’s clown suit. I remember most the buttons down each back: three candy-colored buttons that looked like great big Life Savers. They were a comical pair. Situated under the tree atop a pile of packages, Ann and Andy appeared to be two children, the first to arise on Christmas Morn already wise to the contents of their brightly colored perch.

I found Raggedy Ann the other day, not in a trunk in an attic where any self-respecting Raggedy Ann would be found, but in a foot locker in the garage amongst old school books, a cheerleader’s uniform, and some old birthday cards. Raggedy Ann was in sad shape! She was hairless. Her skirt was torn and her scarf and hankie were missing. Her black button eyes were merely glue spots. Worst of all, she was decapitated! It appeared that Raggedy Ann had endured far too many visits from my nieces and nephews. I contemplated laying Ann in her final resting place (the wastebasket), but thought better of it. I would attempt to revive her!

This time it was my sewing machine, my fabric, and my wide-eyed five-year-old daughter anticipating the treasure being created. As I traced the tattered fabric of Ann’s body, I wondered what memories this renewed doll might sow for my little girl. Would she appreciate this silly looking creature as I did? Or, would Raggedy Ann be lost in the blur of Mom’s many other projects? After all, she was just another doll wearing an old leftover dress.

To me, she is still Raggedy Ann. What makes her Raggedy is not the fabric, or the color of her hair, or the stuffing inside, but the memories of a little girl’s Christmas captured by the expression on the doll’s silly face. Each time I look at Raggedy Ann, I am reminded of a Christmas and a childhood filled with happiness. And now, each Christmas my renewed doll takes a seat of respect beneath my tree to remind me that Christmas is for children, for love, and for memories of long, long, ago when a child was born to bring love to all children. Raggedy Ann has become my reminder at Christmas and every other day. She is a symbol of love, of gifts, of joy, and of what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

I serve this recipe with cream cheese and crackers.  Wheat Thins are my favorite!  You can make it just in time for Christmas gifts or for those NCAA bowl games coming up!  For a colorful change substitute red bell peppers for green.

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

• 3 Med. Green Peppers seeded & chopped
• 2 2-inch Jalapeno Peppers seeded & chopped
• 1 1/2 Cups White Vinegar
• 5 1/2 Cups Sugar
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 6 oz. liquid pectin (Certo)

Puree peppers.  Add vinegar and blend.  In a large deep saucepan, combine pureed mixture, sugar, and cayenne.  Bring to full rolling boil stirring frequently.  Stir in pectin and boil for one minute more.  Remove from heat.  Skim off foam and seal in jars.  Makes 8 jelly jars.

Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Double Chocolate Biscotti

This recipe for Double Chocolate Biscotti is easier than it looks. I like to throw a few pieces in with Almond Biscotti as a gift. The recipe comes from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book – my Go To cook book!  You can find it on page 255, along with some variations on the recipe.

Lots of chocolate!

Double Chocolate Biscotti

1/2 C softened butter
2/3 C sugar
1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs
1 3/4 C flour
3/4 C white baking pieces
1/2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Beat softened butter for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa, and baking powder.  Beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl.  Beat in eggs until combined.  Beat in the flour and then stir in white and chocolate chips.  I use my KitchenAid mixer.

Divide the dough in half and form into two 9-inch long loaves.  Place loaves on cookie sheet and flatten to 2 inches wide.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Cool completely.

Baked loaves

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut each loaf diagonally 1/2 inches wide with serrated knife.  Place slices on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes.  Turn and bake for another 8 minutes until crisp and dry.  Cool.

This biscotti recipe is great for the chocolate lover on your list!
 
Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Food Friday: Almond Biscotti

Oh, yum!  It’s that time of year!  Baking, baking, and more baking! This recipe for Almond Biscotti was such a hit last year that I had to begin early.  I was nervous thinking that it might not turn out first go round. (I sometimes have that kind of trouble with seasonal recipes. My Go To cookie recipe is written in my mind and on my heart and it never fails.)  Anyhow, this recipe turned out great!  It comes from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book – my Go To cook book!  You can find it on page 254, along with some variations on the recipe.  Here is the one I used with a couple of subtle changes.

Almond Biscotti

2 ¾ C flour

1 ½ C sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks
6 Tbs melted butter
1 ½ tsp finely shredded orange peel
1 C chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 325◦ F.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. (Better Homes and Gardens says to grease the cookie sheets, but I have found the parchment paper makes life much easier.) Combine dry ingredients.  Place eggs and egg yolks in a well in the dry ingredients and combine. (I use my KitchenAid mixer for all the steps and it works wonders.) Add melted butter and orange peel.  When dough forms a ball, add almonds and mix until combined.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into three equal loaves – about 12 -14 inches long. Place these on cookie sheets leaving about three inches between loaves.  Flatten to about 1 ½ inch wide.  Bake for 25 minutes and let cool on cookie sheets for about 15 minutes.

When loaves are cool transfer them to a cutting board.  Using a serrated knife cut ½ to ¾ inch wide diagonal strips. Return the slices to a cookie sheet placing the on their sides.  Cook for 10 minutes, Trun over and cook for another 10 – 15 minutes.  Let cool. 

A gift of biscotti coupled with a gourmet hot chocolate will always please the recipient!

I will share the recipe for Double Chocolate Biscotti next week.  If you simply cannot wait that long, message me and I will oblige!

 

Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Happy Running!