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

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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!

 



Food Friday: My Favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe

 

This is my recipe adapted from one I obtained from my sister.  It's been years, but I think I added more shortening. I never vary from Butter Flavor Crisco!  These almost melt in your mouth!  Make a batch for Valentine's Day!
 
Carol's Sugar Cookies

• 1 C Butter Flavored Crisco
• 1 C Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3 C Flour

Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Blend in one cup of the flour. Add baking powder and salt and blend well. Add remaining flour - reserving about 1/4 cup for rolling dough. Mix well.

Dough will be soft. Do not refrigerate. Use remaining flour to keep dough from sticking while rolling out. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies and bake in 400 degree oven for seven minutes. Do not allow edges to brown. Baking times may need to be adjusted.
Allow cookies to cool and decorate with your favorite frosting recipe. (Mine is in my head!  I just add ingredients until it looks and tastes right, but here are some things to help you...)

My Favorite Frosting Recipe

1/4 - 1/2 C butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla
Powdered Sugar
Milk (about 1/4 cup)
Dash of salt

Cream butter and add vanilla.  I then begin adding powdered sugar and milk alternately until I have a fluffy white frosting. When I am happy with the consistency, I add a dash of salt. A seasoned southern belle once told me, "The salt makes the sweet sweeter."

Add food coloring and sprinkles - or not. It's really about what makes you happy!

Let them melt in your mouth!

Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Question: Do you have a holiday recipe to share?  Comment below.

Happy Running!

Niagara Falls and Ice!

I wanted to share some of the beautiful wonders of this earth.  The Lord has truly blessed us.  We had an opportunity to visit Niagara Falls for the first time.  It was winter.  It was COLD! It was such a beautiful sight, even amidst the freezing mist. Ice was everywhere.  Here is a view from the Canada side.

All that white stuff in the foreground looks like snow, but it is ice. The second view explains itself.  

I am reminded of a hymn ...

 "For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,"
Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917


I am grateful for the varied landscapes and climates, even the sagebrush desert where I live, that beautifies this place we've been given to live out our mortal existence.

    

Mountains, beaches and deserts make this an interesting and wonderful world! 

Question: What are some of your favorite places? Please feel free to sound off in the comments below.

Happy Running!
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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!
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