Gifts in a Jar

  Hey friends! This past month has flown by! Holland and I have been extremely busy with planning wedding stuff and so much more we have kinda slacked off this year with buying gifts. I have made gifts in a jar in the past but this year I kinda went to town with it.  These are super great gifts if you are on a tight budget financially or cutting it close on time.  They are also great for the person you have no clue what to buy for.  I like the idea that when I give one of these to someone it is making baking/cooking easy but they are still getting something homemade and delicious.  

These recipes are from a small taste of home magazine that my dad bought me at the grocery store two years ago.  Best five dollars on a magazine ever spent!

I spent a total of $70.00 at the grocery store and made exactly 12 jars( 4 of each recipe on here). I still have enough stuff to make at least two more for each recipe on here as well. 

I have listed a picture for the three types of jars I made this year and on the left is the recipe you attach to the jar for the person receiving the gift. It is just some simple directions on what they need to make the recipe. Underneath each photo I listed how you put the jar together. 

I tried to put the tags for jars on a google doc so I could be all techie and save you time if you decide to make any of these because let's face it, time is special and if I can keep you from having to type or write out anything I will! However, I apologize in advance if this fancy link under this paragraph does not work. Alrighty, let's get to these jars!

Tags for Jars

First up is Double Dutch Chocolate Holiday Cookies

Hollands mom made these with her niece and nephew two years ago for Christmas. They were supposed to be for Santa but Jayne said she ate about 2 dozen of them on her own!

How to make jar:
-1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup double dutch dark cocoa
-3/4 cup sugar
-1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups red and green milk chocolate m&m's
1/3 cup white baking chips

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. In a 1qt jar, layer the flour mixture, cocoa, sugar, brown sugar, M&M's and baking chips.
**make sure you pack down the layers, especially the brown sugar! If not not all the m&m's and chips will fit**


                          Hearty Pasta Soup

To make jar:
-1/2 cup dried split peas
-2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules( I used Knorr)
-1/2 cup dried lentils
-2 tablespoons dried minced onion
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1 teaspoon fried parsley flakes
-1 envelope savory herb with garlic soup mix or vegetable soup mix
-2 cups uncooked color spiral pasta

1. In a 1qt glass container, layer the first seven ingredients in the order listed. Place the pasta in a resealable plastic bag.  add to jar.

                     Sand Castle Brownies

To make jar:
-1/3 cup chopped nuts
-1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
-1/3 cup flaked coconut
-2/3 cup packed brown sugar
-3/4 cup sugar
-1/3 cup baking cocoa
-1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1. In a 1qt glass jar, layer all ingredients in order listed, packing well between each layer.




For the tops of the jar lids I used mod podge and some holiday scrapbook paper.  I used a sponge brush to put some podge on the lid then onto the paper then sealed it all in by brushing on top as well. I let these dry over night before making the jars so they wouldn't stick at all.

I hope you all have a very happy Holiday! 2013 is coming to a close and it was a fabulous year for us. So excited for 2014!


Love,

Amanda and Holland

Perfect Timing

Gosh... Where do I begin? I cannot believe I am about to write the post about our engagement. It is something I have dreamed about for years and it became real last night. SO lets begin!

Holland had mentioned going to take pictures in front of the bean at Millenium Park at night time once my cousin PP picked us up from the airport. The last two times I have been to Chicago PP and I always take a signature pose at the bean, so it was a must thing to do on our list! We all had an awesome day in Chicago. We ate breakfast at Ann Sathers and went to see the Hunger Games movie. We were kind of running low on energy since we only had three hours of sleep so we relaxed and napped at my cousins apartment until her husband, Billy got home from work.

We got on the train and we were all debating if we should go eat first or go to the bean first. Holland said we needed to eat first because I get a tad bit grumpy when I am hungry and he was right. By the time we were at our stop I was REALLY hungry.  We ate the best deep dish pizza I have ever had in Chicago at Giordannos. Seriously, it was like Ninja Turtle cheesy good when we took the slice off the silver pan.

After dinner we started to walk to the bean which wasn't far away at all but BOY it was COLD!

We started to take pictures and it was so strange because I have always been to the bean in the daytime when there are at least 100 people there. Everyone must have been busy making turkeys and sides!
Now looking back, it is hilarious because Holland just kept insisting on taking more pictures. He kept looking back and seeing if the few people that were there were clear out of the way so we could get a good picture. He also made me take off my beanie and I was saying " OH MY GOD! Its freezing! Why do I have to take off my beanie!?" He insisted so I just went along with it.

 Then it happened..........

 I had just talked to a friend a few weeks ago about her engagement and I asked what her now fiance said. She said it was all a blur and I REALLY tried to focus in on the words Holland was saying to me but I felt just a complete shock and emotion take over my body.  Very slowly he said: "Amanda Richelle Bruns... I have always loved you and I will love you forever, will you Marry Me?"

You would think after eleven years together I would SCREAM yes, but I just stood there still in shock for a good 3-6 seconds. I finally was able to formulate the words.."Yes, Of course". 

 After this moment I started to jump up and down and come back from the clouds a little bit. I did not put the ring on right away because I just kept shouting "Oh my gosh! ITS SOOOOO PRETTY!" and I said "I CAN CALL YOU MY FIANCE NOW!!!
 I slipped off the ring that I wore on my middle finger of my left hand. It was a ring that Holland gave me for my 16th birthday- almost 11 years ago!  I went from feeling freezing to feeling warm. I could not stop my smile and giddy feeling. I know people are saying Finally!! Believe me I think that too. However, I always knew it would happen when the time was right, and the time was perfect.

I am beyond excited/Thankful for all the great things that are happening in our lives. Chicago has always been a special place to me especially in the last three years of my cousin moving here. It will now always be a reminder of the true beginning of our forever journey together.

Thank you to everyone who was in on the secret and to my cousin for capturing the moment. I love you!!!

Thank you all for the congrats and well wishes. We love and appreciate every single word.

Love,

Amanda and Holland

Take that Allergies!

I have suffered from allergies my entire life. I remember the day of my first Communion I sneezed and gross snot was covered in my white lace gloves that my mom spent a pretty penny on.  ALLERGIES ARE TERRIBLE. As I got older I got used to being very excited that Fall was coming but nervous because I knew I was bound to get a sinus infection and feel terrible for the next few months.

This year my Allergies were even worse. Typically I suffer more in the Fall but really any change in the season causes me displeasure. I went to the doctor four times in the month of September and ended up with an inhaler, antibiotics, nasal spray and antihistamines (sp)? My doctor recommended for me to be tested to see exactly what I was allergic to. I had wanted to get tested years ago but was told I needed to be staying and living in one city for two years before I could test.  During college I was back and forth and all over the place sometimes for months at a time due to breaks. Now that I had been living in San Antonio for two years it was a good time for allergy testing.

I was tested for airborne and molds that are common in the area. I was tested for 48 different things ranging from molds to cockroaches-yes cockroaches! EW! The allergist had what looked like all these vials of oil that she put into my arm just by touch-not injections.  I had bumps all over my arms and I felt extremely itchy within seconds.  I had to wait 15 minutes before they would stop the test and luckily I had paper work to fill out to keep my mind off of the itching.

 Once canceled, the allergist removed the oils off and measured the bump size where I had positive reactions. A definite positive sign is a bump that looks similar to a mosquito bite that is around 5 mm big. I had some that measures 17-23 mm big! My biggest things that I was allergic to were cedar, bermuda grass(that is the grass that is like EVERYWHERE) and molds from dead grasses,plants and fruit. The allergist told me she had never seen anyone allergic to so many molds. I tested positive for 12 out of the 14 molds.

 Lets just say I was a great candidate for immunotherapy!

The allergist took the top 10 Airbornes and top 10 molds that I was allergic to and made my diluted vials.  I was trained for three sessions on how to give myself the injections and at first I thought " Man, there is no way I am going to be able to give myself a shot!" However, I have been and it has been simple. I give myself two injections every other day.

I have one of those red containers to put my syringes in and my mom got me a package of alcohol swabs.  I have an epi pen in case there is every a bad reaction where I am unable to breathe and Holland and my portable suite mate know what to do in case I ever cross that bridge which I HOPE I NEVER DO.

The vials of diluted allergens will increase over time as my body builds up immunity towards it. My doctor recommended to do this for a year- possibly two. I am thinking of doing it as long as I can so the effects will last longer as well.

If you are in San Antonio and looking for an allergist let me know! I have had a very positive experience so far and I hope that next Fall I won't be losing my voice and feeling terrible from my favorite season coming in.

OCTOBAH/Hill Wedding

Other than the fact that my allergies have been like the plague this year, I am loving this season. There is something about having to bring a jacket to school (even if I just wear it in the morning before the sun comes up) that has me all frisky about Fall.

We started off October with my cousins wedding.

It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. My cousin Gregory and Jamie were both radiating with happiness.  We haven't had a family wedding since my cousin PP in 2013 so we all had a blast celebrating and dancing together. My cousin Nikki taught me how to properly photo bomb

There is so much funny in this photo! Look at pp on the left dancing by herself BAHAHA

Congrats Jamie and Gregory Hill!!! We love you both so much. Thank you for sharing your special day with us!!

So far October has been good to us. We have a trip to Austin for Bryce's 5th birthday planned and a trip to Houston to visit our friend Sarah who is in grad school. Looking forward to breaking out my boots soon!!

Come On FALL!!!

Ever since the weather tipped into the mid 70's last week I have been OBSESSED with pumpkin everything. I still have to remind myself that it is still September and I am counting down the days until October. Even though it is still September I have been unable to control myself from baking and buying    anything and everything with Pumpkin in it. I currently have a mexican pumpkin candle burning in our room and I changed out our coasters from lobster napkins to pumpkin ones. When I was at the store I thought to myself that I definitely needed to wait to buy pumpkins until it was officially October.So Instead I got some vampire teeth for the desk fairy to deliver at school instead.

I tried 2 new pumpkin recipes today and there are good!

One was No Bake Pumpkin Energy Bites from Gimme Some Oven. These were easy but it took me some time to roll them. Holland managed to eat three while we watched Greys Anatomy and I was scooping and rolling. I think these will be a great on the go snack and will be yummy mixed with yogurt for breakfast!


The second recipe I tried today was Oatmeal Raisin Pumpkin Cookies. These turned out good. I used regular flour instead of whole wheat flour. The cookies were a little difficult to get off the pan and I had to be extra gentle or they would fall apart but we still ate them and they were good!

However, If you want the easiest and BEST pumpkin cookie recipe ever you have to try my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.  I have been making these for two years now and every time they are a hit. I took some to a Ranger Creek work BBQ last week and Holland said that these cookies were a hit!

 Here it is. I cannot remember where I found this recipe so I apologize in advance if you are the creator of this recipe and I am not citing you to give you credit-please do not sue me.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here is what you need:
1 15 oz can of pumpkin
2 eggs
3/4 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking power
2 tsp baking soda
1(12 oz) package of semi sweet chocolate chips.

Pre Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the pumpkin, eggs, oil, sugar, and spices until well blended. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 11 minutes or until golden brown. Remove immediately from pan and cool on a wire cooling rack.

Two more days and I am going to go buy my pumpkins!!! Happy Fall everyone!

Third Year in Third Grade!

Well I survived my first week with Third Graders! I had the smoothest first day of school ever. It went by quick just like a breeze.  They did what I asked them to do, they were eager to show me what they already knew and were willing to help in any way possible.  This group of kiddos is really special.  This is definitely a different world compared to Kinder and there are going to be different challenges but I am loving it so far. They are big kids compared to Kindergarteners but they are still kids to me.  I am excited for the year to come and all the fun activities we will get to do together. Some of my favorite moments from the week are....

1. First day of school one of my kids asked where I went and they said they missed me when I took another student to the nurse. 

2.  A returning 3rd grade student told me they were worried they weren't going to like being in 3rd grade again but they were liking it and glad to be there. 

3.  Reading all of the writing that they were all doing! One of the prompts we did this week was if you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Who would you take with you? What would you do there etc. They have such big imaginations. 

4. Watching the kids be so supportive of one another. Not one time this week did someone get upset for cutting line, not winning a game against a partner etc. They are all very respectful of each others feelings. 

5. Kids asking if they could take books home so that they could read and read and read!

I know there is so much work to do before April but I am going to not let my students be afraid of that thing called the STAAR test. I just keep telling them we are going to work SO hard all year that you will not be afraid of it and you will face it head on! I am so grateful for the fabulous team of ladies that I am working with. I appreciate y'alls help more than you know!

Now here are some pictures of my classroom that I took at Meet The Teacher.  

My friend found this on Teachers Pay Teachers! I love it because all of these things were just shoved in a container by my teacher desk last year. 

My Kidney Table. This is my only teacher table and it is working great so far! I only had an actual desk my first year teaching but found I never sat at it. 

One of our bulletin boards. I have put up some more things since I took this picture like our coupons that the students can earn by cashing in tickets they get for good behavior, manners and being proactive. 

Math area. Hoping to get some math work stations started soon!

I hope all my teacher friends had a great week back!

Farewell Summer!

I want to start off this post by saying how grateful I am that I get to have a summer vacation. It is not the reason why I chose a teaching career, but boy is it a perk! I love that I have time to regroup, recharge my emotional battery and spend time with family and friends.

Holland and I had an interesting summer. We did very little traveling and large amounts of family visited us this year which was nice but next year I think we need to travel to get some good ju ju going.  Although they were minor things that happened like getting in a car accident, going on a river of death trip, Bleu stepping on a nail and spending hundred of dollars on vet bills, Holland hitting a buzzard and creating more road kill for his friends. I mean it all could have been much worse right? As I am typing this I am already laughing at all the crazy that happened. Even though it felt like a tiny dark cloud was following us we still has a busy summer filled with memories.

          SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS! 
                             Summer 2013
                     *In no particular order*
1. My cousin and her husband visiting from Chicago. 

2. Watching my mom destroy her birthday Piñata. 

3. Movies on Sunday with my mom and Dad. 

4. Going to the Watering  Hole in Austin.

5. Getting to see my dad wear his favorite 4th of July t shirt. 

6. Visiting my college roommate/friend Deanne and her family. 

7. Making new recipes. 
8.Not setting an alarm for two months :)
9. Riding a Camel 

10. Feeding a Giraffe

11. Shellac Nail Polish

12. The Lake House and spending time with my sister 

13. Amy and Elise's Wedding

14. Reading books for school and for pleasure!
15. Natural Bridge WildLife Safari with Hollands mom. We also saw twin baby giraffes!

16. Spending time with Hannah and Bleu

17. Surprising Allison during her visit in Richmond!

18. Watching the entire show called Scandal. I AM HOOKED!

19. Hollands first beer release with Ranger Creek

20. Hollands family visiting!

21. Spending quality time with my momma and setting up my new classroom!
*blog to come with pictures of that!

I hope that all of you had a fabulous summer. There are few jobs that allow people to really re-charge and I feel refreshed and ready for a new year. I am starting my THIRD year of teaching in THIRD grade! 

South Town IPA

Holland has been busy with work at Ranger Creek! His very first recipe called  South Town IPA was released on August 1st ( National IPA Day)! There were many events going on around San Antonio and it is currently in bars in Austin as well. I made a Facebook event and I was SO shocked to see how many people came out to the Friendly Spot to support Holland and his brew. One of his college roommates drove from Austin, we had friends from middle school, high school, family and even our amazing neighbors made it out to enjoy a cold glass in the summer heat. I unfortunately did not get pictures of everyone but I want to thank everyone for coming out to make it a special night for Holland. I cannot express how proud I am of him for how far he has come with his career. I know this is a small victory and there are many more to come his way in the future. 

Here are some photos from the release night. 

Holland and Josh pouring samples. 

Cheers!

Holland handing his dad a sample. YUM!

These are our wonderful neighbors who watch Hannah and Bleu for us. We love them!

Holland and one of Ranger Creeks biggest Fans, Michele!

Lats night there was another tasting event at World of Beer. Since it was on a Wednesday it was not as crowded and I did not promote it as much but some friends still made it out at the last minute to enjoy South Town.  

YAY Holland!!

If you are interested in trying a delicious craft beer made by my honey- Southtown IPA is available in San antonio at:

The Cove
The Point Park & Eats
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Park North
Stella Public House
The Official San Antonio Flying Saucer
Big Hops Growler Station
The Friendly Spot Ice House
BONESHAKERS