Jay Miranda

Good Taste, Mom Life, Homeschooling

Christmas School

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In late November, our sweet girl said, “I can’t wait for Christmas school.” While I love that way of putting it, I’d say we celebrate advent—the weeks leading up to Christmas. During that time, we remember and experience the Christmas story through faith, music, books, poems, crafts, and festive fun with loved ones.

School curriculum-wise, we finished our first term before break. We take December off. It’s a glorious break that would have seemed like too much to me before we started homeschooling, but it’s just right. The kids have been learning and working diligently all term. We’ll begin our new term in January and have a shorter summer break, but we think it’s worth it.

Here are snapshots of our home, holiday cooking, a few favorite Christmas presents, and more.

The miracle of Christmas feels like a million-sided diamond. You can peer into it from so many perspectives and it will leave you feeling the most wondrous awe. It defies reason as only the best things can. It defies reason like Joy, Peace, Hope, and Love. The beauty of the holiday belongs to children as much as any man or woman. This month’s efforts on my part (and the masterly inactivity for my fellow CM homeschoolers) is my attempt to arrange, not the light, itself, as that’s infinitely beyond me, but the meeting between my children and the light Himself.

Merry Christmas, friends.

 

 

 

 

How I Save Time and Money With Walmart+

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In partnership with Walmart

A typical Walmart haul!

Walmart+ is my favorite membership because it helps me save so much time and money. You MUST check it out for yourself: become a Walmart+ member for benefits that help you save every day.

Let’s start with time! Walmart+ gives me FREE delivery ($35 order min, restrictions apply) and this is a major time-saver. My big, weekly grocery store trip takes about 2 hours from the minute I leave the house to when I come back. Then there’s almost always an extra grocery trip for something unexpected (Kids want to bake! Friends coming over! I forgot something!) These extra trips add at least another hour per week of travel and shopping time. So Walmart+ is saving me several hours a month and even more per year–my least favorite errand. I can use that time on things I love.

Next, Walmart+ saves money. Link here to start your free trial! I save on delivery fees, fuel discounts ($.10 per gallon at a local gas station*), and savings on fuel from not having to drive to the store several times a month. Of course, Walmart has amazing prices on groceries and household supplies so I enjoy those savings too. Saving money these days is a such a great feeling. I use mine toward books and clothes for my kids and the occasional splurge for myself.

*Fuel discount varies by location & station, subject to change.

Things I’d rather spend my doing: hanging out with my kids, gardening, putting my energy toward summer grilling—not hauling groceries, and organizing/planning for next year of homeschool!

It just makes so much sense. Get a free Walmart+ trial membership to see for yourself! xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Morning: Snowman Pancakes

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In partnership with JCPenney and ShopStyle Collective

What do you make on Christmas morning? We make pancakes! I take mine topped with berries and whipped cream, but we make the girls’ something a little more fun. They LOVE snowman pancakes. I love that these are so easy to put together. JCPenney has everything you need for Christmas cooking and decor. First up: this griddle is a must-have. We use ours to make a bunch of pancakes at once and because the heat can be set and stays even, they cook nicely every time.

Tis the season for seasonal plates and table runners. I love this set with winter critters; the snowy background would work especially well for these snowman pancakes. (And hey, I’m sure that if I put my girls’ favorite cereal in these Santa bowls, they’d be pretty happy.) Our tabletop decor came together this year with this rustic plaid table runner and matching napkins. How Christmas-in-the-woods is this cable-knit table runner? And how gorgeous is this classic Christmas tree printed runner?!

Not every holiday gift for your home or the hostess NEEDS to be seasonal. For instance, my new farmhouse mugs are so lovely and sturdy and would look great all year. Other cute ideas: LED taper candles, small air fryer, plush throws, quality bakeware—love this backyard bugs cake mold!

Not sure whether I’ll manage to set the table the night before, but if I do it will feel like half the work of Christmas breakfast will have already been done by the time the kids are opening their presents.

Wishing you a beautiful winter and Christmas.

 

 

 

Cozy Holiday

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In partnership with JCPenney and ShopStyle Collective

Ever wonder how new holiday traditions begin? For instance, on Christmas morning, we make snowman pancakes with a chocolate-chip face and a scarf made from a slice of bacon. The first time we did it, it was a big hit. Now we do it every year. This year, we started a new tradition: a we-can’t-wait-for-Christmas pajama party. Christmas pajamas, fun slippers, cozy blankets, eggnog, and a holiday movie—super simple, and the kids loved it! (Eggnog naysayers: you can substitute hot cocoa!)

I found the cutest pajamas at JCPenney: matching pink pajamas for the girls (toddler sizes and girls sizes) and cotton flannel pajamas for mom and dad. Our littlest got reindeer slippers and I got the grown up reindeers.

Can I say it’s exceedingly difficult to find quality, 100% cotton flannel, pajamas in plus size?! But I found them! JCPenney has them in this beautiful green plaid and a few other prints. These pajamas feel very winter-in-a-cabin to me and omg, so so so comfy. A dream to sleep in. So good, I need to get another pair before they sell out in my size. Note: these run a little roomy, so there’s no need to size up.

Beyond pajamas, this is a great time of year to get some holiday throws. They add a festive touch to any chair, couch, or bed. They make sweet gifts (who doesn’t love a comfy throw?) especially if you add something like a favorite holiday book or mug. Love this icy green tree print. And this big cozy reindeer sherpa throw for reading with my girls.

These cozy gifts are the kind to give early in the season, so they can be enjoyed all winter long. See the cozy holiday collection for more gift ideas.

Raising a mug of eggnog to you, my friends!

 

 

 

 

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