Strawberry Surprise Freezer Jam

This wedding officiant just LOVES some strawberries...  I LOVE them in a salad, by themselves, and how about some freezer jam?  Below I have an included this Awesome recipe, and hope you enjoy...  If you make this creation, please be sure to let me know in the comments section below.

What You Need:

1 pt boxes of fresh strawberries, washed, drained and hulls removed

2 1/2 C of fresh pineapple, peeled and finely chopped

7 C sugar

2 pkgs (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin

1 C cold water

4 pt freezer containers with lids

How to Make It:

Place strawberries in a large mixing bowl.

Crush the strawberries with a potato masher.

Measure out 2 1/2 C strawberries and place in a separate bowl.

Add the pineapple to the strawberries.

Slowly add the sugar and stir until well combined.

Place the cold water in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the pectin.

Stir continuously until water begins to boil.

Boil 1 minute.

Remove from heat.

Pour the water mixture into with the fruit.

Stir well to combine.

Continue stirring 4 minutes.

Pour into the pt freezer containers and cover.

Let stand at room temperature for 24 hours.

Freeze after 24 hours.

Jam will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To use, remove from freezer and allow to come to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Ready to Get Married?

Clever Ideas to Make Your Paycheck Last Longer

If you are like most families, you count the days until you get paid again.  It really isn’t that hard to make your paycheck stretch the whole two weeks, you just need to make a few small adjustments.  Even this wedding officiant stretches her weekly paycheck!, and here are some clever ways to help you hang on to your hard-earned cash a little longer every month.

1)  Bump up your take-home pay.  If it has been a few years since you began working for your current employer, it may be time for an update on your W-4 form.  You may have claimed zero so you wouldn’t owe taxes at the end of the year, but with all the new tax cuts for families, this may no longer be a wise choice.  If you start claiming more exemptions, you will have less money withheld from your paycheck and more in your pocket, plus money back come April 15.

2)  Put yourself on a daily budget.  On payday spend your money like you don’t have any.  Pay the bills that are due and buy groceries of course, but with the left over money you need to budget it carefully, and here is how:

Divide the lump sum by the amount of days left until payday.  That is how much you can spend a day.  If you have $200 dollars left and you have 12 days until payday, you can spend around $16 dollars a day.  If you spend only $10 of that money a day, you have $72 left come your next payday.  Save that money every month and you have Christmas paid for!

3)  Stop the coffee habit.  You knew this one was coming.  Yes it is fashionable to go through the Starbucks drive thru, but it costs a lot of money to flaunt that designer coffee cup around.  If you really want to save money, wake up and smell the home-brewed coffee!  Add a flavored coffee creamer to your own coffee and get over it.  At $4 a cup twice a week, you would be saving yourself around $400 a year.

4)  Do some repairs yourself.  It used to be that if anything went wrong with your car or appliances you had no other choice but to call a repairman.  There is a better way to fix some things and save money: It’s called YouTube.  If the blinker light goes out on your car, look up how to replace the bulb on YouTube.  There is a video out there for almost anything and it would be wise to check there before you call the handyman.

5)  Stop your guilty conscience spending.  If you are one of those parents who has to spend lots of time away from home working, you may ease your guilty conscience by purchasing extravagant things for your kids to make up for it.  I know, I am guilty with this aspect on my dog as well!!! Stop spending money and start spending quality time with your kids and pets.  That may only be a few hours every night, but make those hours count by making popcorn and watching a movie together or spend time reading or playing games.  This is low-cost time well spent.

OK, I hope these tidbits help out, and this wedding officiant will see you all soon!!!

This Wedding Officiant LOVES Some Ole Time Wedding Photos... Don't You?

It is amazing how times flies by!  Can you imagine having some of these wedding styles in your wedding today?  I also liked how the majority of these pictures, do not display a smile between the loving couple.  I personally think we ALL need to shed some smiles on our special day.  What are your thoughts?

As your wedding officiant, I promise to do my best to make you break into a smile or two!!!

This Wedding Officiant Just LOVES Some Corn on the Grill

I’ve heard of corn on the cob, but corn on the grill? Yes, it is a great way to cook corn with lots of seasonings and buttery flavor. I had a friend do this for myself and other dinner party guests and it was scrumptious.

Corn on the cob is good to this wedding officiant as long as I don’t have to be the one to clean it. Have you seen the ears of corn in the market? I am weary of stripping off the husks and all those millions of hairs on the corn. But if you are not a ‘fraidy cat like me this is a good side dish to go with your perfectly grilled steaks.

Start by choosing your corn. Make sure that the husks are closed and that there are no missing kernels if you look inside. For this type of grilling we want to keep the husks so resist the urge to strip it and throw it away. In the farmer’s market, it is habit to clean your corn there. Few people want the hassle of corn husk and hairs at home so they do it at the market.

 Peel down the husk but do not remove it completely from the corn. Pull off all of the hairs on the corn. Examine the ears for any dark or damaged kernels. Cut those away. Next, put the corn in a big bucket of cold water. Be sure that all of the corn is completely immersed in the water. This is much like the process of getting skewers ready for the grill. You don’t want to burn your corn so you need to saturate it and the husk. Let the corn sit for about thirty minutes. In the meantime, go ahead and preheat your grill.

Dry the corn on the cob. Now it’s time to add your spices and other condiments like butter to the corn. What do you like on your corn? If you like salt like I do, add some to the butter and other seasonings you are putting on the corn. This way you won’t have to add more when you eat later. It will soak in with the butter.

Add some red or cayenne pepper for a little kick. You can rub on dried herbs and a variety of spices. Don’t forget your butter. Rewrap the corn cob in the husk. Twist the ends so that the corn is sealed inside. You can use a piece of the husk as a twist tie.

Grill the corn for about half an hour with the grill closed and then remove. Open the husks so you can see the corn for a better presentation. The flavor of the spices has been grilled into the corn. This is ten times better than boiling it on the stove. You’ll love it; I hope... as much as this wedding officiant does!

6 Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store

It seems like the hardest place to try and save money is the grocery store.  Prices keep going up and as your family grows up, they tend to eat more.  What’s a mom to do?   And how about the person who is on a limited budget?  As many of you know, I am a wedding officiant, and believe me...  I do have a budget to stay within!  Here are 6 ways to save money at the grocery store that don’t require too much effort on your part.

1)  Buy less.  You may have heard that buying in bulk saves you money, but that is only if you are buying non-perishable items that you use often. This wedding officiant always buys corn and beans in bulk!  Purchasing too much of one food usually guarantees that most of it will go into the trash.  Only buy in bulk if you know you will use that ingredient within the expiration date or if you have room to freeze it all.

2)  Make a budget book.  Keep track of the groceries you buy often.  Make a list of things like bread, butter, milk and all the other usual suspects, and write the prices down for each after your shopping trips.  Buy doing this, you can see how the prices fluctuate from week to week, and you can also compare between grocery stores.  Keeping a budget book is also a good way to match savings with coupons and flyers using the average cost of these items, to see if you are really getting a deal.

3)  Buy meat wisely.  The meat department is where the bulk of your budget goes.  Try making a few meatless meals to save money.  If your family isn’t going to go for that idea, then buy cheaper cuts and make lots of stews and casseroles.  You can sometimes get a good deal at the butcher shop for a side of beef, but keep in mind you need a big freezer for this purchase.

4)  Do your own processing.  It costs more money to buy products that save you time.  Sorry, but in order to save, you may have to put a little elbow grease into your meals.  Buy your produce in tact and cut it up when you get home.  Buy chickens whole and cut them up yourself.  For a few weeks, use your budget book to keep track of the regular purchases, then buy your items whole and process them yourself.  You will be quite surprised at the price difference.

5)  Buy store brands.  Store brands save you money.  Even if you have a coupon for a name brand product, the off brand will more than likely be cheaper.  Compare the ingredients and you will see that there really isn’t that much of a difference between name brand and store brand.  On the other hand, if your family absolutely hates the store brand, then you aren’t saving money if you have to throw the food away.

6)  Always shop with a list. Walking into the grocery store unprepared is a sure way to wind up with lots of food you have no use for, and not enough of anything to make a complete meal.

There are numerous ways to save money at the grocery store.  The six ways mentioned here are easy to implement and should show immediate savings.

Rocky Ridge County Park, York PA Wedding

A beautiful day for an outdoor wedding indeed!  I first want to thank Jeff Kobylinski for providing this awesome photo for my blog!  Jeff has also provided some other great photos that I have utilized on my website.  Please be sure to check out my website at www.officiatemywedding.com, soon...

 This wedding took place at Rocky Ridge County Park, in York, PA.  Rocky Ridge County Park was established in 1968 and covers 750 acres.  If you are interested in having your wedding at this location, please follow these directions:  From RTE 30 E or W, take Mt Zion Rd (Rt 24) North for 1 mile.  Turn right onto Deininger Road and follow 1 mile into park.

There are three picnic pavilions available for your special day:  Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, Oak Timbers Picnic Area, and Wildlife Picnic Area.  Be sure to visit www.yorkcountyparks.org to reserve your special area.

The bride and groom were Awesome: Danielle and Joshua, you two will be forever present for this wedding officiant!!!

Secrets for Booking your Cruise with the Mouse

I can recount in my youth, how many times I would dream of our family trip to Disney World.  However, our family trips always consisted of gathering the kids and luggage, and taking that long drive to Florida!  Oh how I longed to arrive in Disney World via a cruise-ship!

It was only a matter of time before Disney started its own cruise line. This wedding officiant says if you have kids and want to augment your Disney vacation, you can add a cruise before or after your stay, or make your entire Disney vacation aboard one of its luxury cruisers. If you are interested in saving money, the standard advice of booking during the off-season applies. Here are some little-known tips to help you get the most out of your trip with the Mouse: 

1. The infamous “secret porthole rooms” are talked about in hushed tones across the net but, do they really exist? Yes. Both Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships have a series of rooms that are sold as Category 10, inside staterooms without a window. They do, however, have a small porthole with an obstructed view. The natural light is a small added bonus, at no additional cost, and if you are lucky enough to nab one of these rooms ask for 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024, 5522 or 5524. In fact, for families or larger groups it should be noted that 5022 and 5024 adjoin as do 5522 and 5524.
   
   
2. Less well-known are the “secret verandah rooms”. Originally sold as Category 6, these staterooms have a private, open air deck for your personal enjoyment. The view is slightly obstructed so Disney downgraded them to Category 7 pricing. Ask for room numbers 6134, 6634, 7120 or 7620, if booking on either the Magic or the Wonder.
   
   
3. If you are traveling with a larger family (five or more), Disney and some travel agents will often suggest reserving an expensive stateroom. Be aware that two adjoining rooms in a lower Category (price) may actually be less expensive, more private for parents and net you an extra, all-important bathroom.
   
   
4. As with any cruise, look at an onboard map before booking you room. If you are near the elevators, you may hear late-night revelers returning to their cabins at all hours. Likewise, a cabin located directly below a nightclub could make for a night of tossing and turning. Some passengers report more problems with seasickness when they are assigned a cabin in the bow (front). If you are prone to nausea, you might do better booking more to the stern.
   
   
5. As soon as you embark, ask to be upgraded. They may be booked to capacity but if there is room, the ship’s crew is usually happy to upgrade anyone on a first come, first served basis. Don’t be embarrassed; it doesn’t hurt to ask.
   
   

The people at Disney take care of their guests at sea just as well as they do those that visit them on dry land. These few trips will assist you in getting the most out of your Disney dollars.

How to Pick a Specialty Cruise

This wedding officiant says if you’re not familiar with the term “specialty cruise,” you’re not alone. While the concept has been gaining in popularity, it is by no means as well- known as a standard Caribbean cruise on a mega ship.  In fact, a specialty cruise can be anything from a special type of ship to a special theme for the week. There are hundreds to choose from; here are a few to whet your cruising appetite:

1. Barefoot cruising has been around for decades and can be the perfect cruise experience for many. The concept is simple, as it’s pretty much the exact opposite of the typical cruise ship. A small, sailing vessel instead of a floating city is your moving hotel, and passengers are often limited to 100, sometimes fewer. Cruisers are encouraged to participate in the day-to-day workings of the ship, from helping man the sails to swabbing the deck. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want.
   
   
2. For an extended girls night out, many women flock to Cropping Cruises. Sponsored by scrap booking magazines and craft experts, these events have a variety of activities for learning, cropping, laughing and, most importantly, scrap booking a ton of pages. If you enjoy the hobby, need to get some pages done and can get some friends to join you, this trip may become an annual one for you.
   
   
3. An adventure travel cruise is an exciting alternative to the standard destination. If you are looking for a journey of a lifetime, there are cruises on the Amazon, to the Galapagos Islands, and even to Antarctica. Not your run-of-the-mill trip, by any means, this type of cruise can expose the passengers to vistas and creatures seen by very few people.         
   
   
4. Even the Food Network has joined the trend. For cruisers who love to cook (and eat), they offer product demonstrations, cooking classes and the chance to mingle with Food Network celebrities. Foodies everywhere are drawn to this type of specialty cruise.
   
   
5. How about a cruise that is not on the ocean? Cruises along the Mississippi River as well as through the Great Lakes are popular alternatives to open-water cruises. Fall color tours on these types of cruises can book up years in advance.
   
   

If you are interested in avoiding the run-of-the-mill cruise lines and itineraries, this wedding officiant says a “specialty cruise” may be for you. From cruises focusing on music, poker, art, fitness, golf and even mystery dinners, everyone and anyone can find an option that appeals to them. 

5 Things Every First Time Cruiser Should Know

So, this wedding officiant says congratulations are in order. You’re finally going on that long-awaited cruise. But before you head for the high seas, you might want the inside scoop on some of the ins and outs of the cruising world. Here are some basics that every first-timer should know before stepping onto that gangplank.

1. Investigate the cruise line. You never know if the company that Aunt Mable chose last year discreetly filed for bankruptcy, or was written up for repeated outbreaks of the Norwalk Virus. A quick Google search will give you a wealth of information, but move past the results from PR companies and travel agents, and see what individuals have to say. There are many forums and review sites where previous passengers can rate their experiences, good and bad. Also check the Better Business Bureau for a rating on the company and any history of complaints. Lastly, call your insurance agent. There are a few cruise lines that insurance companies will no longer underwrite for travel insurance because of long-standing problems.
   
   
2. Plan your packing. Each ship has its own dress code and will send you information well before your trip so you can plan accordingly. Depending on the cruise, this dress code may be more of a flexible guideline than strict rules. Call your travel agent or the cruise line directly if you have questions. Don’t get too stressed out by the idea of “formal” dining, however; if you’re not in the mood to dress up, you can typically opt for a less-formal dining option on board.
   
   
3. Put some thought into your carry-on bag. Most ships have hundreds of bags to get on board, sort through and deliver to each cabin. This process can take several hours, sometimes until after dinner the first night. Be prepared. Pack your bathing suits, sunscreen and anything that you may need throughout the day. If you have children, plan on including a change of clothes and their special toy or blanket.
   
   
4. Remember that all-inclusive does not mean free. You are bound to have extra charges while on-board, even with an all-inclusive package. Alcoholic beverages, gift shop purchases, shore excursions, spa services and Internet charges, all have additional fees. Be sure to keep track of how many times you swipe that room key or you may have a surprise waiting for you at the end of your trip.
   
   
5. Tips on tipping. Another additional fee to budget for is the tip. The general rule of thumb is $10, per person, per day. So, a couple with two teenagers on a seven-day cruise could expect to leave $280 in tips. Each cruise line has their own policy that you will be made aware of, from small envelopes for inserting cash to having gratuity automatically added to your tab.
   
   

Hopefully, these tips will give you some guidance so that you can cruise with confidence, like a pro.

12 Common Cruise Terms For Newbies

Rainy Day Craft Fun for All Ages

Rainy days can be a drag for children and adults alike. Despite the weather outside though,this wedding officiant says there is fun to be had inside as well.  Rainy days are the perfect time to break out the arts and crafts that will drive away the rainy day dreariness.  Crafts are perfect for all ages and ensures that nobody is left out.

Crafts for Small Children

Children age two and up can sit at the table with paper and crayons.  While the younger children may not have a long attention span, coloring will help to keep a child entertained when it is not feasible to play outside.  Cut out some shapes on paper and let the children decorate the shapes. For more fun, break out some glitter markers and some stickers.  Foam is also a good option for younger children.  Foam does not tear easily and is very versatile which makes it a good material for young children to craft with.

 Crafts for school aged children

Children who are attending school are likely more adept at handling items such as scissors and glue.  Popsicle sticks are a great item to have on hand for rainy days.  Popsicle sticks can be used to build houses, picture frames and many other things.  The possibilities are unlimited and your child’s creativity is the limit.  Paints are also a good idea.  Lay out some paint, brushes, paper and some water and paper towels for cleanup and let your kids paint the day away. 

If the children are in middle or high school, they are adept at doing more than coloring or painting.  Craft ideas for older children include painting on a canvas, scrap booking and other paper crafts, as well as building crafts out of wood and other items.  Cross stitching and fabric arts are good deterrents from the weather outside as they are time consuming. 

Crafts for adults

There are many different crafts that adults can do.  Jewelry making and scrap booking are two of the most popular activities.  Sewing, whether by hand or machine, is an activity that can take up a lot of time and therefore drive away the rainy day blues.

Crafting does not have to be and is not age oriented.  There are many different craft types, with different levels of difficulty available for pre-school age children all the way through adulthood. Keeping craft supplies on hand will make a rainy day easier on everyone.