Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Box Tops for Education

Does everyone know what these are? No?
Well they are coupons that are on various types of packages--food, toiletries, etc.--that earn money for schools. Very similar to the Campbell Soup labels that have been around for decades.
Schools collect these Box Tops and then send them in for money to help buy different things. They are super helpful for all schools, but really helpful for lower income schools like the one I work at. Each BoxTop that a school sends in is worth 10c, and that 10c can add up! If you want more info you can check it out here.

I've been collecting them and the Campbell Soup labels for a while, but have always had a messy pile of them in a drawer and then if I don't remember to send them in soon enough they might expire. Boo! Wasted money!
A while back, Nathania had made a little box that went on her fridge to collect them. She made hers all cute with scrapbooking paper and such and actually had a label on it. I finally made one and it was easy as can be.
Here's what you'll need:
A small box--I used a straw box, but a mac and cheese box would work too.
Fun looking duct tape--I've found lots of cute stuff in the dollar bins at Target
A magnet--I used one of the free ones you get in the mail.

To make this handy-dandy organizer, I cut the top off the box, covered it in duct-tape and voila--cute box!

                                   
I just matched up the lines of the tape. and created a cool looking chevron pattern.

                                     
I then just taped the longer sides of the magnet on to the back and stuck it up on the fridge.

Now, this isn't a take forever project, and probably not pin-worthy, but it organizes those Box Tops and keeps them visual so I bring them into school more often!
Win in my book!

If you don't already collect the Box Tops and soup labels....please do! It really is free for you to do, and can help schools in need out. Check with your local school to see if they are collecting them! If not I know a great school in Anchorage, AK that would love to be the recipient!

Sarah


Plums....everywhere!


Long time no post...but we have enjoyed this amazing summer that Alaska had this year!

Recently, I have come into some plums...for free...

Now I can't resist getting free food, and can't really think of anyone who can. So I took the plums home and made plum jam!


I cut out the stone and cut each plum into about 8 pieces. Sticky work, but isn't the color awesome! Love the color of these plums.

I put the plums in the pot with some lemon juice and some sugar and began stirring. And stirring. And stirring.

Then I got impatient and decided they were done. I put them in jars and a water bath for about 15 minutes. 

The plum jam may have turned into more of a thick sauce due to my impatience. I've made this before with better success, but I should have waited until it was more of a honey consistency. Oops! It still tastes great and will be fantastic on ice cream. So I still count it as a win.

Here is the recipe I used:
8 cups of plums
3 1/2 cups of sugar 
4 TBSP of lemon juice

Cook, stirring consistently until the plums become a honey like consistency. Then put them in sterilized jars and give them a boiling bath for about 15 minutes.

I have more plums....lots more so I'll probably freeze them and then make more jam...maybe even a salsa!

Are you preserving any food lately?

Sarah
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