Top

Essential Step

Jamie Wagner

Celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day With Young Children | Liturgical Living

In our young family (ages 1 month, 2, and 4), liturgical feast days like Valentine’s Day are big celebrations! But how do we celebrate this day in a God honouring way? Read below to find out!

The Love Letter by Jean Honoré Fragonard, early 1770s

THIS PAGE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I MAKE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE 

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see the misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” ~ St. Augustine

Before We Start Celebrating Valentine’s Day

In our home we keep to the Christian tradition of celebrating Christmas until Candlemas, February 2nd. After Candlemas, we pack up the last of our Christmas decorations to conclude the season of Christmastide. But before jumping into decorating for Saint Valentine’s Day I have learned the value of waiting a week to do a quick reset of our home!

The reset includes a thorough deep clean of all the nooks, sorting out seasonal clothes to make sure everything fits everyone, and making sure all of the gifts from Christmas have found a place in our home.

We mothers often get caught up in decorating for the next thing as soon as we can which I have often found overwhelming. By taking the time to reset I have found our home and myself feel refreshed to face the rest of the winter season. Which where we live in Canada lasts long! We can usually expect snow for upwards of 3 more months!

Valentine by Kate Greenaway, 1880

Preparing Our Hearts And Minds For Valentine’s Day

Did you know:

…St. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeepers!

…valentines as we know them can be traced back to 15th century!

…that love is mentioned hundreds of times in the bible! (exact amount varies on translation) 

The week leading up to Valentine’s Day is the perfect week to learn all about Saint Valentine, the history of valentines, and study love in the scriptures.

Below I have included some resources that we have enjoyed during the week leading up to the day.

For the littles:

For Mother Culture:

  • Research Kate Greenaway’s beautiful valentines. The MET has a wonderful online collection!
  • Listen to an episode of Danielle Bean’s Girlfriends Podcast – each episode is truly lifegiving and a wonderful way to prepare your heart!
  • Watch your favourite romantic movie that show true love. My favourite are Jane Austens adaptations, Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella, Ever After, The Sound of Music and While You Were Sleeping.

Here are 4 bible verses you can memorize as a family:

  1. “We love, because he first loved us.” ~ 1 John 4:19
  2. “Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.” ~ 1 John 4:7
  3. “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” ~ Matthew 22:37-39
  4. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” ~ Matthew 5:43-44
Valentine by Kate Greenaway, 1876

Preparing Our Home For Valentine’s Day

Once our home is clean and tidy it is time to prepare our home for Valentine’s Day! One of the first area’s I decorate is in our little library/play area. I add our special Valentine’s Day books to the shelf, make sure our Tasha Tudor A Time To Keep book is on the correct page, Hang our Valentine’s wreath (Make Your Own Here) and I add a themed table runner.

Our Favourite Valentine’s Day Books 

Little Notes of Love

This year I bought heart shaped post-it notes to hide little notes of love for my family to discover! I remember when my mom would leave little notes and it was (and is) still so special.

If you are feeling overwhelmed this Valentine’s Day this is a simple, but meaningful way to make it a little extra special.

Wear Pink or Red!

My Mom always had us wear festive colours and outfits for the holidays which is a tradition we are carrying on in our home! To make sure the day is as smooth as possible, the clothes are picked out, washed, and put aside the week before so they are ready for the day.

Some years I will purchase themed outfits if they are on sale and others we will wear what we have that are the holidays colours! One tip is to check the stores online two weeks prior to the holiday as that is usually when they put the festive clothes on sale! This year I was able to get everyone an outfit for under $20! Plus they are clothes they can continue to wear throughout the year.

Celebrating With A Valentine’s Day Tea Party

On Valentine’s Day we wear our special outfits, exchange valentines, and celebrate with a Valentine’s Day themed Tea Party!

Our Valentine’s Day Tea Menu:

Valentine’s Day Activities For Preschoolers:

1) Colour: There are a lot of Valentine’s Day colouring pages out there but these free Saint colouring pages from Shining Light Dolls are always a hit for my little ones.

2) Saint Valentine’s Storytime: We read our favourite Valentine’s Day books (mentioned above) and about the life of Saint Valentine in our favourite books of saints:  Through the Year with Tomie dePaola and Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage

3) Have A Dance Party To End The Day: My daughters love to dance! During the evening when my littles are usually a bit more apt to chaos, I will put on a 1950’s playlist and dance with them as we prepare ourselves for the evening routine. It is a lot more fun for everyone to tidy up the day with a dance party!

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing” ~ St. Teresa of Avila 

Best Advent Bible Reading Plan To Grow With Jesus

With the weather cooling, my mind begins to drift towards Advent. Advent is my favourite season in the liturgical calendar. The season of Advent is a time to anticipate and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In this post I will be sharing the my favourite Advent bible reading plan that combines both old testament and new testament passages to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Christ our saviour.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy Here 

The season of Advent is one of wonder, waiting, contemplation, preparation, reflection, anticipation, and quiet all at once. In the busyness of the Christmas season and the midst of traditions I think it is important for us to learn the true meaning of the season. I enjoy how the editors of Watch For The Light put it:

“Mother Teresa once noted that the first person to welcome Christ was John the Baptist, who leaped for joy on recognizing him, though both of them were still within their mothers’ wombs. We, in stark contrast, are often so dulled by superficial distractions that we are incapable of hearing any voice within, let alone listening to it. Consequently, the feeling we know as Christmas cheer lacks any real connection to the vital spirit that radiated from the manger….We miss the essence of Christmas unless we become, in the words of Eberhard Arnold “mindful of how Christ’s birth took place.” Once we do, we will sense immediately that Advent marks something momentous: God’s coming in our midst.”

As a homemaker my role is prepare our home to be a quiet refuge for our family’s souls as our hearts begin reflecting on the darkness of the fallen world we live in and yearning for Christ’s arrivals. Both the arrival of Christ in the Manger and Christ’s second coming, the redemption of all things. To do so we seek first the living Word of God. Below I have created a simple Advent bible reading that the whole family can use to learn the true meaning of Christmas! Each week there are four passages of scripture to read through starting on the Sundays of Advent. It is very flexible so you can choose to read through them all on the Sunday, do daily advent readings, space them throughout the week or whatever works best for you and your family!

Best Advent Bible Reading Plan To Grow With Jesus

Before you jump into this Advent reading plan I want to quickly mention that in our family we just read the scriptures in God’s word to our little ones, but find it helpful to also read the same stories from our children’s bibles. I personally love these two, but The Jesus Storybook Bible will work too! 

First Sunday of Advent

St. (Pope) John Paul II said one First Sunday of Advent, “In Advent, we await an event which occurs in history and at the same time transcends it.”

This week read:

Micah 7:7

“But I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my Salvation”

~ Micah 7:7

John 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

~ John 1: 1-5

John 8:12

“Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 

~John 8:12

Colossians 1:15-20

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

~Colossians 1:15-20

Second Sunday of Advent

This week read:

Isaiah 22:22

“And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”

~Isaiah 22:22

John 1:29

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

~John 1:29

Exodus 16:1-12

“They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “At evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”

Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’” And as soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.  And the Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”

~Exodus 16:1-12

Matthew 26:26-29

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

~Matthew 26:26-29

Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” meaning rejoice.

This week read:

Isaiah 42:1

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.”

~Isaiah 42:1

Jeremiah 23:5-6

““Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”

~Jeremiah 23:5-6

Isaiah 11:1-10

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
    and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
    and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze;
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
    and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
They shall not hurt or destroy
    in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.”

~Isaiah 11:1-10

Get our FREE
Advent Booklist

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
    Built with ConvertKit

    Luke 1:30-33

    “ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

    ~Luke 1:30-33

    Fourth Sunday of Advent

    Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel!

    This week read:

    Isaiah 7:14

    “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

    ~Isaiah 7:14

    Luke 1:5-25

    “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

    Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,  and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

    And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.  And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

    After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying,  “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

    ~Luke 1:5-25

    Matthew 1:18-23

    “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

    “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
        and they shall call his name Immanuel”

    (which means, God with us).”

    ~Matthew 1:18-23

    Galatians 4:4-5

    “ But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

    ~Galatians 4:4-5

    Christmas Day

    Merry Christmas! On Christmas day our family tradition before we open presents, we gather around the Christmas tree to read the entire Christmas story in the gospel of Luke as a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ. 

    Learn More About The Advent Season

    What Does Advent Mean?

    Advent literally means arrival. In this season we celebrate both the arrival of Christ in the Manger and Christ’s second coming, the redemption of all things.

    When Does The Advent Season Start and End?

    The Advent season begins after Christ The King . The Advent season stretches across four Sundays. It is a common misconception that Advent lasts 24 days starting on December 1st and lasting through the month of December. 

    DateStartsEnds
    2023Sunday December 3, 2023Sunday December 24, 2023
    2024Sunday December 1, 2024Tuesday December 24, 2024
    2025Sunday November 30th, 2025Wednesday December 24, 2025
    2026Sunday November 29th, 2026Thursday December 24th, 2026
    2027Sunday November 28th, 2027Friday December 24th, 2027

    What Are The Four Themes of Advent?

    Traditionally in the Advent season there are four themes that corresponds with each Sunday in Advent. 

    1. Hope 
    2. Peace
    3. Joy 
    4. Love

    To learn more about the themes check out my blog post on The Tradition of the Advent Wreath and How to DIY Your Own

    Who Celebrates Advent?

    Advent is a Christian holiday and is a season of spiritual preparation. Traditionally it has only been the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran denomination that celebrate the Advent season. However Advent in current years has been growing more popular across many more Christian denominations.

    How Can I Celebrate Advent Besides The Advent Bible Reading Plan?

    The Advent season is our families favourite liturgical season! If you are looking for more than using a advent calendar, I go more in depth about  how we celebrate in this post on An Advent Revival: Our Family Traditions and Resources for This Advent Season

    Where Do We Find Advent In The Bible?

    In Isaiah 7:14, shows the foreshadowing and anticipation for the Advent of the Messiah.

    “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel. “~Isaiah 7:14

    In Matthew 1:18-25 is the Advent story.

    “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

    “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

    which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.”~ Matthew 1:18-25

    Resources For Advent

    Easy Gluten Free Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes

    For an easy meal this summer try my gluten free chicken salad recipe with grapes!

    Quick and Easy Summer Meal

    Looking for a simple and satisfying meal option for your summer adventures? The chicken salad recipe will tick all the boxes! Not only is it simple and satisfying, but it is also gluten free! This recipe is perfect for road trips and picnics with the family and with the creamy dressing all ages love it! My 3 and 1 year olds eat it right up! I hope you and your family will fall in love with this recipe this summer!

    How long can I let gluten free chicken salad sit out at room temperature?

    It’s important to handle and store food properly to ensure food safety, especially when it comes to perishable items like chicken salad. The general guideline is to avoid leaving any perishable food, including gluten-free chicken salad, at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    Bacteria can grow rapidly within the temperature danger zone, which is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Leaving chicken salad at room temperature for an extended period increases the risk of bacterial growth and potential food borne illnesses.

    To maintain the freshness and safety of your gluten-free chicken salad, it’s recommended to refrigerate it promptly. If you’re serving the chicken salad at a gathering or event where it will be out for more than 2 hours, it’s best to keep it chilled by placing the serving bowl or container on a bed of ice or using a chilled serving platter.

    Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to prioritize food safety and refrigerate the chicken salad rather than risk potential health hazards.

    Also make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresher longer.

    But please check with your countries food regulatory body for the must up to date information.

    Make With Me My Favourite Gluten Free Chicken Salad (With Grapes!)

    Tools You Will Need

    Airtight Container

    Large bowl

    2 Cutting Boards and a sharp knife. Use one cutting board for the chicken and use one cutting board for the rest!

    Measuring Spoons

    Simple Ingredients

    • 2 cups of Leftover Chicken: This can be cubbed or shredded to your personal preference. Also you can use store bought rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken thighs, or my favourite using leftovers from my smoked chicken.
    • 1/4 Cup Green Onion: I love using green onion in my supper cooking!
    • 1/2 Cup Red Grapes: make sure you get juicy grapes! There is nothing worse than shrivelled grapes!
    • 1/4 Red Onion: Red onion adds a lovely contrasting flavour to the smoother tastes.
    • 3 Stalks of Crisp Celery: I could not imagine chicken salad without!
    • 1 Head Romaine Lettuce: If you are going to make a lettuce wrap I have found romaine to work best with this recipe.
    • 1 Avocado: It needs to be a ripe avocado because it adds extra creaminess to the salad.
    • 1/2 Cup My Homemade MCT Mayo: Unless its an absolute emergency I will always make my mayo homemade! It is just too simple to do and it tastes 100x better than store bought.
    • 1 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt: By adding a little bit of greek yoghurt I find my sauce to be much more creamy than by using mayo alone.
    • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar:
    • 1/2 Tsp Salt: I use sea salt!
    • Black Pepper to Taste – In our family we added it to our individual portions because we have little ones who don’t like it spicy.
    • Fresh Herbs to Taste

    If you are Going to make it into a sandwich you will need your favourite gluten-free bread.

    How To Make Gluten Free Chicken Salad

    This chicken salad is super simple to make which is why I love to make it when we are in a rush to have dinner!

    1. Begin by shredding your chicken into smaller pieces. Some prefer it cubed. Then add to a bowl.
    2. Next chop the celery, red onions, and green onions thinly and add to the bowl.
    3. Slice the grapes in half and add.
    4. Now is time to add the sauce to make your chicken salad creamy! Add directly to the bowl yoghurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
    5. Cube the avocado then gently fold in so that you do not smush them.
    6. Lastly season with fresh herbs and pepper.
    7. You can serve it as is, in romaine lettuce, or on your favourite gluten-free bread

    Make sure you serve the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

    How To Serve Your Gluten Free Chicken Salad

    3 Different Ways To Serve:

    1. It is amazing to it as is: All you need to do is serve it in a bowl and it tastes amazing as a creamy salad.
    2. A great way to serve Lettuce Cups: For a light and refreshing twist, serve the gluten-free chicken salad in lettuce cups. Choose large, crisp lettuce leaves such as butter lettuce or romaine lettuce. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto each lettuce leaf, creating a beautiful and vibrant presentation. The crispness of the lettuce provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy chicken salad perfectly. This option is not only gluten-free but also low in carbs, making it an ideal choice for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Enjoy the combination of flavours and textures as you bite into these delightful lettuce cups.
    3. Chicken Salad Sandwiches: My husband personally loves to eat my chicken salad as a sandwich. Grab your favourite gluten-free bread or rolls and spread a layer of the chicken salad on one slice. Top it with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and any other desired sandwich fillings. Place another slice of bread on top and press gently to create a delicious gluten-free chicken salad sandwich. This option is perfect for those who prefer a heartier meal and enjoy the convenience of a handheld option. It’s a great choice for picnics, lunches, or even as a quick and easy dinner option.

    Now, you’re all set to savour this gluten-free chicken salad with the burst of sweetness from grapes and the creamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s a delightful combination that guarantees a satisfying and hassle-free meal, perfect for the summer season. Enjoy!

    Find More delicious gluten-free recipes from scratch:

    Traditional Soaked Banana Bread With Buckwheat Flour | Gluten Free

    Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

    Chickpea Cookie Dough | Gluten Free

    How to make homemade strawberry marshmallows

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Gluten Free Chicken Salad

    Easy Gluten Free Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Jamie Wagner
    • Total Time: 20min
    Print Recipe

    Description

    For an easy meal this summer try my gluten free chicken salad recipe with grapes!

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 cups of Leftover Chicken – This can be cubbed or shredded to your personal preference. Also you can use store bought rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken thighs, or my favourite using leftovers from my smoked chicken.
    • 1/4 Cup Green Onion
    • 1/2 Cup Red Grapes – make sure you get juicy grapes! There is nothing worse than shrivelled grapes!
    • 1/4 Red Onion
    • 3 Stalks of Crisp Celery
    • 1 Head Romaine Lettuce
    • 1 Avocado
    • 1/2 Cup My Homemade MCT Mayo
    • 1 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt
    • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider vinegar
    • 1/2 Tsp Salt
    • Black Pepper to Taste – In our family we added it to our individual portions because we have little ones who don’t like it spicy.
    • Fresh Herbs to Taste

    Instructions

    1. Begin by shredding your chicken into smaller pieces. Some prefer it cubed. Then add to a bowl.
    2. Next chop the celery, red onions, and green onions thinly and add to the bowl.
    3. Slice the grapes in half and add.
    4. Now is time to add the sauce to make your chicken salad creamy! Add directly to the bowl yoghurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
    5. Cube the avocado then gently fold in so that you do not smush them.
    6. Lastly season with fresh herbs and pepper.

    Notes

    You can serve it as is, in romaine lettuce, or on your favourite gluten-free bread

    • Prep Time: 15min
    • Cook Time: 5min

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

    Pin It For Later

    The Best Homemade MCT Oil Mayo Recipe

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure Here

    Learn To Make Homemade Mayonnaise With MCT Oil With Me In Two Minutes!

    I personally never like mayo until I made it homemade for my husband who has always loved it! It turns out its not that I don’t like mayo, but that I do not like store bought mayo! In this blog post you will learn how to quickly make my homemade mayonnaise with MCT oil that made me fall in love with this sauce. This recipe is so simple and delicious!

    How Much Mayonnaise Does This Recipe Make?

    This recipe makes just over one cup of mayonnaise. I find it to be the perfect amount when making recipes because I will always have leftovers that my husband loves to eat!

    Is Making Homemade Mayonnaise Safe?

    Yes, making homemade mayonnaise can be safe if proper food safety practices are followed. However, it’s important to note that homemade mayonnaise involves raw eggs, which carry a small risk.

    Here are a few things to consider:

    Acid Component: Homemade mayonnaise recipes typically include an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice or vinegar. The acid can help inhibit bacterial growth. Ensure you add enough acid to create an unfavourable environment for bacteria.

    Time Limit: Use homemade mayonnaise within a reasonable time frame, typically within 2 to 3 days. Discard any leftovers beyond that period.

    Most of all do your own research so that you are comfortable! I am by no means an expert I am just sharing what my family personally feels comfortable with. So if you have specific concerns or questions about food safety, it’s always a good idea to consult trusted sources such as official government health agencies or food safety websites for more detailed and authoritative information.

    Can I Use Regular Coconut Oil?

    Because regular coconut oil changes with temperature I would not recommend using it as it will likely turn out chunky. If you are looking for an alternative I would recommend using all olive oil or using avocado oil. It’s also important to note that coconut oil may still have a slight coconut aroma or taste, albeit much milder compared to regular coconut oil. If you prefer a completely plain mayonnaise, you may want to consider using other oils such as light olive oil or avocado oil.

    Is Making Homemade MCT Oil Mayo Hard?

    Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With time and experience, you’ll develop a better understanding of the process and achieve consistent results.

    How Long Does Homemade Mayonnaise Last?

    I feel most comfortable using it up within 3 days!

    Do I have to Use an Immersion Blender To Make Homemade MCT Oil Mayo?

    No, you don’t have to use an immersion blender to make homemade mayo. While an immersion blender can make the process quicker and easier, you can also make mayonnaise successfully using a whisk or a handheld mixer.

    If you’re using a whisk, it will require some arm strength and patience to achieve the desired emulsion. Follow the steps mentioned earlier, adding the oil gradually while whisking continuously. It may take a bit more time and effort, but it is definitely doable.

    Alternatively, if you have a handheld mixer or a stand mixer, you can use the whisk attachment to make the mayo. This can significantly reduce the effort required and produce good results. Simply beat the egg, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and mustard together until well combined. Then, gradually add the oil while continuing to beat on medium-low speed until the mayo thickens and the oil is fully incorporated.

    Remember to always start with a slow drizzle of oil and gradually increase the speed as the emulsion forms. This allows the oil to incorporate smoothly and helps prevent the mayo from breaking.

    Try These Recipes Using My Healthy Mayo

    Easy Gluten Free Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes

    Tools You Will Need

    An Immersion Blender: I love my KitchenAid immersion blender! I have had it for 5 years now and it still works like it is brand new! I also just love the blue colour!

    Simple Ingredients To Make Homemade MCT Oil Mayo

    • 1 Large Egg (2 if you would like more protein)
    • 1 TBSP Lemon Juice
    • 1 TSP Dijon Mustard
    • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1/2 cup MCT Oil 
    • 1/2 Cup Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil)
    • Salt

    Extra Protein Tip!

    If you are looking to add more protein into your diet, consider adding an extra egg to this recipe! You do not have to add anything more and it turns out the exact same! I discovered this by accidentally adding two eggs when I got distracted by my daughters and it worked wonderfully!

    How To Make Homemade MCT Oil Mayonnaise

    1.  In a tall, narrow container or the blending cup that came with your immersion blender, add the egg, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt and Dijon mustard. Let them sit for a minute or two to reach room temperature.
    2. Then add the MCT Oil and Olive Oil.
    3. To blend it is VERY important to keep your immersion blend at the bottom. Start blending on low speed without moving the blender for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture begins to emulsify.
    4. The slowly begin to lift the blender up. Continue blending until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
    5. Transfer the homemade mayo to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before using. This chilling time helps the flavours meld together and the mayo to set.
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    The Best Homemade MCT Oil Mayo Recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    55 from 1 review

    • Author: Jamie Wagner
    • Total Time: 2 minutes
    Print Recipe

    Description

    LEARN TO MAKE HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE WITH MCT OIL WITH ME IN TWO MINUTES!

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 Large Egg (2 if you would like more protein)
    • 1 TBSP Lemon Juice
    • 1 TSP Dijon Mustard
    • 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1/2 cup MCT Oil 
    • 1/2 Cup Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil)
    • Salt

    Instructions

    1.  In a tall, narrow container or the blending cup that came with your immersion blender, add the egg, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt and Dijon mustard. Let them sit for a minute or two to reach room temperature.
    2. Then add the MCT Oil and Olive Oil.
    3. To blend it is VERY important to keep your immersion blend at the bottom. Start blending on low speed without moving the blender for about 20-30 seconds until the mixture begins to emulsify.
    4. The slowly begin to lift the blender up. Continue blending until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
    5. Transfer the homemade mayo to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before using. This chilling time helps the flavours meld together and the mayo to set.

    Notes

    If you are looking to add more protein into your diet, consider adding an extra egg to this recipe! You do not have to add anything more and it turns out the exact same! I discovered this by accidentally adding two eggs when I got distracted by my daughters and it worked wonderfully!

    • Cook Time: 2

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

    Pin It For Later

    The Ministry of Homemaking: How Homemaking is an important duty of Christian Women

    Discover the profound role of homemaking as a ministry for Christian women and how to embrace it!

    There is a duty I am called to by the Lord and it is the greatest work I will ever do. It is to be a keeper of the home. He beautifully designed this role just for women to fulfill. Married, single, children or no children, we are all called to homemaking. When the world feels chaotic our home can be a refuge. Which is why no matter what is to come, I will never stop doing my ministry.

    Fellow homemaker, I hope you find encouragement in this post.

    Holding my daughter in our kitchen, while doing one of my homemaking tasks.

    “There needs to be a homemaker exercising some measure of skill, imagination, creativity, desire to fulfill needs and give pleasure to others in the family. How precious a thing is the human family. Is it not worth some sacrifice in time, energy, safety, discomfort, work? Does anything come forth without work?” ~Edith Schaeffer

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure Here

    The Ministry Of Homemaking

    The Greatest Work I Will Ever Do: Homemaking

    Every morning I have the greatest privilege to choose to build my home up for the Lord.

    So I will joyfully…

    Love and serve my husband,

    Nourish bellies with food from scratch,

    Change every diaper,

    Sing His praises and dance to fun music,

    Scrub and tidy our home,

    Speak truth and light into hearts,

    Share delight in beauty outside while we walk,

    Read aloud in silly voices,

    Wipe every tear and comfort with snuggles,

    Kiss her sweet forehead every moment,

    …Because this is the greatest work.

    Biblical Examples of The Ministry of Homemaking

    God has a beautiful design for women. When it comes to our duty of being homemakers, there are two places I like to turn in the bible for encouragement. They both give a great illustration of homemaking.

    1. Titus 2:3-5

    The first example of homemaking is in Titus 2:3-5. This text is prescriptive, which means it is what we are called to be doing. This is very different than the Proverbs 31 women, that I will be mentioning in a minute, that is descriptive. Which means it is describing a women and an example. It is not saying we have to do all the things that she did.

    In Titus 2:3-5 however, we are told what we are to do: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

    What I love about this passage of scripture is it gives direction. It shows what we are to aspire to be right now and to hopefully one day mentor women who are younger than us, in the ways we walked this verse out.

    Note:

    There are seasons like during this time in 2021, where it may be hard to find someone to mentor you. So I would like to leave you with an encouraging advice: mentors do not need to be people you know personally. They can be found in books, podcasts, youtube, and more! Personally my best mentors are the ones I read from and listen to on podcasts. I’ll share below some of my favourite books that have mentored me.

    2. Proverbs 31

    The Proverbs 31 women is one of the most beautiful depiction in the bible of a woman fulfilling the duty of homemaking. She rises early, runs her home like a well oiled machine, loves her husband and her children, and honours God. Although we are not called to do everything this amazing women does, we can look at her and be encouraged. She is a women who is praised for her commitment to her duty. 

    An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
    The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
    She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.
    She seeks wool and flax,
    and works with willing hands.
    She is like the ships of the merchant;
    she brings her food from afar.
    She rises while it is yet night
    and provides food for her household
    and portions for her maidens.
    She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
    She dresses herself with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
    She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
    She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
    She opens her hand to the poor
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
    She is not afraid of snow for her household,
    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
    She makes bed coverings for herself;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    Her husband is known in the gates
    when he sits among the elders of the land.
    She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she delivers sashes to the merchant.
    Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
    She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
    She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
    Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
    “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
    Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
    Give her of the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the gates.

    ~Proverbs 31:10-31

    How To Make Homemaking Your Ministry

    Make Your Home A Home That Honours God

    Honour Him with Your Attitude

    As Christians we are called to do all things with an attitude that honours the Lord and this even includes our homemaking. The Lord tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

    It is so easy to get swept up in the mundane tasks of homemaking where we can begin to allow our minds to drift through the very tasks that make this work a blessing.

    Honour Him With Your Hospitality

    In a world that is getting more and more divisive and people are getting pitted against one another,  as christian women we want to say to others: you are always welcome in my home. We may not agree on many beliefs, but we must always open our doors and serve others with love, a warm meal, and a cup of tea.

    “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
    ~Galatians 5:13-15

    Honour Him With Your Celebrations

    Women Are The Tradition Keepers. We know this innately as we weave the good, true, and beautiful into our days.

    Generations ago when the modern world came knocking at our door we abandoned our traditions. We traded in our Church calendar for our cultures consumeristic calendar. Where we mark time with the next sale and secular holiday.

    W. David O. Taylor says “If the church doesn’t tell us what time it is, the surrounding culture surely will, and we usually end up all the worse for it”

    The more I have been immersed in the richness of the church the year the more empty our cultures calendar becomes.

    My hope with this blog is to not only share the goodness of homemaking and the importance of beauty, but to also introduce you to the richness of liturgical homemaking.

    3 Ways To Reclaiming Our Role As Tradition Keepers…

    1)Learning church history and sharing it with their loved ones

    2)Creating a family culture rooted in Christ

    3)Embracing the liturgical year in their homes

    Dear Homemaker Remember

    “The wisest women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.” ~ Proverbs 14:1

    “No Matter what’s happening in the world, have your tea, make your list, plan your food preparation, read to your children, wash the clothes, do something creative for everyone, and be a light for your home”~Lydia Sherman

    Encouraging Books For the Homemaker

    Steps To Start Viewing Homemaking As An Important Duty of Christian Women

    Step 1: Turn To The Word To Viewing Your Homemaking As A Ministry

    Turn to the word! Look up the verses in this post and begin to study them.

    Step 2: Pray For The Ministry of Homemaking

    Pray! Pray that God will help you see your homemaking as a ministry and ask your husband to pray for you.

    Step 3: Read More About Homemaking

    Above I have included many my favourite homemaking books! Whenever I feel discouraged I pick up one of these books for instant inspiration! I Have also linked below more of my blogs on homemaking!

    Read these Posts For More Homemaking Encouragement:

    Homemaker Quotes: 25 Quotes For the homemaker that needs encouraging

    15 Homemaking Tasks That Take 15 minutes or less

    Tips For Becoming a Homemaker | Homemaking 101

    Vintage Homemaking Skills to Learn Today

    Hospitality as a Christian Virtue: How to Make Your Home a Haven for Guests

    2 Ways A Homemaker Sets The Tone In Her Home

    Literary Homemaking no. 1 Stepping Heavenward

    Pin this post for later

    The Ministry of Homemaking

    What are your favourite ways to build up your home up?

    4 Ways To Welcome Autumn Into Your Home | Autumn Homemaking

    As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colour, it’s time to embrace the enchanting season of autumn in our homes. With its cozy sweaters and rich colours, autumn invites us to create a warm and welcoming home that reflects the spirit of the season. In this post, I will be sharing my top four autumn homemaking tips to welcome autumn into your home. From decor ideas to seasonal scents, let’s dive into autumn homemaking.

    Autumn Homemaking

    THIS PAGE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I MAKE A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE 

    Before I jump into my autumn homemaking, I like to take a moment to deep clean, organize and purge everything from the previous season.

    Deep Clean

    Before the temperature drops below freezing there are a few things I like to deep clean in (and outside of) our home:

    • Air out our duvets – on a sunny autumn day when there is a nice breeze I like to hang our duvets on the line to air them out. This way we can start the season with fresh bedding!
    • Clean out the car – this gets harder to do when there is 20 feet of snow and its -30C which is why I like to give our car a through clean out! Especially now that we have children there is a lot more to clean out! 
    • Clean the fridge and freezer – autumn brings many delicious feasts which means our fridge  and freezer need to be cleaned out to hold all the leftovers. I like to take an hour to go through each. I wipe down the fridge and get rid of whatever is expired. In the freezer we go through what is expired and throw out whatever is too freezer burnt to enjoy.

    Organize 

    There are two ways that I organize in autumn:

    1. I organize our summer clothes and pack them away. I take note of what I will need and then I go through the purge system below.
    2. I bring our our winter clothes can organize them so that when the first snow comes, which is sometimes as early as late September, our family is prepared. 

    Purge

    As I pack away out summer clothes and items, I take a moment before putting them into storage to decide if we used them enough to keep or to get rid of. This helps keep the clutter in the house to a minimum. 

    MORE AUTUMN HOMEMAKING BLOG POSTS

    Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Latte

    4 Ways To Welcome Autumn Into Your Home

    Infuse Your Home with Autumn Colours

    Autumn is a time of vibrant hues and earthy tones. Embrace the season by incorporating warm colours into your home decor. Consider adding touches of deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows through throw pillows, blankets, and seasonal accents. These pops of colour will instantly create an inviting and cozy ambiance that celebrates the beauty of autumn.

    Create a Cozy Nook

    Every home should have a nook for each family member to retreat too. Autumn is the perfect time to create a cozy reading nook or relaxation corner in your home. Set up a comfortable chair or couch near a window, adorned with soft cushions and warm blankets. Add a small side table to hold your favourite books or a hot cup of tea. This cozy sanctuary will become your go-to spot for unwinding and enjoying quiet moments during the autumn season.

    For your children create little nooks for them in their rooms with pillows on the floor to create a reading corner or place a little chair next to yours in your nook!

    Infuse Your Home with Autumn Scents

    One of the joys of autumn is the captivating scents that fill the air. Bring those delightful aromas indoors by using beeswax candles, essential oils (these are my favourite for autumn), or simmering pots. Opt for fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin spice, or warm apple cider to create a cozy atmosphere. Here is my go to simmer pot recipe!

    Autumn in a Pot: Cozy Simmer Pot Recipe for a Delightful Home Aroma

    One of the simplest and most delightful ways to infuse your home with the scents of autumn is by creating a simmer pot. Here’s my autumn simmer pot recipe for you to try:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 apple, sliced
    • 1 orange, sliced
    • 3 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 4 cups water

    Instructions:

    1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the apple slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, vanilla extract, and water.
    2. Place the pot on the stovetop and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
    3. Allow the simmer pot to continue simmering for as long as you’d like, adding more water as needed to prevent it from burning.
    4. As the mixture simmers, the  aroma will filling your home, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of autumn.

    Note: Remember to never leave the simmer pot unattended and to turn off the heat when you’re done enjoying the beautiful aroma.

    I hope you enjoy the delightful scents of simmering apples, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves, and let your home instantly welcome autumn.

    Embrace Autumns Natural Beauty

    Autumn is a season of abundant harvest and natural beauty. Which is why it is easy to incorporate elements from nature into your home decor.

    • Display a beautiful arrangement of seasonal flowers, such as sunflowers, or chrysanthemums.
    • Collect colourful leaves and pinecones during nature walks and use them to create garlands and table arrangements.
    • Don’t forget your porch! Almost everything I used to decorate our porch will be repurposed. The small pumpkins are pie pumpkins and will be made into pie filling this weekend. The larger pumpkins will be carved for Halloween. The straw from the straw bales will be used to mulch my gardens before winter.

    When decorating, I love using what God provides us each season. He truly provides the most beautiful decorations and for me it becomes a daily reminder of His deep love and that He is always providing.

    Instant Touches of Autumn

    1. Fall Wreath: Hang a beautiful fall wreath on your front door to instantly welcome autumn into your home. Create one adorned with autumn leaves, pumpkins, or pinecones for a festive touch.
    2. Seasonal Pillows: Swap out your regular throw pillows with ones that feature autumn-inspired designs or colours. Look for pillows with leaves, pumpkins, warm earthy tones, or cozy textures to add a touch of autumnal charm to your living spaces. I really love THIS ONE.  
    3. Harvest Centrepiece: Create a simple yet stunning centrepiece for your dining table or mantel using elements of the season. Arrange a collection of colourful gourds, mini pumpkins, and dried corn cobs in a decorative bowl.
    4. Cozy Throws: Drape soft and warm throws over your sofas, chairs, or beds for instant coziness. Opt for blankets in fall hues such as burnt orange, deep red, or golden yellow. I personally love adding more plaid and tartan patterns to our homes. I found a beautiful tartan blanket that I save just for this season. This one is similar!  

    These quick and easy touches will infuse your home with the spirit of autumn and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the season. Enjoy the cozy and delightful ambiance they bring!

    With these four ideas, you can transform your home into a cozy autumn retreat. By embracing the colours, scents, and natural elements of the season, you’ll create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates autumn’s beauty. I hope by embracing the joys of autumn homemaking you get to enjoy the delights this magical season brings to your home.

    Autumn Homemaking

    @jamiewagner.es

    ABOUT