Jessie Nelson is a Buffalo native. Growing up in suburbs to the south, she’s always loved the comradery that the city and its people bring to the table. Now, Jessie lives in Amherst with her husband, TJ, and their three children. For the last ten years, she has been focused on raising her two daughters and son. While being a full-time mother, Jessie also has her hands full running a blog that inspires other mothers and homemakers to see the beauty and complexity of parenthood while enjoying the simplicity of life at home.
Make Me Wanna Shout highlights Jessie’s journey as a mother, homemaker, Interior Design student, and typical shopper who loves a good bargain find at Target. On her blog, one can find recipes, wellness tips, lifestyle pieces, cool finds, and tips and tricks related to motherhood and interior design. Those feeling a touch of wanderlust can even follow Jessie’s travels throughout the country!
Buffalo Inspiration
Living in Buffalo throughout her life, Jessie draws inspiration from the beautiful city and all it has to offer. She reflects on the friendliness of the people and their willingness to always help out when there is a need in the area. In fact, that’s why she started Make Me Wanna Shout. Jessie wants to help people—both in Buffalo and beyond—to find new ways to cook, drink, shop, travel, design their homes, spend time with their families, and more. With the hustle and bustle of the city and its medley of activities to try during the holiday season and throughout the year, you can see why the Queen City is a source of inspiration for Jessie and her blooming blog.
Like many families across the country, the Nelson family loves to take part in the traditions Buffalo offers during the holiday season. One of her family’s favorites is traveling to Niagara Falls for the annual Festival of Lights. Additionally, Jessie said her kids can’t wait to visit Canalside to ice skate and walk around the beautiful area while the snow is falling during the winter months. With Canalside’s kid-friendly atmosphere and its central location being within walking distance to several appealing restaurants and shops, it’s a fun and unique spot that the Nelson family visits quite often throughout the year.
A Creative Outlet
As vibrant as it is, Buffalo isn’t the only source of inspiration for Make Me Wanna Shout. As a busy mother of three for the past decade, Jessie started her blog as a creative outlet. While homemaking and parenthood have truly been blessings in her life, she wanted something to call her own that she could have fun with each day. She loves to assemble and take pictures of drinks, food, interior design ideas, shopping purchases, and her family. Jessie also appreciates the creativity that running a blog offers, using her own life in the creation of her blog’s content.
For the Nelson family, the holiday season also means baking cookies and making gingerbread Playdough!
Now the owner of the Make Me Wanna Shout blog and its Instagram page, Jessie has her hands full. However, she likes wearing many hats these days. She adores showing the world a piece of her life and the things that make her want to shout–whether they’re in her home, in Buffalo, online, or beyond.
Jessie Nelson shares the perfect holiday flight for your next get-together! These drinks represent the beauty of Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years.
1. Orange Cranberry Gin + Tonic
First, in a glass filled with ice, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce orange juice, and 1 ounce cranberry juice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh cranberries and slices of orange. Take a sip and enjoy!
This drink can be made into a mocktail by omitting the gin. You can also use plain seltzer instead of tonic water if you desire.
2. Maple Apple Bourbon Slam
First, you need to make a cinnamon sugar mixture for the rim. Mix small amounts of these two ingredients together in a small bowl; then pour onto a small saucer/dessert plate. Pour some apple cider on a second saucer/dessert plate and take a rocks glass and dip it first into the apple cider plate and then into the cinnamon sugar plate.
Use a spoon or small ladle to fill the glass with ice and set aside. Add 1.5 ounces of bourbon, 3 ounces apple cider, and ½- 1 teaspoon maple syrup to the glass. Stir gently. Finally, garnish with an apple wheel.
3. Pomegranate Moscow Mule
First, fill your copper mug or glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of 100% pomegranate juice, 2 ounces vodka, and juice from 1/2 a lime. Fill the glass to the top with chilled ginger beer. Stir gently to combine. Finally, top with garnishes and serve!
This tasty drink can be made into a mocktail by omitting the vodka.
Kids' Holiday Craft
This classic holiday garland is Jessie’s kids’ favorite holiday craft. Dried orange garlands can add traditional color and “pop” to modern holiday décor. The Nelson children look forward to this project so much because it’s fun, easy, and looks beautiful when complete.
Here’s what you’ll need for this craft:
Dehydrator or oven
Navel oranges
Garland
Cotton thread or clear fishing line
Popcorn
Cranberries
1. First, slice the navel oranges an eighth of an inch to a quarter inch thick. Be sure to not cut them too thick because they’ll take too long to dry!
2. Next, you’ll need your dehydrator to dry the orange slices. If you don’t have a dehydrator, bake the orange slices in the oven at 250 degrees.
3. Once the orange slices are dried and ready for the craft, get out your garland. You can easily find this at a craft store! You’ll also need cotton thread or a clear fishing line.
4. Use the material of your choosing to thread the orange slices along the garland.
5. Finally, string popcorn and cranberries on the day it’ll be used as a centerpiece for a holiday dinner or gathering. These items don’t tend to stay put for too long!
For the Nelson family, the holiday season also means baking cookies, making gingerbread Playdough and a ton of fun!
For more inspo, check out www.makemewannashout.com and @make.me.wanna.shout on Instagram.
