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Showing posts from June, 2010

Christmas Shopping Already?

Some people think I'm crazy, some envy me and some do the same thing I do. Granted, everyone has those hard to buy for people. They change their mind like the changing of the wind. Those people I purchase things for last. However, for kids, some adults and parents, if you have an idea of what you want to do, why not buy ahead? Why? 1. $20-$30 spent here or there doesn't seem like a big deal. Hundreds of dollars in one month does. It causes many people to put things on credit cards or not hold up their end of a gift bargain if they have drawn names. Totally not fair for anyone. 2. It gives you time to bargain shop. I love finding special goodies in clearance sections, especially for my nieces and nephews. Then, I can get them more than I normally would have if I would have purchased everything at retail price. 3. It makes the season itself much less stressful because you've already done most of your shopping. Here are a couple tips: 1. Keep totes or bin

Making Yogurt Cheese and Collecting Whey

I've seen people doing this on and off and always thought it'd be neat but never took the time. Well, I decided to take the time last night/this morning. The directions are simple! Step 1: Get some yogurt. Of course raw milk whole yogurt would be best. I didn't have the luxury so I went to the store and bought some plain Stoneyfield yogurt. I've read you can use really any plain yogurt that has living cultures in it as long as it's plain and doesn't have gelatin in it. The gelatin would keep it from separating. Step 2: Get a bowl, a colander that will fit on the top of the bowl, some cheese cloth, a rubber band and something to tie it all up with. Of course you'll also need your yogurt and a spatula or spoon. Step 3: Put enough cheese cloth over the colander (double layered) so that it hangs a bit off the sides as you'll need to gather this up in a bit. Step 4: Pour your yogurt into the cheese cloth. Bring up edges and twist up till

Cooking with Kids!

I can hear it already. Did your thoughts go something like this? "I'd love to cook with my kids but it's so much easier if I just do it myself" "Are you kidding? My kids aren't interested in spending time with me in the kitchen!" "Oh the mess. That's the only time I have alone during the day. I'd like to keep it that way." I'm sure there are other hindrances out there. All the points above I admit are somewhat valid. Think on this; as a parent, you are responsible for raising a healthy, productive adult. That includes an adult that can find their way around the kitchen. Here's some things we've learned while letting our kids pull up a chair and help us in the kitchen. 1. When allowed to make up one meal per week or every two weeks, the kids really get excited about not only cooking but shopping for the food as well. 2. Kids tend to eat more since they helped prepare the food. I don't know what it

I Wear My Heart On My Sleeve

I found this picture online and just had to share it. Because of odd and unexpected recent circumstances that have truly left me befuddled, I am reminded of what true friendship is. I am also reminded that we have a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. What a comfort when in this world there is loss, sadness, confusion and so much more, we can take heart in knowing we serve an amazing God! Here's the verses I was led to today. Proverbs 18 1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. 3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is

First Aid Kit

Here is a great article on making your own first aid kit. You can find this article in it's entirety by visiting this link. http://www.herbcompanion.com/Health/Make-a-Natural-First-Aid-Kit-Meet-Healing-Head-On-with-Herbs.aspx Make a Natural First Aid Kit: Meet Healing Head-On with Herbs by Susan Belsinger When I was in seventh grade, I made a first-aid kit for a science project. It wasn’t very big, and it was rather basic, consisting mainly of adhesive bandages, first-aid cream, gauze, sticky white tape, scissors and iodine. Over the years, my idea of first aid has changed considerably. Some of the basic items still have a place in my kit today, but many of my remedies have changed with experience and with my continuing herbal education. I have learned to make poultices, salves, teas, tinctures and synergistic blends of herbs and essential oils. I also took an herbal apprentice class with Rosemary Gladstar, which was an amazing learning experience on the uses of medicinal h