Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A few quick thoughts in just a few quick minutes!



Please read all of this post as it has a bunch of different topics. & keep following it to keep up!

http://www.manylittleblessings.com/2010/08/will-you-still-love-me-if-im-not-mary-poppins/

I wanted to share this because I feel she took the works out of my mouth!

Also wanted to share some other things that I have found.
I have been learning to master sewing. I am far from a pro but I feel I am making good progress. My girls & I have completed several projects. Including very pretty aprons as one of our 1st project. All the way to our project we are working on now. Little dresses. :) I have been working hard learning and teaching my girls but I was thinking I would love to make something with my son. I think it would be great if he knew a little something too. Wish me luck as we try a couple of projects together. Hopefully he will enjoying trying something new with me.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5676858000506520023
http://www.kids-sewing-projects.com/boys-sewing-projects.html

Another thing I would like to share is a very easy do it yourself project that will keep you cool the rest of the summer. http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/do-it-yourself-homemade-pop-bottle-sprinkler.html

Here is something you can do to prepare your kids for a great new year of school wheather your kids are homeschooled, go to private school or public school it would be good for them to do a little something over the summer to keep the brain going http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.htm

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Our longest journey to having another child!





When we started researching adoption and felt the calling to dive in, we knew it would be a long process. We also knew it would be an emotional roller coaster. I am not sure I really realized HOW LLooonnnnggg it would be. We started research about 2 yrs before we went and attended classes. Now it has been over nine months since we finished our classes. All three of my children that I have delivered came early so I guess in my head I was hoping this would be the same. Adoption is a very exciting journey. In some ways it is similar to being pregnant, I am so in love with a child I have never met. I can't wait to see his face & see his personality. I am already proud of him for the journey he has faced and I don't even have any idea what that is. I am looking forward to the day where I can look back at this day and be able to give him a hug & tell him how much it was so worth the wait. I guess it is also very much like a couple trying to get pregnant. I have never had this problem. My children are all 2yrs apart almost to the week. When I tell some one we have 3 children and one on the way I have already set in my mind, yes I have 3 kids but I am not done. I know it is going to be worth the wait just like that couple who finally got pregnant after trying for so long. Say a little prayer for my family in our journey & give the children you have a hug & make sure you don't take them for granted. I know I will be hugging mine & I won't be taking how easy it was  to get pregnant for them for granted either. I can't wait to be mommy of 4!

http://www.adoptuskids.org/
http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/state-adoption-laws.html

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

If you are living on beef & chicken for dinner & are still looking for ways to save!

If you are like me, you eat a lot of ground beef & chicken. Why? because it's cheap & we have to be now days. Well I wanted to share some tips I use to save money on your chicken & beef.

Looking for ways to stretch your dollar on chicken and beef meals?

Look at purchasing chicken breast with the bone in.  Try to buy any chicken with the bone in it. It is almost always cheaper with the bone in it. Cook it down in some water with bits of onions the leaves from your celery, carrots etc. When it's cooked and falling off the bone remove all chicken and vegetables from the water as you now have chicken broth.  Chill the broth so that the fat hardens on top and remove it. You can freeze it for later to use in recipes that call for water or broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use the chicken about 1 breast is about the same amount as 1 can. Use it for chicken tacos, salads, enchiladas anywhere you use cooked canned chicken.
You can do the same with lower cost beef too.  the broth makes great soups.  I use both with bbq (homemade) sauce for pulled meat sandwiches.

I like to use the chicken pieces for Quesadillas & I shred pepper jack cheese. Yummy!
I enjoy using the chicken broth in my big batch of vegetable soup. mmmmm sometimes I add noodles or rice too.
For the beef I don't do it as much but the broth really does go well with my veg. beef stew. The more you try new ways of cooking the more you enjoy it & find your own twist on it. Plus you can find more ways to save money. 


 
 
 
Keep following, there will be more on this in future posts!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

FREE SAMPLES


Everyone loves something free! Everyone loves to get something in their mailbox other than bills!
I wanted to share some of the free samples that I have gotten or have signed up for & am waiting on getting! Or  stuff that I didn't need such as baby stuff.
Hope you enjoy!
  • haircare/ shampoo/ health care
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid99356.aspx?cm_mmc=dt-_-Anti%20dandruff-_-Walmart-_-sample

http://www.niveausa.com/Experience/ext/en-US/bodywashsample
  • house cleaner
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Samples/IGWsamp.asp?category_id=22&Brand_id=4

http://www.shoutitout.com/coupon/wipes/

  • food
https://www.splenda.com/freesamples/coupon

http://gmsampling.young-america.com/honeynutcheerios/Default.aspx?esrc=16183

http://networkedblogs.com/kww3G

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/mw101655/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101655&source=ba-YouTube&ss_id=&key=9497a89612abb82f51620154a4e7c731

  • baby stuff
http://networkedblogs.com/kww3G

I will add more on future posts! Enjoy!

Recycling stuff!



Be creative!
Instead of the landfill, Recycle it! Recycling is not hard!

For example, if you do not use reusable bags when you go shopping, take plastic grocery bags back to the supermarket or  save them for bathroom trash cans, dad's lunches, wet clothes, baby diaper disposal, stuffing when you mail something or when you are moving. Use them for picking up poo when you walk your dog or cleaning out the cats litter box. Some thrift stores or food banks except them too. You can even do crafts with them.  http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/09/15/large-plastic-market-bag/

Another simple thing you can do is take the dry cleaner hangers back to the dry cleaner.
 (I don't have this problem)

You can recycle your used inkjet printer or laser printer cartridges to manufacturer or school fundraising program. or do what I do & take them to some office supply stores & get a discounts.

Here are some crative things you could do... turn an old golf bag with wheels into a garden- tool caddy or umbrella stand. Or "plant" your old mailbox in your garden for storing hand tools.

We also save all of our aluminum cans in a big trash can outside so we can turn it in.
One of my children's chores is to take the composed out. We use an old ice cream bucket & fill it with peelings, eggshells,  Etc.  We have a spot on the back of our property that it gets dumped. Also now that we have chickens, we give old bread to them. I also use old towel to clean up spills instead of paper towels (we do have them, but I use them sparingly)

Our town also has recycling bins so we have a can next to our trash can in the house to make it easy to divide it into trash or recycling.

So much you could do.....
http://www.squidoo.com/reusepaperroll
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/
or some even seem like crazy ideas!!!! But if it works for you do it......
http://welovenature.blogspot.com/2008/05/creative-way-to-re-use-old-keyboard.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2279158_reuse-toothpaste-tubes.html

I will be posting more on this in the future! Enjoy the earth & the things in it!

Leviticus 25:23-24 - The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.

(Play Dough) some will surprise you

 HOMEMADE!!!!!!


Non-Cook Play Dough
This recipe can be made by children.  Make sure they know to mix it well.
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt (4 tablespoons)
1/2 cup water
1-2 tablespoons flour (if needed)
food coloring
In a bowl, add 1 1/4 cups flour and salt.  Mix.  Add the water and some food coloring together.  Mix.  Place in the flour mixture.  Mix together with a spoon (or your hands).  If it is too sticky, add more flour.   Store in covered container or a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Note:
This will not last as long as the cooked play dough.

Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup hot water
A few drops of food coloring
In a non-stick pan, mix the dry ingredients.  Slowly add the water and mix.  Add food coloring.  Mix.  Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it is in a clump; stirring constantly.  Place on wax paper, the counter, or cutting board.  Knead for a couple of minutes (let it cool if it needs to).  Store in covered container or a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Play Dough
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons oil
a few drops food coloring
Mix thoroughly and store in a plastic bag. Kids can pull, pound, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. If left to dry will harden and can be painted. Non-toxic. Tip: If kids dust their hands with flour before play the dough won’t stick.

Peanut Butter Play-dough
This is FOOD and children must wash their hands before touching the dough and only touch the dough on their plates.

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup liquid honey
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup rolled oats.
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk together. Knead until smooth. (Add more powdered milk if you need to.) Mold dough into any shape you wish.

Nutty Butter Playdough
Provide children with various decorating materials, (raisins, chocolate chips, raspberry chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, dried fruit, pretzels, smarties etc.)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white corn syrup
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups powdered milk
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, corn syrup, and powdered sugar together. Add powdered milk and knead until smooth. (Add more powdered milk if you need to.) Mold dough into any shape they wish.

Oatmeal Dough

1 cup Flour
2 cups Oatmeal
1 cup Water
Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Kneed until mixed (this dough is sticky, but unique in texture. Model as with clay.
Additions: Add cornmeal in small quantity for texture, Add coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.

Frosting Dough

1 Can Frosting Mix
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter
Mix all ingredients in bowl with spoon. Knead into workable dough. Model as with any dough.

Playdough

2 1/2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon alum
1/2 cup salt
3 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups boiling water
1 package unsweetened Kool-aid
Combine flour, alum, salt, add oil, boiling water. Stir or kneed to mix. Add food coloring or before liquids, add a package of unsweetened Kool-aid for color and scent.

No Fuss Play Dough
1 cup cold water
1 cup salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Food coloring
In a large bowl, mix together water, salt, oil and a few drops of food coloring. Mix flour and cornstarch and add 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly (you may need a little more or a little less than 2 cups flour so make sure you stir in until it is the right consistency). Knead for a few minutes with flour on your hands.

Cooked Play Dough
3 cups flour
1 cup salt
6 teaspoons cream of tartar
3 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring
Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Blend water and oil together in a bowl. Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add several drops of food coloring until you get the right color. Cook for about five minutes. Take the play dough out of the saucepan and put it on a cutting board or counter and knead for a few minutes. Add flour if it’s too sticky.
This play dough should last around three months if you keep it sealed in an airtight container or plastic Ziploc bag. It’s so smooth and fun to play with when it’s still warm.

Smelly Tip: For nice smelling play dough, add a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract to any of these play dough recipes.

Activity:
Have your child/children cut out different shapes using cookie cutters, lids, or whatever else you can think of. You don't have to over think it, just have fun with it!


 We have not tried all of these recipes- still in the experimenting process & having a blast!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The secret is WITCH HAZEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15 Uses for Witch Hazel

1. The big one: Spot and blemish control

Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many over-the-counter treatments. You can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this, though.

2. Soothe and heal diaper rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink bags under the eyes

Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It's not an old wives' tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. 

4. Soothe and reduce external hemorrhoids

Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it's also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose vein relief

Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

6. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak

Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat chicken pox blisters

A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of chicken pox blisters. And it's all-natural. Here's what to do:
Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the chicken pox than traditional calamine lotion.

8. Heal your bruises faster

Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe razor burn (and in some instances, prevent it)

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving; it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and soothe a nasty sunburn

Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat dry skin

By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to heal and soothe various cuts and bruises

Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature's answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take the bite out of bug bites

With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh tired eyes

NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you've been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make your own deodorant

Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties. Here is a home-made recipe you may want to try.
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp high proof vodka
  • 10 drops geranium
  • 10 drops cypress
  • 8 drops bergamot
  • 5 drops neroli
  • 4 drops lavender
  • 3 drops black pepper
  • 4 tb sp (40 ml) witch hazel
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) cornflower water
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) orange flower water
  1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (100 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment.
     
  2. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one.
     
  3. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
     
  4. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well.
     
  5. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use.
     
  6. Before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed.

Note

As with many herbal remedies, certain people, like women who are pregnant or breast feeding, should talk to their physician before using witch hazel. When using witch hazel, let your doctor know if you experience leg swelling, breathing problems, chest tightness or pain, hives, new rashes or irritations, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting or constipation. Most people who use witch hazel will not experience these adverse side effects, but some will, so notify a health official if any problems are noticed.

*(I have not made this yet but found it & thought I would share it)*