My Sweet Shack

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Bible Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

The gift of Christmas isn't wrapped up in presents or parties. The gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. As you follow Him, you put people first. You may spend less time in lines and more time serving others. You may spend less money on - and more time with - the people you love. You may lose yourself and you may find everything else that matters.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a 2012 filled with peace, love and realizations!

Kale and Potato Soup {recipe}

2011-11-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

I found a recipe for Kale Mashed Potato here! I changed the recipe a little and made it into a soup. We had last night for our Meatless Monday! Yumm...

3 baking potatoes, peeled and sliced
sea salt

4 tablespoons coconut oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch kale, large stems stripped and discarded, leaves chopped

1/2+ cup warm milk or cream

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish (opt)

Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water or chicken broth. Add a pinch of salt (ommit if using chicken broth), two sprigs of fresh parsley and two bay leaves . Bring the water to a boil and continue boiling for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Discard the parsley and bay leaves.

Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, chopped kale, a big pinch of salt, and saute just until tender - about a minute. Set aside.

Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork. For a creamier consistency, blend half of thye potatoes. Add the milk (or cream) a few big splashes at a time. Season with salt and pepper.

Dump the kale on top of the potatoes and give a quick stir. Sprinkle with scallions, Parmesan cheese, and shallots.

Variations:

•Use mashed white beans in place of the mashed potatoes.

•Add some sauteed or baked mushrooms (chopped).

Homemade Master Tonic {recipe}

2011-11-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Master Tonic - A Natural Antibiotic

by Richard Schulze, University of Natural Healing Based on a tonic by John Christopher known as "Plague Tonic".

**Start this Procedure on the NEW Moon.

what you need:

*Raw Unfiltered Unbleached Non-distilled Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's or Spectrum Naturals).

*1 part fresh chopped garlic cloves

*1 part fresh chopped White Onion (or hottest onions)

*1 part fresh grated Ginger Root

*1 part fresh grated Horseradish Root

*1 part fresh chopped Cayenne Peppers or the hottest peppers available, i.e. habanero, African Bird, or Scotch Bonnets, etc.

Fill a glass jar 3/4 of the way full w/equal parts by volume (i.e. a cupful each) of the above fresh chopped and grated herbs. Then fill jar to the top with raw, unfiltered, unbleached, non-distilled apple cider vinegar. Close and shake vigorously and then top off the vinegar if necessary.

Let it sit until the FULL Moon (15-16 Days) or the NEXT New Moon (28-29 Days - OPTIMAL).

Shake it as MANY times during the day as possible.

Strain this mixture through an UNBLEACHED Coffee Filter.

Bottle and label. Store in a dark place, away from light. Make sure that when you make this tonic that you shake it every time you walk by it, a minimum of once per day. Remember that all the herbs and vegetables should be fresh (and organically grown if possible) and use dried herbs only in an emergency.

This tonic is extremely powerful because all the ingredients are fresh. It's power should not be underestimated. This formula is a modern day plague tonic and when added to an incurable routine it can cure the most chronic conditions and stubborn diseases. it stimulates maximum blood circulation, while putting the best detoxifying herbs into the blood. This formula is not just for the sniffles, it has helped to turn around the deadliest infections like some of the new mutated killer viruses that defy conventional antibiotics.

The dosage is 1/2 to 1 ounce, two or more times daily (1- 2 Tbs.). Gargle and swallow. (Don't dilute with water.)

For ordinary infections, 1 dropper full taken 5-6 times a day will deal with most conditions. It can be used during pregnancies, is safe for children (use smaller doses - 1 Tbs) and as a food is completely non-toxic.

Ingredient properties:

-Garlic (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical)

-White Onion, or hottest onions available (similar properties to garlic)

-Ginger Root (increases circulation to the extremities)

-Horseradish Root (increases blood flow to the head)

-Cayenne Peppers, or the hottest peppers available, i.e. habanero, African Bird, -or Scotch Bonnets, etc. (a great blood stimulant).

You can use it daily, up to two tablespoons a day as an immune booster or take more if you’re not feeling well.

A Frog Prince party...

2011-09-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from baby C's FIRST birthday

(it's been really a year??).

The table...

I used wrapping paper (Quilted Bear) for the background). Paper rosettes and the paper circle streamers. So much fun...

Everything was blue and green - including LOTS of candy and good food...

The little Frog Prince! Made out of fondant.

Baby pictures garland. Pictures from newborn to one year (first haircut too!).

Photo booth. I have only one thing to say SO.MUCH.FUN!!!

The cake. Yellow cake with coconut and pineapple filling. Covered with cream cheese and marshmallow fondant. Yumm...

The whole gang!

Sugar cookie.

Memo to myself: Don't freeze the grapes already on the sticks. They turned out LESS than perfect. I think was the juice from piercing them... Oh well.

The water...

10 Essential Homemade Survival Items

2011-08-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 innovative homemade survival techniques to keep you alive, with a few dollars left in your pocket:

1. Survival Biscuits

When you begin to get peckish on a long sea voyage and the last packet of crisps were gobbled days ago, or find yourself stranded in the jungle without '101 Berries You Shouldn't Eat or You Will Die Horribly', we have found a perfect recipe to keep you alive and satisfied, without the need of a refrigerator.

Hardtack is a long lasting cracker made from basic flour and water. The art of making it last is in the making of it so read carefully:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Measure 2 cups of flour, and put in a mixing bowl.

• Slowly add water (salted or unsalted) a little at a time to make a dough.

• Roll out the dough until it is 1/4 inch thick (you can make it thicker, but remember there are no dentists out in the wilderness to fix any chips on your teeth!)

• Cut the dough into squares, bigger than the modern saltine cracker. Use a fork to prick holes in the top to let the steam escape.

• Lay out squares on a baking tray.

• The cooking temperatures vary, so listen up! -Bake at 350 degrees of the first 15 minutes. For the next 30 minutes cook at 250 degrees, and then for another 30 minutes, turn the heat down to 200 degrees.

• Throughout, flip them with a spatula so they are evenly cooked on both sides.

• You will know they are done when the squares are hard, and either still white or off white. Don't wait until they burn!

• And....Voila! You are ready for an adventure.

Source

2. Pocket Lint

You'll be happy to know that you carry around highly flammable materials every time you wear your favourite blue jeans. Well, maybe not particularly happy in normal circumstances, but when you need to light a fire pretty quickly and need to get your hands on some tinder, just reach into your pocket and use the lint! It ignites very quickly-you'll be glad you wore your favourite jeans on your hiking-trip-gone-wrong.

Source

3. A Drop of Oil

Of course we all know that water is crucial to our survival. However, many an adventurer has uncovered they have finished their last drop of Evian on a 4 day mountain trek, and the only alternative is some dodgy looking lake water. What can be done?!

You can use lime or grapefruit Essential Oil to purify water.

Just add 1 drop per gallon.

Stir it well.

Let the mixture stand for a half hour before drinking.

If the water is cloudy with suspended particles:

First filter the water as best you can.

Simple? YEAH!

Source

4. Thompson's Water Seal

The last thing you want to find is how that bargain/cheap poncho you bought last minute isn't actually waterproof. And now it's raining. And you are very, very far from home. This water seal is a great way of avoiding the problem, and is really easy to get hold of.

You can use it on loads of things before your big trip- tents, tarps, whatever fabrics you can think of! Just test it on a small area and then just dip or coat the item. Wonderful!

Source

5. Pet Food Can Stove

This is a very easy to make, home built stove. The 'Super Cat' stove, as it’s known, is made from a single 3 ounce aluminium pet food can that serves as both the stove and the pot stand. Once you've gathered your materials, it takes only a few minutes to complete. It has a reputation of being able to boil 2 cups of water in under 4 minutes.

Now that you've a hot tea in your hand, it's time to work out where in the world you are...

Click here to download a copy of the SUPER CAT build instructions. The document is an Acrobat (PDF) file about 1.6MB in size, and contains text, photos and diagrams that will allow you to easily construct your own stove.

Source

6. Cotton Ball Fire starters

With just a few simple cotton balls and some Vaseline/petroleum jelly, you can make a homemade fire starter. Here are the instructions:

1. Get a bag cotton balls.

2. Get some petroleum jelly.

3. Get a plastic bag, empty 35mm film canister, or similar container. The cotton balls are kind of messy, and you don’t want these rolling around in your preparedness kit.

4. Lightly compress one cotton ball with your fingers. Dip the cotton ball in the jelly, enough to cover most of one side.

5. Use your fingers to work the jelly around the entire exterior of the cotton ball while compressing the cotton ball as much as you can. Use the jelly to “seal” stray fibers in place.

6. Repeat until you’ve had enough.

Now you’re set to go!

Source

7. Creating Water Proof Matches

The BEST & SAFEST Method for making your own waterproof matches is to use Turpentine. (Turpentine has a higher "flash point" relative to Acetone, which commonly used in Nail Polish. Nor does it involve the use of flame as is needed in the Wax or Paraffin methods.)

1. Pour 2 to 3 large tablespoons of Turpentine into a small (Tumbler sized) glass.

2. Place the matches, (Head down) into the Turpentine and allow the matches to soak for 5 minutes. During that time the turpentine will soak into the head as well as the stem. All the water will be driven off by the turpentine.

3. Remove the matches and spread them out to dry out on a sheet of newspaper. Generally, 20 minutes for excess turpentine to be evaporated is recommended. Matches treated in this way remain waterproof for several months or longer.

Cheap and Easy!

Source

8. Fire from a Can of Coke and a Chocolate Bar

By rubbing chocolate onto the bottom of the can you can create a high shine. By focusing the sun onto some timber using the can, you create a fire.

But please, don't eat the chocolate after the rubbing process. It won't taste too good, and isn't good for your survival!

Source

9. Wooden Snow Goggles

Ok, so they're not Ray Ban Wayfarers, and you're likely to turn heads on the beach for the wrong reason, but these bark sunglasses may be a requirement for your survival.

Unless you protect your eyes from the sun, ultra violet rays can actually burn your eyes. The symptoms may be delayed, so at some point on your trip you may find yourself unable to find your way to safety.

So, follow these simple instructions:

1. Cut the bark into a rectangular shape.

2. Measure the distance between the centre points of your eyes.

3. Transfer this measurement to the centre of the bark and cut out a small slit for each eye. The slit should not be very large, perhaps 1/8 inch wide at most.

4. In the centre bottom of the bark cut out a wedge shaped piece for the bridge of your nose.

Survival snow goggles are made from whatever materials are at hand in order to protect the wearer from snow blindness. Wood, bark, cloth, or other materials can be used. And you never know, it could be the next big thing.

Very Couture!

Source

10. Candle/Cardboard Stove

The buddy burner is a nice little stove made from the simplest of materials. Just remember to put some paper under before you pour the wax - view the source and see what we mean!

It's especially nice because it is pretty immune to moisture and, unlike propane, will light at fairly low temperatures. Plus, they should burn for about 2-3 hours, which isn't bad considering its size and weight.

All you need are:

• A tin Can

• Candles

• Some Cardboard

• A small amount of Tin Foil

Just shove it in your back pack and go on an adventure!

Here is a video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/dRJiVvdfLLU

Source

Natural Cleaners: kitchen!

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

To me, the kitchen is the HEART of a HOME. There we not only cook, but gather with family and friends, do homework, have long conversations, pay the bills (as of a lack of a home office - it works!!). Unfortunetely, it's also the room where the garbage is kept, where the floors endurer the patter of muddy feet - 12 feet to be exact!! Needless to say is the hardest place to keep clean and germ free.

The kitchen is probably the most frequented room in the house and is most in need of daily cleaning!

Here are some tried and true recipes for cost-effective, healthy alternatives to kitchen cleaners:

Dishwashing

Fruity Dishwashing Blend
liquid castile soap (for locals: I buy this at Sunflower Market)
15 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil
6 drops lavender EO
5 drops bergamot EO
Fill aclean 22-ounce squirt bottle with castile soap. Add the essential oil. Shake the bottle before each use. Add 1 - 2 tbs of the liquid to dishwater and wash as usual.

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

Super Easy Dishwasher Powder
2cups washing soda
1 cup borax
1 cup baking soda
Combine all ingredients and store in a glass jar. To use, add about 2 tablespoons to the soap compartiment.

Rinse for hard water
Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse compartiment.

Kitchen Sink

Basic Cleaner
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
3 drops lavender, rosemary, lemon, lime or orange EO
Combine all ingredients. Rinse sink with hot water. Pour the cleanser in the sink and wipe with a sponge or cloth. Rinse again with hot water.

Rust Remover
1/4 cup baking soda
5 drops essential oil of choice (see oils properties here)
juice of half lemon

Oven Cleaners

As I mentioned before, commercial oven cleaners are one of the MOST toxic products you could use. I haven't used any od these, since I am lucky enough to own a self-cleaning range! But it should work very well. But remember: no oven cleaner is a miracle worker - bummer - sometimes it may require a bit of elbow grease if there's too much build up.

Formula for "After Disaster" clean up
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup washing soda
1 box (16oz) baking soda
scant 1/4 cup water
3/4 cup white vinegar
10 drops thyme EO
10 drops lemon or lemongrass EO

1. Combine salt, washing soda, and baking soda in a glass bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste.
2. Remove oven racks and preheat the oven to 250F for 15 min., then turn off and leave the door open.
3.Carefully spread the paste on oven walls with a sponge or cloth and allow to set for 20 - 30 min.
4. Combine vinegar and EO in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray oven walls and wipe clean. Rinse well.

Oven Maintenance Formula
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
10 drops sweet orange, lemon or lime EO
1/2 cup hot water

1. Preheat the oven to 250F for 15 min., then turn off and leave the door open.

2. Combine the baking soda, castile soap and EOs in a spray bottle. Add water and shake well.
3. Spray oven walls and wait 20 min. Wipe clean and rinse well.

Kitchen Surfaces

Herbal Degreaser
2 cups water
1/4 cup oil-based soap (I use Murphy's)
10 drops rosemary or lavender EO
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray on surface (works well on appliances) and wipe.

Lemon Blast Cleaner
Citrus peels
White vinegar
Water
10 drops of essential oil of choice

1. Fill a quart- to half-gallon-size glass jar with citrus peels.
2. Pour vinegar over the peels to cover.
3. Let mixture sit fot at least two and half weeks. The vinegar will take on an orange/golden hue.
4. Fill half a spray bottle with citurs-vinegar, straining as you pour. Fill the rest with water. Add the EO.
5. Shake well before each use. Spray and wipe with a cloth.

Kitchen Floor

Pine Fresh Floor Cleaner
1 gallon hot water
2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
10 drops pine EO
5 drops cypress EO
Mix all ingredients in a large bucket. Dip the mop into the mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid. Rinsing is not necessary.

Note: if you don't like the smell of pine, leave out the pine and cypress oils and add 15 drops sweet orange and 8 drops lemon or 1/4 cup lemon juice for a citrusy smell!

Blog to you soon...

Hidden Dangers of Cleaning Products

2011-07-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Poisons Under Your Sink: Hidden Danger of Cleaning Products

by: Glenn Beach

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has recorded many exposures to household cleaning substances that were serious enough to require treatment in a health care facility. Incredibly, according to the AAPCC the largest number of occurrences of poisoning in 1993 were due to cleaning products - drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, soaps and detergents.

One million poisonings in Canada each year are due to household cleaner ingestion. Some are fatal. Thousands of children and adults are permanently disfigured or injured through contact with chemicals in the home each year.

Here is an alphabetical list of some of the most hazardous cleansers found around the house:

AIR FRESHENERS: interfere with your ability to smell by releasing nerve-deadening agents or coating nasal passages with an oil film, usually methoxychlor, a pesticide that accumulates in fat cells. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener are formaldehyde, a highly toxic, known carcinogen, and phenol. When phenol touches your skin it can cause it to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives.

AMMONIA: is a very volatile chemical and is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin.

ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANERS: may contain triclosan, which is absorbed through the skin and can be tied to liver damage.

BLEACH: is a strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. Never mix bleach with acid toilet bowl cleaners or ammonia. These mixtures may produce fumes which can be DEADLY.

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO: Most formulas are designed to over power the stain itself; they accomplish the task but not without using highly toxic substances. Some include perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen that damages liver, kidney and nervous system damage; and ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.

CHLORINE: The first agent of chemical warfare was chlorine. WWII ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the name of huge profits, it was added to our water supply and many other products. Chlorine is the number one cause of breast cancer and can be lethal. Scientists won't handle chlorine without protective gloves, facemasks, and ventilation, yet it is in most store-brand cleaners, including dishwasher detergents. The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated, as in the shower. It ís in our drinking water, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and more.

DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. The #1 cause of household poisoning is dish detergent. Dishwashing liquids are labeled"harmful if swallowed." Each time you wash your dishes, some residue is left on them, which accumulates with each washing. Your food picks up part of the residue -- especially if your meal is hot when you eat it.

FURNITURE POLISH: contain petroleum distillates, which are highly flammable and can cause skin and lung cancer. They contain nitrobenzene, which is easily absorbed through the skin and extremely toxic.

LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: Laundry detergents contain phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate and countless other chemicals. These substances can cause rashes, itches, allergies, sinus problems and more. The residue left on your clothes, bed sheets, etc. is absorbed through your skin, as is everything else you touch.

OVEN CLEANER: one of the most toxic products people use. They contain lye and ammonia, which eat the skin, and the fumes linger and affect the respiratory system. Then there ís the residue that ís intensified the next time you turn your oven on.

TOILET BOWL CLEANERS: usually contain hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive irritant to both skin and eyes that damages kidneys and liver; and hypochlorite bleach, a corrosive irritant that can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Toilet bowl cleaners also may cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which may be fatal.

Are you one of the millions of consumers who tend to think anything sold must be safe? Think again. Since WWII more than 80,000 synthetic chemicals have been invented. Most have been created from petroleum and coal tar for the purposes of chemical warfare. The sad thing is that hardly any of these substances have been tested for safety, but have been added to our food, water and cleaning products without our consent and most often without informing us of any dangers. There is a lot of intentional suppression in this industry that adds approximately 1000 new chemicals each year.

According to the National Research Council, "no toxic information is available for more than 80% of the chemicals in everyday-use products. Less than 20% have been tested for acute effects and less than 10% have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects." Most have not been tested for combined or accumulated effects, nor for their effects on unborn children.

What can you do to protect your loved ones from chemical injury and poisoning?

First of all, educate yourself, and find safer alternatives as much as possible.

Second, minimize use of harsh chemicals. Clean spills and stains immediately, remove food waste promptly, keep home moisture/humidity down to 30-50%, and use entry way mats at all entrances.

Third, store all cleaning agents in their original containers out of the reach of children. Follow the directions on the label and use only the amount of product recommended. Read labels, follow safety precautions and contact the manufacturer if you have questions.

By definition, we clean our homes to reduce damage or harm to human and pet health, and to protect our valued possessions.

Let's not make the solution worse than the problem!

This week I'll post safe, natural substitutes for the most hazardous cleansers that most of us use everyday around the house:

** Air freshener **

** Ammonia **

** Antibacterial cleaners **

** Bleach **

** Carpet & upholstery shampoo **

** Chlorine **

** Dishwasher detergent **

** Furniture polish **

** Laundry products (more) **

** Oven cleaner **

** Toilet bowl cleaner **

Stay tuned!! If you have any "recipes" of cleaners that has worked for you, share it here!!

Blog to you soon...

Helpful Hints for a Clean Kitchen

2011-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wipe out food spills in the oven as soon as possible.

Sprinkle fresh grease spills in the oven with salt.

Sanitize wooden cutting boards by rubbing with half of a freshly cut lemon, lime or grapefruit.

Clean the gunk of an electric can opener with a soft toothbrush dampened with 2 or 3 drops of any EO

Keep garbage disposal smelling fresh by tossing in the remains of a lemon, grapefruit or lime when available.

Instead of using paper towels to wipe up spills or to clean off countertops, store multiple squares of soft cotton or microfiber in a glass jar filled with 1 cup water, 1 oz liquid castile soap and 6-8 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Use cloth napkins and placemats whenever possible to reduce the consumption of paper napkins.

Blog to you soon...

Getting Kids to Eat Their Vegetables

2011-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Eating plenty of veggies is important to a healthy diet. However, getting kids to eat vegetables is often difficult. Kids that are growing especially need to get the nutrition that are in vegetables and fruits, and even little toddlers need to get plenty of veggies in their diet. It can definitely be hard to get kids to eat their vegetables

There's always, at least, one kid that, no matter what you do, will NOT eat...

I have to tell you that I have three very distinct (from each other) kids.

Kimberly, my oldest, LOVE salads. Greens, tomatoes... She is getting ~~very~~ a little picky these days, though. She is very skeptical to try new things! But still, I can say she is my best "healthy" eater.

Rebecca is very funny about food. She goes through "seasons". Sometimes she will eat everything, her veggies, salad, but then, something happen (I haven't figured out what - yet) and she won't eat anything! But she NEVER gives up her tomatoes! That she will eat as snack!!

Now Noah... This is another story... A sad one, I might add. I can't get this boy to eat anything! I've tried some different things, but he rathers starve than to eat veggies! It's funny and sad at the same time!

Last year, I went to a green smoothie class just to find out the solution to my problems - at least the "eat your vegetables" kind of problem!!

Green smoothies are greens blended with fruits. It is actually very easy to cover up the flavor of the greens with the sweet fruits.

So needless to say I was more than happy when I got home and, enthusiasticlly, started making my green smothies every day, with the help of my wonderful not-anything green-eater son! I was quite shocked (the good shocked) when we finished our bright green smoothie and Noah drunk almost a quart just by himself! He is the one the LOVES the smoothies the most!

So that's the only way I can get Noah to "eat" greens!

Does your kids like greens? How do you "make" them eat their veggies?

Green Smoothie Recipes

Base:

I use 40% greens and 60% fruit (adjust to taste)
Water (you can use rice milk, coconut milk or almond milk)
Ice
Banana or avocado (to make it creamy)
Agave (sweetener) to taste

For the greens I like kale, spinach and collard greens best, but you can use ANYTHING green; lettuce, arugula, beet tops, cabbage, radish greens, etc...

And I use whatever fruit I have at home. If you use berries the smoothie will be brownish red!!

Tropical Kale Smoothie

1 large ripe banana, peeled
10 kale leaves
1 cup pineapple, fresh
3 dates, pitted
1 cup mango, frozen
3 ice cubes
1 1/2 cup pure water

Pour the water and toss the banana, kale, pineapple, and dates into the blender. Blend. Then add the mango and ice. Blend again until smooth. Very Yummy! 1-2 servings

Melon Lettuce Smoothie

10 large leaves of romaine lettuce
2 cup ripe cantaloupe slices
1 cup strawberries
1/2 teaspoon agave (optional)
6 ice cubes

Add the cantaloupe, strawberries, lettuce, agave, ice into the blender in that order. Blend until completely smooth. Serves 1-2

Spinach Green Smoothie

1 large banana, ripe
1 cup mangoes, frozen
1/2 cup strawberries, frozen
5 oz spinach, fresh
1 1/2 cups pure water

Pour water in first. Then place the banana closest to the blade with the rest of the ingredients on top. Blend until smooth. Serves 1-2

Roasted Spring Vegetables {sort of like} Risotto

2011-06-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, cut into 2-inch lengths
2 cups whole baby carrots cut in lengthwise quarters
6 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium assorted peppers (yellow, red, green), cut into 1-inch strips
2 medium zucchini or yellow squash, cut into diagonal slices
1 cup halved fresh medium mushrooms
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
3 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/3 cups uncooked Arborio rice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray 17x11-inch roasting pan with cooking spray.
2.Mix asparagus, carrots, onions, peppers, squash, mushrooms, rosemary and 1/4 cup broth in prepared pan.
3.Roast 20 minutes or until done, stirring once. Prepare risotto while the vegetables are roasting.
4.Heat oil in saucepot. Add rice. Cook and stir for 2 minutes Add 1/2 cup broth and cook until broth is absorbed. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until all broth is absorbed before adding more. (Total cooking time: 25 minutes)
5.Add vegetables and cheese. Heat through. Serve immediately.

I made this last night and it was D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S! I used basmati brown rice instead of arborio rice and ommited the cheese. So it wasn't creamy (risotto like) at all. So if you want the traditional risotto texture, use arborio!

MeatLess Monday.

2011-06-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am not a vegetarian, but when I heard about “Meat Less Monday,” I was intrigued. I had never thought about the environmental impact of raising livestock. Below are the facts to get us off to a good start.

A quick taste of Meatless Monday

WHAT IS MEATLESS MONDAY?

An international movement to help people reduce their meat consumption by 15% to improve personal health and the health of the planet. We are a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

WHY MEATLESS?

On average, Americans consume 8 ounces of meat per day – 45% more than the USDA recommends. Going meatless once a week can reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help limit your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.

WHY MONDAY?

Multiple studies have shown that periodic health prompts lead to positive behavior change. Monday is the beginning of the week, making it the perfect time to reevaluate our choices and set our intentions for the coming days. With a Meatless Monday, you have a scheduled, recurring reminder to start your week off on a nutritious note. And if this Monday passes you by, next week is another opportunity to focus on health!

Key Benefits of Meatless Monday

** FOR YOUR HEALTH **

-REDUCE HEART DISEASE

Beans, peas, nuts and seeds contain little to no saturated fats. Reducing saturated fats can help keep your cholesterol low, and cut risk of cardiovascular disease.

-LIMIT CANCER RISK

Hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables can reduce cancer risk. Red meat consumption is associated with colon cancer.

-FIGHT DIABETES

Research suggests that plant-based diets– particularly those low in processed meat – can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

-CURB OBESITY

People on low-meat or vegetarian diets have significantly lower body weights and body mass indices. A plant-based diet is a great source of fiber (absent in animal products). This makes you feel full with fewer calories, ie. lower calorie intake and less overeating.

-LIVE LONGER

Red and processed meat consumption is associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.

-IMPROVE YOUR DIET

Consuming beans or peas results in higher intakes of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron and magnesium with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat.

** FOR YOUR WALLET **

-CUT WEEKLY BUDGET

Food prices continue to rise. Current increases are especially sharp in packaged items and meat, which require extra expenses like feed and transportation. Forgoing meat once a week is a great way to cut the weekly budget.

-CURB HEALTHCARE SPENDING

Treatment of chronic preventable diseases accounts for 70% of total U.S. healthcare spending. By reducing our risk for these conditions, we can curtail healthcare spending nationwide.

** FOR OUR PLANET **

-REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

The UN estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate climate change.

-MINIMIZE WATER USAGE

The water needs of livestock are huge, far above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef.

-REDUCE FUEL DEPENDENCE

On average, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S. (compared to 2.2 calories of fossil fuel for plant-based protein).

JOIN IN!

Visit meatlessmonday.com and then tell your friends, family, co-workers and community leaders how they can improve their health and the health of the planet by cutting meat one Monday at a time!

source: meatlessmonday.com

Natural Laundry Soap {recipe}

2011-05-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Manufacturers of laundry products spend a good deal of money on advertising to convince us that their products contain "magical" ingredients that can solve every laundry problem. Well, they don't! With their cleaning power stemming from caustic bleach, EDTA, and optical brighteners (which are strong allergens), their ingredients are anything but magical.

After experiencing lots of different recipes, here are some that worked really well. They are easy to make, cheap and natural.

These formulas don't have any magical components that you can't pronounce. Instead, the cleaning power of these soaps comes from combining clean, pure ingredients.

Basic Laundry Soap Powder

1 cup washing soda

1 cup scented baking soda (fill a shaker-type container with baking soda and add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Click here for a list of essential oils and their benefits)

1 cup soap flakes or finely grated pure bar soap (I like Dr Bronners castile bar soap)

Combine all ingredients and store in a heavy plastic container or glass jar (canning jars work great - make sure to use the wide-mouth ones!). Use 1/2 cup per average laundry load.

Basic Liquid Formula

2 1/4 cups liquid castile soap

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon glycerin

3/4 cup water

10-15 drops essential oil of you choice (you may skip this if using the scented castile soap)

Combine all ingredients into a plastic container or squirt bottle. Shake once or twice before adding to the wash. To use, add 1/4 cup per average load; 1/2 cup for extra large or heavily soiled loads.

Cleaning With Essential Oil and Herbs.

2011-05-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Nearly everyone has heard about the virtues of common items such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning jobs like scouring and absorbing grease. The addition of herbal materials, especially essential oils, to the formula serves to enhance its cleaning value with the added benefit of leaving behind a soothing, natural scent.

Essential oils and dried herbs are readily available in health food stores and by mail order.

Essential Oils (EO)

When buying essential oils, make sure to buy a pure, undiluted oil and not the one that has been diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond.

There are even grade differences among pure oil, but this difference generally pertains to the quality of fragrance, and for the purpose of household cleaning it is insignificant! So don't use your therapeutic $90 oil to clean the floors!! Just saying...

Here are the most common essential oils (EO) used in cleaning formulas:

*Cedar

*Citronella

*Eucalyptus

*Lavender

*Lemon

*Lime

*Mint (peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen)

*Pine

*Rosemary

*Sweet Orange

*Tea tree

Herbs

If you are fortunate enough to be able to grow your own herb, as I do, you will already have a supply of herbal material on hand to dry for making scouring powders, sachets, and carpet fresheners. You will need to dry the herbs before using them in cleaning formulas!

Many herbs have antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. The following list is not complete by any means, but it represents the most common herbs that are grown in home gardens and that are easily available in dried or essential oil form.

HERB                         PROPERTIES

Bay                               antibacterial

Bergamot                       antibiotic

Camphor antibacterial

Cardamon antibacterial

Chamomile antibiotic, antibacterial

Cinnamon antiviral

Citronella antibacterial

Clove antibiotic, antiviral

Cypress antibacterial

Eucalyptus antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial

Ginger antibacterial

Hyssop antifungal, antibacterial

Juniper antifungal, antibacterial

Lavender antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial

Lemon                    antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial

Lemongrass                 antibacterial

Marjoram                    antibacterial

Myrtle                         antibiotic, antifungal

Nutmeg                        antibiotic

Orange                        antibacterial

Oregano                       antibiotic, antiviral

Patchouli                    antibiotic, antifungal

Pine                           antibiotic, antibacterial

Rosemary                    antibacterial

Sage                            antibacterial, antifungal

Spearmint                    antibacterial

Tea tree                  antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial

Thyme                       antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial

Wintergreen                 antibacterial; take extra care when handling

Honey cupcakes {recipe}

2011-04-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

I really don't like buttercream frosting, so when I came across this recipe, I new I had to try... I made some for Kimmy's Baptism and it was such a hit!!! Hope you enjoy...

Honey Cupcakes

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup creamed honey
¾ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups self rising flour

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and honey. Beat for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg, scrape down sides after blended. Add in vanilla and beat for another 30 seconds.
Starting with the flour first, alternate between flour and milk, ending with flour. So 1/3 of flour, ½ of milk, 1/3 of flour, ½ milk, 1/3 flour.

Blend until fully combined.

Fill cupcake pan 2/3 of the way full with batter. Fill until all batter is used.

Bake for 20-22 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes in pan. Then remove from pan and place on a wire rack to finish cooling. Cool completely before frosting.

Honey Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup honey plus 2 TBSP
4-5 cups powdered sugar
milk as needed for thinning out frosting
In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the honey for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar .

Start on low speed on the mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency.

Use milk to thin out frosting to reach desired consistency.

To assemble cupcakes:

Take cooled cupcake. Place frosting in a piping bag. Starting at one end pipe in a circle, continuing around and around until you form a beehive shape.

Dip top of cupcake into crushed Peanut Butter Crunch Candy. If you can’t find it, crushed up Butterfinger or crushed up peanut brittle would work nicely as well.

Le Bain [almost done}

2011-03-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last year when I was SEVEN months pregnant we decided to gut the whole bathroom and remodel in TWO months...

I am sure you know the rest of the story :D

It is NOT finished yet, but is functional - which is a bad thing! But I {heart} it!!

Hubs worked really hard to finish before I had the baby and I am happy to say that I took my "last" shower there, without a door, but did!!

three things that I learned with this remodeled:

1. Mudding IS a pain in the neck (literally)... but when you are 9 months pregnant is MUCH harder and painful to do ceilings!

2. DON'T start a BIG project when you have a preggo at home and company coming in three weeks of starting the project!

3. Do it anyways because it would be so worth it in the end...

I thought about waiting till we finish, but since I don't know WHEN that would be, I decided to post today.

The "Before":

This is how the bathroom looked BEFORE. We had a tiny, dark and moldy shower - which we didn't use - wonder why! And a linnen/MESS closet.

And here is AFTER... drum roll {please}

We added the beadboard - I {heart} it!! Painted a 'harlequin' wall. Layed new tile, new hardware.

New light fixtures (love the recessed lights in the shower), light/fan combo, new shower unit - NOTHING 'green' about this water sucker...

New door...

Still need to finish crown moulding and next project will be to refinish the vanity and paint the countertop!!

Wish me luck!!!

Awake Training {for parents}

2011-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Babies,

OK, here’s my situation. My Mommy has had me for almost 5 months. The first few months were great – I cried, she picked me up and fed me, anytime, around the clock. Then something happened. Over the last few weeks, she has been trying to STTN (sleep thru the night). At first, I thought it was just a phase, but it is only getting worse.

I’ve talked to other babies, and it seems like its pretty common after Mommies have had us for around 5-6 months. Here’s the thing: these Mommies don’t really need to sleep. It’s just a habit. Many of them have had some 30 years to sleep – they just don’t need it anymore. So I am implementing a plan. I call it the Crybaby Shuffle.

It goes like this:

Night 1 – cry every 3 hours until you get fed. I know, it’s hard. It’s hard to see your Mommy upset over your crying. Just keep reminding yourself, it’s for her own good.

Night 2 – cry every 2 hours until you get fed.

Night 3 – every hour.

Most Mommies will start to respond more quickly after about 3 nights. Some Mommies are more alert, and may resist the change longer. These Mommies may stand in your doorway for hours, shhhh-ing. Don’t give in. I cannot stress this enough: CONSISTENCY IS KEY!! If you let her STTN (sleep through the night), just once, she will expect it every night. I know it’s hard! But she really does not need the sleep; she is just resisting the change.. If you have an especially alert Mommy, you can stop crying for about 10 minutes, just long enough for her to go back to bed and start to fall asleep. Then cry again. It WILL eventually work. My Mommy once stayed awake for 10 hours straight, so I know she can do it.

The other night, I cried every hour. You just have to decide to stick to it and just go for it. BE CONSISTENT! I cried for any reason I could come up with:

-My sleep sack tickled my foot.

-I felt a wrinkle under the sheet.

-My mobile made a shadow on the wall.

-I burped, and it tasted like rice cereal. I hadn’t eaten rice cereal since breakfast, what’s up with that?

-The dog said “ruff”. I should know. My Mommy reminds me of this about 20 times a day. LOL.

-Once I cried just because I liked how it sounded when it echoed on the monitor in the other room.

-Too hot, too cold, just right – doesn’t matter! Keep crying!!

-I had drooled so much my sheets were damp and I didn’t like it touching me.

-I decided I was sick of all the pink in my room so I cried.

It took awhile, but it worked. She fed me at 4am. Tomorrow night, my goal is 3:30am. You need to slowly shorten the interval between feedings in order to reset your Mommies’ internal clocks.

Sometimes my Mommy will call for reinforcements by sending in Daddy. Don’t worry Daddies are not set up for not needing sleep the way Mommies are. They can only handle a few pats and shhing before they declare defeat and send in the Mommy.

Also, be wary of the sleep sheep with rain noises. I like to give Mommy false hope that listening to the rain puts me to sleep sometimes I pretend to close my eyes and be asleep and then wait until I know Mommy is settling back to sleep to spring a surprise cry attack. If she doesn’t get to me fast enough I follow up with my fake cough and gag noise that always has her running to the crib. At some point I am positive she will start to realize that she really doesn’t really need sleep.

P.S. Don’t let those rubber things fool you, no matter how long you suck on them, no milk will come out.

Trust me.

Sincerely,

Baby J

Source: Unknown (If you know, let me know)

************************************************************

At OUR house, works like a charm...

Household {Tips}

2011-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

*Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.

If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster...

*Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.

It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

*Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.

Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

*Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.

It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

*Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy no soggy micro pizza.

*Easy Deviled Eggs. Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg.

Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

*Expanding Frosting. When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size.

You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving!

*Reheating refrigerated bread. To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food Moist and help it reheat faster.

Preparing Your Home & Family for an Earthquake or Disater

2011-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

The tragic disaster in Japan this last week should be a reminder to all of us that this kind of devastation can happen at any time and any where. The question is “Are you prepared for such a disaster?”.

Did you know that scientists say Utah's Wasatch Front faces a 1-in-7 chance of being hit by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake — the size of the tremor that devastated Haiti last year — sometime in the next 50 years?

If it hits at the worst-possible time — in the middle of a winter night — government computer models estimate that it could kill about 3,000 people, injure another 42,000, damage more than a third of all buildings and cause at least $35 billion in economic loss.

More than 60,000 people would need public shelter during freezing temperatures. Most power, water and communications would be out initially, and may not be restored in some areas for months. Fires could be widespread.

Police and firefighters would be so overwhelmed that they could not reach many people for days, so we, as neighbors, would need to rely on each other for help.

As we have seen from recent disasters around the world, being unprepared can be devastating. Many put off creating an emergency plan because it seems like such a time intensive and expensive project.

The emergency plan checklist by Buttoned Up breaks it down into smaller tasks that can be accomplished in 20-30 minutes increments {download free here}. Using the emergency plan checklist as a guide, below are helpful tips and links to preparing for a catastrophe:

One: Organize Your Emergency Plan

Your family may not be together when a disaster occurs, therefore it's essential to plan in advance how you will communicate and get back together in different scenarios.

•Establish a contact. Because it may be easier to make an out-of-town call, identify a contact {ideally out-of-state} your family can call and who can also relay information.

•Make a contact list. Provide a list of contact phone numbers to all members of your family. For cell phone users, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Also, make sure to let your family and friends know that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.

•Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have systems that will send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about such things as bad weather, road closings and local emergencies. To sign up, visit your local Office of Emergency Management website.

•Establish a meeting place. Select two meeting places in the case your family is separated in an emergency. The first location should be near your home. The second should be out-of-state or further away. Also, review possible evacuation routes available in your area online.

•Learn about school and work plans. Find out what emergency plans are in place for your work and child's school.

•Share the plan. Quick Share My Emergency Information is a form you complete to create an email text that includes basic emergency information you can share your family, friends and neighbors. It provides your contact information, emergency contact, out-of-town contact and your neighborhood meeting place.

•Prepare Your Home. Identify items in your home that need to be secured in the case of an earthquake. For complete information on making your home safer visit, Home Quake Safety Toolkit.

Two: Document Your Valuables

To be reimbursed after a catastrophe need a list of the items in your home. Recording with a video or camera the items you would want replaced is a great option. Also, documenting room to room all valuables {artwork, electronics, jewelry, rugs, furniture, clothing, etc.}. The next step is to store the video, photos or list safely with your attorney, accountant or family member.

Three: Get Your Records Ready

One way to organize for an emergency is to create a Home & Life Binder. The binder holds the most critical information for your home and family, so you’re never without it when you really need it. It should be kept in a safe, yet handy place. Assuming you have a computer and printer, creating the binder is a fairly easy DIY project - here's how step-by-step.

Four: Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Ready America, recommends the following items be included in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

•Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

•Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food {canned & packaged foods - include cooking utensils}

•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

•Flashlight and extra batteries

•First aid kit

•Whistle to signal for help

•Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

•Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

•Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

•Local maps

•Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

This is a list of additional items to strongly consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

•Prescription medications and glasses.

•Infant formula and diapers.

•Pet food and extra water for your pet.

•Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

•Cash or traveler's checks and change.

•Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the EFFAK Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

•Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

•Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

•Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

•Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

•Fire Extinguisher {get training from your local fire department on how to properly use a fire extinguisher}.

•Matches in a waterproof container.

•Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.

•Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels.

•Paper and pencil.

•Comfort items such as books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

For those in earthquake country, have each member of the family keep sturdy shoes, whistle and a working flashlight next to each bed. The shoes will protect feet in the case of broken glass. Also teach everyone in your household to use the whistle or knock three times repeatedly if trapped.

I will post more on the kits {72-hour & a Grab-n-Go kit} later!

Five: Discuss Your Plan With Your Family

Set a time to meet with all members of your immediate family and those that live with you to discuss your emergency plan together. Let all know where to find the emergency kit{s}, locate important information and who has the documentation for household valuables.

Is your family ready for a catastrophe? If not don't delay in preparing. Planning for a disaster sounds depressing, but when complete will reduce any anxiety or worry you may be feeling.

Plan ahead and be safe!

Kimmy's {Baptism}

2010-11-07T23:26:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is EIGHT!! I am really excited with her baptism later this month! I am planing a cute party afterwards.

Grandma is coming all the way from Brazil to make things even more special!

Saturday we went to downtown to take her "baptism" pictures. I think they turned out great! Here are just a few (we took more than TWO HUNDRED - just in case ;0)

And this is the invitation...

The 'theme' is Bees based on Pres. Hinckey's Be's talk!

Making Some Juice...

2010-10-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome AND busy weekend. Enjoyed General Conference and made some grape juice!

Yumm...

Grapes from our yard!!

Delicious...

General Conference {gift} baskets

2010-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

One more idea for General Conference! I made these for the ladies that I visit teach!

*General Conference Packets - for the kids

*Crayons or pencils

*A notebook

*Pen

*Bag of popcorn

*Kleenex

*Candy

The note says:

"Just POPPING by to wish you a meaninful conference weekend. Enjoy!"

Have a great conference weekend you too!!!

General Conference Games & Activities

2010-09-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend is General Conference! I really enjoy General Conference because it is a time when I can gather to listen to the leaders of the church and to get an extra boost in my life.

I always come away spiritually uplifted, and with a strong resolve to do a better job - especially as a mother. But it can be hard to have the kids listen with the same enthusiasm...

Here are some ideas to help the kids watch General Conference:

**Apostles Cards

Use these cards to help children learn the names and faces of the First Presidency and 12 Apostles. There are also some fun facts too.

**Bingo

Just print and cutout the cards for this fun game. Four LDS bingo boards and other pieces come with this printable game. Enjoy!

**Matching Game

Prophets and Apostles Matching Game.

The following links are for notebooks.

Senior Primary (6 - 11)

**General Conference Packet

**(Link em portugues)

Nursery (18 months - 3 years):

**General Conference Packet

Junior Primary (3 - 6)

**General Conference coloring book

**(Link em portugues)

** General Conference Packet

Youth (12 - 18):

**General Conference Packet

**(Link em portugues)

General Conference is a wonderful time to spend learning about Jesus Christ and the things that we need to work on in order to return to live with him. I know that as you listen to conference with an open heart and mind that you will feel the spirit and be strengthened. Enjoy...

credits for the ideas: The Idea Door, Sugardoodle and lds.about.com

Click here to know more what general conference...

{LDS} General Conference - a little "Get To Know"

2010-09-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake Temple

A thought it would be a good idea to explain about the upcoming General Conference!

Twice a year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (AKA Mormons) broadcasts a General Conference world wide from the Conference Center at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. General Conference of the LDS Church is held in April and October, usually on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month. In these meetings the First Presidency, 12 Apostles, and other leaders of the LDS Church share inspirational messages to members throughout the world.

inside Conference Center

There are five, two hour sessions as follows:

Saturday (All times are in Mountain Time)

•10:00 am General Session

•2:00 pm General Session

•6:00 pm Priesthood Session

Sunday

•10:00 am General Session

•2:00 pm General Session

The Priesthood session is for all brethren who hold the Priesthood, Broadcasts of General Conference are transmitted over TV, radio, and satellite. Video feeds of the conference are hosted online at www.byu.tv. All messages presented during General Conferences are made available in audio, video, and written formats (in over 80 languages including American Sign Language) at the Broadcast Archives as well as in the subsequent issue (May and November) of the LDS Church’s Ensign magazine.

My Most {perfect} Project Ever...

2010-09-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am sooo glad to be back from 'maternity leave'!! I want to show off my new little guy! He is adorable and a VERY good baby... Such a nice addition to our family!! Meet Caleb, the most beautiful baby of all... Applause, please...

Painted Garden Pots.

2010-05-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have tons of garden pots!! It must be one of my weaknesses... I can't see a cute pot, that I ~~need~~ want to buy!

Last year I bought these at Shopko for 90% off!! They ended up being one or two dollars each!!

Looking through my "collection" I decided that was time to do something! Put them to use!

So here are some of the pots that I painted for the front porch. I just LOVE it how it turned out.

First I applied some primer, then sprayed painted the pots Heirloom White and the rim black. I didn't use any polyurethane, put you can for added weather/water protection.

Let dry really well, then I did some stenciling with vinyl. You can get the vinyl here.

Aren't they CUTE?? I am in love...

Starting Seeds Indoor.

2010-04-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Ok... I know I should've posted this two months ago, since now is too late to start MOST veggies, but maybe you can take advantage of this season's clearance and be ready for next year!!

I can still start watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber and few more things...

First of all, you need to find out when is the last frost date in your area. You can find this info here. When you open the page...

1. Under “Select a State(PDF)”, click on your state. This will bring up a list of locations and frost dates.

2.Search for a location near you, preferably one at a similar elevation, with similar weather conditions.

3. The MIDDLE date is the best (middle column, middle row).

Now that you have the date, just look on the back of your seed's packet for the suggested date for indoor start, or better yet, you can sign up for weekly reminders/schedule at My Square Foot Garden.

Let's start now...

1. Gather your supplies.

A. Seeds.

The best way to decide what and how much to plant is to look at your grocery list. What you don't usually buy, you probably won't eat! Only if you are like me, and rather not buy something because of the price!! Every year I try something new. Last year was eggplant - I loved it! This year I'll try brussel sprouts. I think is fun to try something new. If you like it, you do again next year, if you don't... at least you tried!!

Note: You can store "leftover" seeds for next year, just make sure to store them in a cool place. This year I'm using seeds from 2008 or even older.

B. Containers. Something to hold the soil and seeds. Here are some options:

* Jiffy Pellets: These start as a small hard disk, when added with water they pop right up and you can place a seed in them. These are nice because they are easy to use and small so they don't take up a lot of space.

You can place them right into the soil when you are ready, you do not need to peel off the netting around them. The disadvantage is that they are quite small and I always have to plant them in something else (last year I used plastic cups and this year I used the Jiffy Peat Pots) before planting them outside.

*Peat pots: These are nice because they are a little larger. I will use only this (instead of the pellets next year). You can also place these right into soil and do not need to worry about damaging roots by pulling them out of the container. The disadvantage of these is that there is an extra step involved, they do not come with soil, so you have to fill them.

*Flats: You can use flats that once held flowers. Make sure that you thoroughly clean a container that you are re-using. There could be a disease lingering on the container that would kill your starts. Fill with a seed starting mix, and mark with popsicle sticks.

*Recycling. You can use yogurt containers or any other used container for seed starting. It makes gardening more economical that way. For even more creative and frugal seed starting containers, check out this article. If you are recycling something like a cup, be sure to poke some holes in the bottom for drainage. About 5-6 with a thumb tack should do the trick.

C. Soil. If you bought the Jiffy Pellets, you can skip this step, just hydrate your disks.

If you didn't buy the disks or if you have to transplant your seedlings to a bigger container, don't go out and buy a 50lb. bag of potting soil. Look for a seed starter mix. It will be very light and fluffy. You can now find this at major big box stores as well as garden nurseries. This year I used my garden mix (peat moss, vermiculite and compost). Any will work!

2. Fill Your Containers

Fill your container with the seed starting mix and make sure to mark what kind of seeds you have in!! I use toothpicks and a little paper with the name or you can use popsicle sticks.

3. Plant Your Seeds

Soak the seeds with warm water for a few minutes - this will help with germination time. I use yogurt containers. Again, make sure to mark what kind of seeds they are. Bury the seeds down about 3 times their width.

4. Water

Fill the bottom of the pellets tray with water, and the soil sucks up the water from the bottom. For containers you can use anything that will hold water, and do the same thing.

5. Keep them Damp and Warm

If you bought the Jiffy Pellets, they come with a greenhouse container, so you just put the lid on and stick in a warm area - you can put on top of the fridge or under red lights (warmer). If you didn't, that is okay, just use a piece of plastic wrap to cover your seeds, this will help keep the humidity in, another good option is a tupperware with lid. At this point, you don't need to stick them in the sun, you will want to keep them damp and warm (about 70 degrees).

6. Stick Them in a Sunny Spot or Under Lights.

Once your seeds have sprouted, you will want to move them to a sunny spot or under lights. If you are lucky to have a sunny spot in your house - a window sill maybe and kids that won't "explore" the plants, go forth, but if you don't (like me) you can use a shelf and hang lights just a few inches from the tops of your seeds.

If using regular fluorescent lights, use one 'warmer' and one 'cooler' or 'growing lights' (these will cost MUCH more). Last year I used the warmer and cooler and this year the growing light, I'll let you know which I liked better...

7. Harden Off

Once your plants are big and beautiful, you just stick them in the ground and water them, right? Wrong.

This part can seem scary, but don't let it intimidate you. When in doubt, take longer to harden off.

Your plants up to this point have had a cushy life. The temperature, humidity, and moisture, has been closely monitored. They have not experienced full sun, wind, or changing temperatures. Hardening off is the process of slowly getting them used to the environment they are going to move to. First move the plants outside in the shade for 2-3 hours in the morning then bring them back in. Do this for a week, each day increasing the time and sun exposure.

8. Plant

Once your plants are properly hardened off, you can plant them in the ground just like you would had you bought them from the nursery. Congrats!

Enjoy the bounty that is sure to come!

How To Make Your Own Liquid Fertilizer!

2010-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Looking to go green and save green with your vegetable fertilizer blend? Vegetable gardening is so much fun and very rewarding, but no-one really want to buy chemical fertilizers for their cropping plants anymore. There are many, many solutions out there, but you can make your own fertilizer blend at home using kitchen scraps. Not only will you have an excellent vegetable garden, but you will be re-using and recycling even more waste. This is a terrific way to stay green while gardening!!

Things You'll Need:

Blender or Food Processor
Epsom Salt
Vegetable & Fruit Scraps
Large bucket with lid

Step 1: Save all cooked or raw vegetable & fruit scraps from meal preparation. This includes potato peelings, apple peelings, pea pods, or any other parts you would ordinarily discard. Even the water used to cook vegetables in is a good source of nutrients for your garden.

Step 2: Place the scraps in an ordinary household blender and emulsify. If scraps are dry, add enough water to assist the blender in creating a smooth puree.

Step 3: Pour the vegetable scrap puree into a large plastic bucket. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom Salt per quart of puree and mix thoroughly with a large wooden spoon.

Step 4: Seal the container and let set at room temperature overnight or until you have enough compost to create liquid fertilizer for your garden. Each quart of mulched veggies will make one gallon of liquid fertilizer.

Step 5: Prepare liquid fertilizer for the garden. Simply mix one quart of pureed vegetables to one gallon of warm water. Shake to mix well.

Step 6: Pour liquid fertilizer directly on the soil around plants in the garden.

Tips & Warnings

*Using liquid fertilizer on a daily basis will prevent the bucket of vegetable scraps from developing an odor.

*Use cooking liquids to help emulsify foods in the blender or as a substitute for warm water when mixing the pureed veggies before applying to your garden.

*Do not use vegetable scraps that have been fried or that have fats added.

Happy Birthday BeCCa!!

2010-03-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Becca's 5th birthday!! I just can not believe... It seems like yesterday that I was going to LDS hospital to check if she was ok (I haven't felt her moving at all that day) and ended up been there longer than I expected!!

She was a very healthy baby and big sister was way happy to see little sister and mom coming home!!

I LoVe YoU, BaBy...

.....................................................................................................

Last saturday was her, more than anticipated, party! She loved it and I was sure tired after all the preps...

EVERY single year I promise myself that I'll make something simple for the kids b-days,, but... well, knowing me...

This year she wanted a Dora picnic party. It couldn't be just Dora, had to be a picnic too... So I thought: "Great - no messes at home, let's go to the park!" - but we live in Utah.... We had a gourgeous day, but COLD... Not going outside!!

But everything turn out ok, and by the end of the party I was DEAD!!

Here is what we did...

** This time I totally skiped the 'big' cake - sorta!! I made cupcakes, a giant cupcake (thanks Ellen for decorating that DURING the party!!) and a almond joy cake (chocolate cake, coconut filling and chocolate ganache).

** For the activities, I made (13!!) backpacks - I'll post a tutorial soon - and inside the kids found a flashlight, a good ol' toilet paper roll binoculars and the map.

They went thru the dark cave (using their flashlight), thru bubble valley (popping bubbles), then after a few other activities we got to the picnic!

At the 'picnic table' each kid had their own lunch sack, with a ham and cheese sandwich, juice, chips and fruit snacks. They loved it...

After all, I was very happy with the party and Becca was VERY very happy...

How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent!

2010-03-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

In today's economy, I'm always looking for ways to trim down my household expenses. Laundry detergent is no exception. So I found many recipes and many different ways to make my own laundry detergent and decide to give it a try! The soap is a fraction of what I would pay at the store.

Here is the recipe that I used:

Ingredients Needed

1 cup washing soda, such as Arm and Hammer (NOT baking soda)
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap (I only found at Macey's, but it can be found online too)
1 cup of Borax
Essential Oil (optional)
About three gallons of water
Containers to store the soap (2 liters soda pop bottles, old laundry soap dispensers, etc)
1 five gallon bucket
Large wooden spoon
Large Pot
Cheese Grater

Put four cups of water into the pot and heat until boiling. Reduce heat until it is just simmering. While the water is heating, grate the soap up into little curls. This will help the soap dissolve faster than by chopping it up into pieces.

Place the soap into the water, a little bit at a time. Stir the soap and water solution until the soap is completely dissolved.

Pour 1 cup borax and 1 cup washing soda into the 5-gallon bucket. Add 1 gallon of hot water. Stir until dissolved. Stir in the melted soap. Stir more! Add very hot water - about 2-3 gallons and stir again.

If you want to add some essential oil, now is the time to do it! I used about 20 drops of lavender oil. You can use any fragrance that you like - clove oil, eucalyptus, baby oil, sandalwood, etc.

Store the soap in any plastic conatiner (easier to handle) or leave in the bucket. Let it sit for 24 hours.

Observations:

1. If you are storing the soap in plastic containers, do it as soon as the soap is done, because...

2. As the soaps sits, it will thicken (gel like) and lumps will happen. So it will be harder to scoop into the container.

3. This soap does NOT suds - which is better for your washer and plumbing system.

4. May be used on whites (hot water) and darks (cold water).

5. May alliviate soap allergy symptoms.
*** Fels-Naptha soap contains terpene hydrocarbons, which are considered "moderately toxic," according to the Materials Safety Data Sheet. The product, manufactured by Dial Corp., is not considered hazardous but might cause eye or skin irritation upon contact. If you are looking for an All Natural soap, click HERE.

Shake well before each use.

For hard water: add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup borax per wash load.

Use 1 cup for light washes and 1-2 cups for extra dirty and super sized loads.

The best part about making laundry detergent is the savings. The total cost for almost 5 gallon of soap was $11!!!

Year's Supply

For a family of four you'll need;

2 boxes Borax

2 boxes Washing Soda

16 bars Fels Naptha

Sorry Tide... From now on I will make my own detergent!!!

Baptism {CTR} Towel - tutorial

2010-03-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Since I am teaching CTR 7 this year, I thought of making something nice for the kids on their 8th birthday - something that would help them prepare for their BAPTISM.

Looking through the 'blog world' - my new PASSION (it seems - lately) I found this, more than cute, idea over Made With love and Glue, and decided to give it a try.

It turned out SUPER cute...

Here is what you need:

* white bath towel

*9" of fabric of your choice (dark background to contrast)

*pellon Wonder Under

*CTR emblem pattern - click HERE

*baptism towel poem - click HERE

1. Iron the Wonder Under on the wrong side of the fabric.

2. Trace the pattern onto paper backing/fabric. Make sure to trace the shape BACKWARDS since you'll be doing this on the BACK of the fabric.

3. Cut out the pattern and peel off the paper backing. Position the fabric on the towel and iron.

4. Machine stitch around the pattern.

For the card, I printed the poem on vellum paper, then attached to a matching scrapbook paper and added a little ribbon! Cute cute... The card was 5" x 8".

A very thoughtful, fast and easy gift!! Made with L.O.V.E!!

I'm linking up to:

Easy Microwave Chocolate Cake in a MUG!

2010-03-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is a quick and easy chocolate cake you can cook in the microwave in less than THREE minutes. And it tastes great. Really!

Is perfect for an after school treat or for those crazy midnight CRAVINGS...

Here is what you'll need:

Ingredients

1 egg
4 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cocoa (I use Nesquik)
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

In a mug that holds at least 12 oz., combine all the ingredients; blend together with a fork until smooth.

Cook in the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Since all microwaves cook differently, adjust the cooking time to accommodate your machine. To serve, let the cake cool five minutes, then cover the mug with a plate and turn mug and plate upside down so the cake falls onto the plate.

Chocolate ganache.

2 tablespoons milk
1 teasppoon butter
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa

Cook in the microwave on high for 30 sec.

Pour over and enjoy!!

You can substitute the ganache for frosting.

March is Family Unity month!!

2010-03-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that we still doing the Values by the Month program. You can find the post here.

This month's theme is Family Unity. I made a new poster for the kitchen...

For FHE we made paper chains with our names and 'united' the milk and pudding mix for the treat!!

The kids loved it!!

Here comes the SUN...

2010-03-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

Yay!! It's March!!

Spring is in the air and the sun is shining!!

I'm happy today for few reasons:

1. three more weeks 'til spring is (officially) here!!

2. i am halfway through my pregnancy!

3. i am starting my seeds tomorrow!

4. i planted my PEAS saturday!

5. we are 'diaper free' - at least for five more months!!

6. i cleaned the basement!!

Wow... i am so proud of myself. Tap on my shoulders ;)

Tonight I will sleep happy...

Mickey/Minnie Mouse Applique T-Shirt Tutorial

2010-02-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would say that, but is good to be home... I don't mean HOME HOME, I mean cold Utah!

Our vacation was GREAT! The kids enjoyed every second of it and the SEVENTY EIGHT degrees felt really good... But is good to be back!

When we decided to go to Disneyland, I started to think of ways that I could save money and still make the kids happy, with something special. Then I came up with the idea of Mickey (for Noah) and Minnie Mouse (for the girls) t-shirts!

I [heart] how they turned out...

Here is what I did;

What you will need:

Mickey Mouse head pattern (I printed out of the internet)

Pins

9" Fabric (bought mine at WalMart for 0.25 - will yeld 4 shirts!!)

Thread

Fusible web/interfacing

Plain t-shirts (WalMart again - 3.50 ea.)

Decide how big you want the design. For mine, I printed the Mickey's head on a 8"x11" sheet.

Pin to the fabric and cut out..

Now you have the 'head'. Just lay on top of your shirt and apply the fusible web/interfacing on the WRONG side of the fabric - between the fabric and the shirt.

With a hot iron press the design (this will 'activate' the fusible web and it will glue to the shirt).

Then, zig-zag all around it. You can also sew the edges, but I didn't want to fray when washed, so I zig-zagged!!

And for the finishing touch, I made bows for Minnie's head and matching bows for Becca to wear and a headband for Kimmy!!

I just LOVE it!!

Here are some more...

With the matching bows...

Don't they look ADORABLE??

And best of all, I made FOUR t-shirts for each one for less money then a Disney bought shirt!!

Not bad... They came out a little less then $4 each!!

For Noah, I made one Mickey Mouse and three ties...

He looked soooo HANDSOME...

Next time I will show how I made the bows...

So long...

Valentines Topiary.

2010-02-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Last week while looking for some ideas for Valentines decorations, I came across this cute idea over a craft blog called Because I Can! And decided to give it a try.

I loved how it turned out and, best of all, the final cost was a little over FIVE dollars! Can't beat that!!

Here's what you need:

*3 packages of heart picks (2 big, 1 small) - All a Dollar = $3

*Moss (leftover from another project, but the tag said 0.99!) you can get this at All a Dollar too.

*Foam floral ball - 5-in. - WalMart = $1.97

*Flower pot/container (I used one that was my potting shed, that I actually found in the garbage!!)

*Hot glue gun

*Floral foam (I didn't have any, but I was so excited to this, that I used PLASTIC BAGS!! It worked great!

First pull the hearts off the wooden picks. There will be a hole in each heart, but they will be hidden, so don't worry about that!

I also used a couple of the wooden sticks that I had just pulled the hearts off of as a "dowel" to hold the ball. Just bunched them together and stuck them into the ball. But you can use wood a dowel and wrap with floral tape.

Then just start randomly gluing the hearts onto your ball, leaving spaces between each one.

After that you fill in the cracks with the floral moss. I didn't even glue this stuff on, I just stuffed it into the cracks and it stayed just fine and I didn't have to mess with more glue! This part was a little messy though! Again I used the picks to help to fill in...

Then put the floral foam on the bottom of your bucket (I used the plastic bags, since I didn't have any foam on hand!), stick your topiary in and cover it with more moss.

Look at her!! I think "she" is gorgeous!! And I MADE IT!!!

For the finishing touch, tie a ribbon around the sticks and there you have it! A super cute Valentine topiary for very cheap!

Beef-Stuffed Zucchini

2010-02-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

I made this a few times already and everybody here loves it! Super easy and fast!

Here is what you will need:

4 medium zucchini

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 egg

3/4 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce (can add bbq sauce instead)

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Montrey Jack cheese

Addicional marina or spaghetti sauce.

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells.

Place shells in an ungreased 9X13 microwave-safe dish. This time I used my super practical microwave steam pan. If using the 9x13 pan, turn off microwave turntable setting. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from heat; stir in egg, marinara sauce, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and cheese.

Spoon about 1/4 cup into each shell. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with the Monterey Jack cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer and zucchini are tender. Serve with additional marinara sauce.

Yumm Yumm!!

My Garden Plan!!

2010-02-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Today we have such a nice weather!! It gave me the Spring Fever!!
I went outside to check my dear garden! It looks kind of sad now...

I am sooooo excited to start gardening again! This will be my second year!
I loved it last year, and will do it again!

Since we've moved into this house, ten years ago,
I always wanted to have a vegetable garden!
I even dreamed about!! But it was always something...

Then last year I decided it was time!! I researched lots of different methods
and decided to try Square Foot Gardening and I really liked it!

Before I planted my first seed, we had to WORK a lot!!
I really wanted to have a functional and PRETTY garden...

So I draw what I wanted and hubs built it for me
(with MY help, of course :D)

Here are the boxes that hubs built out of vinyl fencing material...

They are awesome!

I took this picture in May...

Here is in July... By the end of August, it was hUgE!!

Last weekend we decided what we want to plant and today I made 'the plan'.

Now I just have to wait until we come back from our (so deserved)

vacation to start my seeds!! See ya...

February is a LoVeLy month...

2010-02-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year, for three reasons:

1. I am starting to plan my garden!

2. Spring is getting close (finally).

3. It's Valentine's Day!!

And talking about Valentine's Day, I haven't figure it out the

Values By The Month program yet to post here, but I will tonight!

But I made the poster with the scripture of the month.

As you can guess, this month's value is L.O.V.E. and kindness!

If you want a copy, let me know and I can e-mail it to you.

I am planning on framing (8x10 frame from the Dollar Store) and displaying it on my kitchen,

what do you think? A good reminder, I guess...

The giving of LOVE is an education in itself.

E. Roosevelt

Are You Prepared?

2010-01-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

This is a useful test that I found online, while searching for some emergency preparedness articles.

It was helpful to me, hoppefuly it will be to you too!!

PREPAREDNESS TEST

Answer each question with a YES or NO.

1. Has your family rehearsed fire escape routes from your home?
2. Does your family know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or other emergency situation?
3. Do you have heavy objects hanging over beds that can fall during an earthquake?
4. Do you have access to an operational flashlight in every occupied bedroom?
(use of candles is not recommended unless you are sure there is no leaking gas)
5. Do you keep shoes near your bed to protect your feet against broken glass?
6. If a water line was ruptured during an earthquake, do you know how to shut off the main water line to your house?
7. Can this water valve be turned off by hand without the use of a tool? Do you have a tool if one is needed?
8. Do you know where the main gas shut-off valve to your house is located?
9. If you smell gas, do you know how and would you be able to shut off this valve?
10. Gas valves usually cannot be turned off by hand. Is there a tool near your valve?
11. Would you be able to safely restart your furnace when gas is safely available?
12. Do you have working smoke alarms in the proper places to warn you of fire?
13. In case of a minor fire, do you have a fire extinguisher that you know how to use?
14. Do you have duplicate keys and copies of important insurance and other papers stored outside your home?
15. Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information?
16. If your family had to evacuate your home, have you identified a meeting place?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

IF AN EMERGENCY LASTED FOR THREE DAYS ( 72 HOURS) BEFORE HELP WAS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...

17. Would you have sufficient food?
18. Would you have the means to cook food without gas and electricity?
19. Would you have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs?
20. Do you have access to a 72 hour evacuation kit?
21. Would you be able to carry or transport these kits?
22. Have you established an out-of-state contact?
23. Do you have a first aid kit in your home and in each car?
24. Do you have work gloves and some tools for minor rescue and clean up?
25. Do you have emergency cash on hand? (During emergencies banks and ATMs are closed)
26. Without electricity and gas do you have a way to heat at least part of your house?
27. If you need medications, do you have a month’s supply on hand?
28. Do you have a plan for toilet facilities if there is an extended water shortage?
29. Do you have a supply of food, clothing, and fuel where appropriate:
For 6 months? For a year?

These are all questions that need answers if you are to be safe in an emergency.
If you answered ‘No’ to any of them, its now time to work on getting those items done.

Prepare Every Needful Thing.

2010-01-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

How sad do you feel when you read about Haiti? To be honest, I really avoid reading about and can't really look at those sad pictures - it makes me cry. That made me think about a lot of things. One of them was how blessed I am and if I am prepared if something like that happened here.

As members of the (LDS) Church we have been counseled for many many years to prepare and keep on hand at least a one-year supply of food. In the early days of our church the Saints were admonished to have a 7 year food supply. Then, for many years there was a time when a two-year supply was recommended, (and it undoubtedly would be a good idea for each of us to still keep a two-year supply if at all possible as
this will allow us to share with others).

But in the meantime it is imperative that we heed the current counsel to obtain and maintain at least a one-year minimum emergency food supply.

According to figures gathered by one of the food storage manufacturing firms, less than 6% of the members of the Church have an adequate emergency program.

Where do you fit into this figure?

Let’s enjoy life as much as we can - but let’s also be prepared. As we have recently seen, an unexpected disaster or loss of income can strike every s-o-o quickly.

“When the emergency is upon us,

the time of preparation has passed.”

How Do I Start My Food Storage?

“Church members can begin their home storage by storing the basic foods that would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat. Depending on where members live, those basics might include water, wheat or other grains, legumes, salt, honey or sugar, powdered milk, and cooking oil. … When members have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day.

“Some members do not have the money or space for such storage, and some are prohibited by law from storing a year’s supply of food. These members should store as much as their circumstances allow. Families who do not have the resources to acquire a year’s supply can begin their storage by obtaining supplies to last for a few months.

Members should be prudent and not panic or go to extremes in this effort. Through careful planning, most Church members can, over time, establish both a financial reserve and a year’s supply of essentials.” 13Jan 20, 2002 First Presidency Letter

I did some (more) research and saw that I am very far from being prepared. But we have to start with the basics, right? So right now, I think we would "survive" ok...
There are MANY sources over the internet that you can find lots of information on food storage and emergency preparedness.

One site that I really like is Food Storage Made Easy. They have a great 'plan' to build your storage in, what they call, 10 Baby Steps.

You can also go to LDS.org and find very useful information there.

Why Should We Have Food Storage?

I have my personal reasons, but in a message from the First Presidency we read:

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."
—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

We have already 'lived' on our food storage two or three times since we've been married. Last time, was almost a year ago when Julio (DH) lost his job and couldn't find one for nine months! I was able to stay home, but had to cut down on MANY things and after all I was so grateful that we had some food put aside! So whatever happens, I am NEVER letting my food storage go low!!!

Again, the First Presidency, tell us what we should have stored.

**Three-Month Supply
Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage

**Drinking Water

Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.
If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soft drinks.
Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

**Financial Reserve

Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.

**Longer-Term Supply

For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.
These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

I will try to post some more specific info about each item above.

If you have any ideas on the subject, LET ME KNOW!! Leave a comment...

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

And I am NOT talking about Christmas! To be honest, I am a kind of a Grinch ... As soon as christmas was over, I put ALL the decoration away! My kids cryed when I took the tree down!!

What I am really talking about is SPRING - my favorite time of the year! Although it's been soooo cold, I am already in the spring mode! I'm very excited to start my garden seeds, to spend all day outside and... SPRING CLEANING!!! Yes you 'heard' me right; spring cleaning. Time to put away the kids outgrown clothes (dreadful job by the way), clean up the garage so hopefully whe can park the car in again and get rid of all the junk that piled up during winter because I didn't feel like doing pretty much anything! So I think my family is very glad that winter is almost over too! Specially my DH!!

I am planning to do this one baby step at the time, so hopefully, by summer I am done ;0)

This year I am trying to be more organized with my chores, so it won't be so overwhelming. I found a great article about how you can make spring and weekly cleaning an easy and stress free deal!

Start with the Kitchen

It's easy to stay on top of cleaning when you create a routine that works for your lifestyle. Complete these simple cleaning tasks once a week to ensure a tidy home and avoid marathon cleaning sessions.

In the kitchen, it pays to get the hardest jobs out of the way first. To keep your kitchen sparkling clean, stay up-to-date with these tasks.

** To Do Daily **

Spray and wipe the countertops, range top, and vent hood.
Sweep the floor. (I vaccum instead, it's easier for me!)
Scrub the sink with a general-purpose cleaner. Then, wipe dry. (see tips below for hard to clean sink stains)

** To Do Weekly **

Mop the floor. (You you have little ones, you will probably may need to mop more often, like three times daily!)
Clean the exteriors of appliances.
Wipe the refrigerator door.
Scour and polish the sink.

** To Do Monthly **

Wipe off the cabinet doors.

Clean the oven. (thank heaven for self-cleaners)
Clean the refrigerator and sanitize the refrigerator drip pan.

Quick-Cleaning Tips and Tricks.

Keep a spray bottle with a solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water or an all-purpose spray cleaner in the kitchen for quick cleanup. I use the clorox kitchen. It smells good and disinfect.

Keep a broom and dustpan in the kitchen or the vaccum handy for sweeping after meals.

Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid a bigger mess latter.

Use your ice cube trays to freeze vinegar. Throw one or two cubes in your disposal and turn it on. That will help with smelly problems or you can do the same with leftover lime/lemon.

For more effective dishwashing, add a few tablespoons of vinegar along with the dishwashing detergent when washing dishes. The vinegar cuts the grease and leaves dishes sparkling.

To whiten an old stained sink , poor a half cup of salt in it and then scrub it with a lemon. Let it stand for a few minutes and rinse.

Odor producing mold and bacteria in garbage cans: sprinkle 1/2 cup Borax in the bottom of the garbage can.

To clean mineral deposits inside the dishwasher, pour in a container of Tang drink mix and run the dishwasher (without dishes - of course!).

Do you have any cleaning tips to share?

What's your "cleaning strategy"? Let me know!!

Do you know me?

2010-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

After grandma died, I was trying to remember some things about her. Quite honestly, I couldn't come up with much. Then I thought about my kids and how they won't know much about their grandparents either, since we live only 10.000 miles away from them!

That's when I decided to start a Family History book. I will try to write as much as I can about all my family members, with pictures and videos (if I have any). I think my kids and their kids will enjoy this... I wish I had one book telling me all the stories about my ancestors!

Will they know ME? Scary thought. I will start with my own personal history, than do my parents and so on.

How many of us have taken time to collect our own certificates, photographs, memorabilia and life stories and compile them into a personal history to be cherished by our own posterity?

Don't leave a void next to your name, date or place of birth on your group record. Learn to write your own personal history. One of the many benefits of telling your story is that you learn more about yourself. The very process requires considering what you believe, what matters most and what the sum of your life experiences has taught you.

I will write a little what is personal/family history and a few tips on how you can start doing that today!

*What is a Personal History?
A personal history is information and stories that help posterity never forget that we were more than just a name on a pedigree chart (click here).
The information gives a personality and history that help our posterity know where they came from.

*Why write your Personal History?
To ensure that your family will know you as a person.
To share personal and family stories as a gift.
To let them know your thoughts and dreams.
To share incidents in your life that teach a lesson or tell of your triumphs over adversity.
Provide inspiration.
To ensure you are not forgotten.
To discover who you are, to search for your own identity.

NEVER UNDERSTIMATE THE VALUE THAT YOUR HISTORY

WILL HAVE TO YOUR POSTERITY!!!!

What's for dinner?

2010-01-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

Ok... So most everybody that knows me, know that cooking is not what I love to do! Actually, I cook only for surviving matters ;0)

Well, maybe is ~~NOT~~ that bad, but between cooking and cleaning, I rather clean (see how bad?)!

Last summer I started a new Relief Society group in my ward - a Recipe Exchange Group. It's very fun! Every month we have a 'theme', last month was desserts - yumm.

That is (kinda) helping me get excited to try new recipes. Tonight I made a soup that one sister shared the recipe in one of the meetings and it is the Zuppa Toscana (the yummy one with sausage and kale) from Olive Garden.

Even my picky eaters liked. Becca had five times!! Anyways, I want to share the recipe. It can be changed to taste...

Zuppa Toscana

1 lb. italian sausage (use half mild/half hot or all hot if you like spicy)
1 large onion (diced)
10 slices bacon (I used MUCH less)
2 tsp. garlic
5 cups water
5 cups milk
5 cubes chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
5 red potatoes (cubed or sliced)
2-3 cups kale

Brown the sausage and the bacon. Remove from heat and let it sit on a paper towel (to absorb the fat).
Cook the onion and garlic, reserve.
Bring the water, milk and the bouillons to a broil and add the potatoes (my soup boiled over and made a mess! i think it was because of the milk, so next time i will either add the milk latter or watch REALLY close!)
When the potatoes are done, add the heavy cream, the meat, onions and the chopped kale. Cook for about five more minutes and voila!

Buon appetito!!!

Goodbye Tide...

2010-01-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my dear Grandma "Tide" died. She had been sick for awhile and after a few days in the hospital, she passed.

I think I am happy just to know that she is better now...

My grandpa died twenty years ago (tomorrow, actually) so I think they are happy to, finally, see each other!!

We always lived far from my grandparents, so everytime that my parents said we were going to see grandma, it was pure bliss!

I remember one time when she came to stay with us over the summer and made lots of pretty skirts for me. I thought she was amazing...

Well, I am going to miss her, but I am glad that I will have many good memories left behind...
Love you Grandma...

It's a New Day...

2010-01-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe 2009 it's over! Actually I can't believe that we are approaching the end of January! Crazy how time flies... But I'm happy for the new year. I think it will be great!

With the new year, the new resolutions...

One of them is to read with the kids every night! So far, so good! We made through the first 20 days of the year! Let's keep up the good work, peolple ;0)

For christmas, my good friend Amy, gave this cool 'Values-By-Month project' for the year. For every month there's a different value, symbol, a main scripture, songs, FHE ideas, Gospel Art lessons, related activities and topics and the scripture of the day - all related with the month's theme.

January's theme is "Order and Goals - organizing the home and work"! Don't you love it? January, new year, new beginning... Cleaning, organizing... I loved it! And the kids are so excited every night to know what the scripture is about!

Click **here for the PDF file!! Hope you enjoy!