Home Remedy

                          

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks.

Toothache & Mouth Pain

• To ease toothache or other mouth pain, make a tea by boiling 1 Tbls. fresh peppermint in 1 cup water and adding a little salt. Peppermint is an antiseptic and contains menthol, which relieves pain when applied to skin surfaces.

Life's purpose

I got this in an email today from Daily OM.  As a stay at home Mom who sometimes wonders about the "meaning of life" and where I fit into the big picture, I thought this worth posting.  I hope it strikes a chord for someone else too.

August 29, 2006
Blessed With A Purpose
Your Life's Work

Many people are committed to professions and personal endeavors they never consciously planned to pursue. They attribute the shape of their lives to circumstance, taking on roles they feel are tolerable. Each of us, however, has been blessed with a purpose. Your life's work is the assemblage of activities that allows you to express your intelligence and creativity, live in accordance with your values, and experience the profound joy of simply being yourself. Unlike traditional work, which may demand more of you than you are willing to give, life's work demands nothing but your intent and passion for that work. Yet no one is born with an understanding of the scope of their purpose. If you have drifted through life, you may feel directionless. Striving to discover your life's work can help you realize your true potential and live a more authentic, driven life.

To make this discovery, you must consider your interests in the present and the passions that moved you in the past. You may have felt attracted to a certain discipline or profession throughout your young life only to have steered away from your aspirations upon reaching adulthood. Or you may be harboring an interest as of yet unexplored. Consider what calls to you and then narrow it down. If you want to work with your hands, ask yourself what work will allow you to do so. You may be able to refine your life's work within the context of your current occupations. If you want to change the world, consider whether your skills and talents lend themselves to philanthropic work. Taking stock of your strengths, passions, beliefs, and values can help you refine your search for purpose if you don't know where to begin. Additionally, in your daily meditation, ask the universe to clarify your life's work by providing signs and be sure to pay attention.

Since life's journey is one of evolution, you may need to redefine your direction on multiple occasions throughout your lifetime. For instance, being an amazing parent can be your life's work strongly for 18 years, then perhaps you have different work to do. Your life's work may not be something you are recognized or financially compensated for, such as parenting, a beloved hobby, or a variety of other activities typically deemed inconsequential. Your love for a pursuit, however, gives it meaning. You'll know you have discovered your life's work when you wake eager to face each day and you feel good about not only what you do but also who you are.

Tuesday Cleaning Tip

                         

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these aretips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, please let me know.

Panty Hose / Nylons: To stop a run in panty hose, dab nail polish over the run; clear polish is best, for obvious reasons, but any color will do. To strengthen nylons, spray with aerosol hair spray when you first put them on.

Recipe

Another yummy sounding recipe from the folks at Spark People.  I love cooking barbeque chicken on the grill, but when you live in Ohio it gets to be a bit too cold for that after October, lol.  This will be a great idea when we get the hankering for BBQ chicken in the winter months.

Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken
Serves: 8
Serving Size: One chicken part with sauce
Removing the chicken fat and skin and adding no salt to the tasty sauce makes this chicken favorite heart-healthy.

INGREDIENTS
3 lb. chicken parts (breast, drumstick, and thigh), skin and fat removed
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoon vinegar
3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon brown sugar
black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 cup chicken stock or broth, skim fat from top

DIRECTIONS
1. Place chicken in a 13x9x2" pan. Arrange onions over the top.
2. Mix together vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, pepper, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, and stock.
3. Pour over the chicken and bake at 350º F for 1 hour or until done.
4. Baste occasionally.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 177.2
Fat: 4.6 g
Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
Protein: 11.2 g

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to thank everyone for their feedback on the sidebar.  I made that a while ago, but I kept "forgetting" to put it on.  I really like it, but some of ya are right.  It's just not really a reflection of me.  I think it's too flashy, too bold and colorful, while I am really more plain and simple.  Not that there is anything wrong with bold and flashy.  I just prefer, for myself, a more...hmmm...simplified look. 

For instance, some people like the look of...  I agree that there is an astetic beauty of this...but it just isn't me.

I on the other hand prefer the classic, elegant beauty of...  I think that Audrey Hepburn was one of the most beautiful women in Movies.  I love her simple elegance.  I love watching old movies starring Audrey.  Her style was simple and beautiful.

So I guess I am going to stay with the old, simple, plain jane sidebar that is more of a reflection of me.  Although I may update it just a bit.  If I ever find the time, lol. 

I am almost done with the kitchen.  What a boring chore.  Taking off all the doors and drawers, removing all the hardware, priming, dry time, painting, dry time, painting another coat, dry time, putting the hardware back on..."y-a-w-n"...lol. 

I am thinking that, after the kitchen is done, I may take a break before I start in with painting the dining room.  I really need to upload some of the pictures I've taken and post them.  Maybe I'll shoot for getting that done for an update entry later this week. 

It has been a real chore, but I love redecorating.  I studied interior design for a time when Samantha was young.  However, I got pregnant with Christopher and didn't finish my final year and internship.

Sometimes when I describe what I want to do in a room Ray will look at me like he wonders what the heck I am thinking.  But he always say's "I let her do whatever she wants when it comes to decorating.  I've learned that she knows what she's doing and it always turns out looking great." 

As a matter of fact, when I started painting the living room I think he may have been a bit wary of what I was doing.  But now that it is done, he is absolutely thrilled with it.  He keeps complementing the colors I chose and the way it looks now.  I've heard him brag about the way it looks several times.  And whenever someone comes into the house, for the first time since I've painted, he has to "show it off".  That really makes me feel good about the work I've done.

Well, have a wonderful Monday.  I am off to clean and do laundry.
Hugs,

Need a lil' feedback

Okay, I made a new sidebar, but I'm not sure I like it as much as the one I have now.  I'm gonna post it here and ya'll let me know what ya think, okay? 
Thanks,

A positive way to start each day

Another message I received in an e-newsletter from Daily OM. 

August 25, 2006
Days Of Affirmation
Sending Love Ahead To Your Day

Upon waking, many people consider the coming day with trepidation. Because of the natural human tendency to focus on what we fear or dislike, it is easy to unwittingly send a message of unease into the future that negatively impacts the quality of your day. However, while our lives are busy and frequently replete with challenges, they are also rich with joy and experiences worth savoring. We can attract this natural bliss into our lives by starting each day with a message of love. When you send love ahead to your day, that love will manifest itself in your interpersonal interactions, your professional endeavors, and your domestic duties. Tasks and circumstances once made trying by your own anxiety are transformed by your love, and you will find yourself approaching life's subtle nuances with great affection.

Each morning, when you have cast off the fog of sleep, take several deep, grounding breaths and reaffirm the love you have for yourself. Speaking a loving, self-directed blessing aloud enables you to access and awaken the reservoir of tenderness in your soul. Before you leave the comfortable warmth of your bed, be sure to tell the universe that you are eager and ready to receive the blessings it has set aside for you. Then as you prepare to meet the day, visualize yourself first saturated by and then surrounded with a warm and soft loving light. Gradually widen the circle of this light until you are able to send it ahead into your future. If you are commuting to work, send love to the roads upon which you will drive, your fellow commuters, and your parking space. If you have colleagues who arrive at your workplace before you, send them love. Likewise, a day spent being a parent or addressing household chores can benefit from the sentiment that precedes you. Sending love ahea! d to everyone you will meet and everything you will do can ensure that your day is suffused with grace.

If you have difficulty sending love to those situations and individuals you deem particularly frustrating, consider that the warmth and tenderness you project can change your life for the better. Each morning, in sending this love, you will exercise your power to control the ambiance of your existence and to color your day with positivity.

I know that some of this sounds like it may have been written by a bald man in a peach colored robe walking around in an airport handing out daisies, lol.  However, it certainly sounds like a good way to start each day.  I on the other hand tend to groggily stumble into the bathroom and am not able to speak without mumbling (sometimes growling) until I've been awake for 15-20 minutes. 

I am under the belief that we all need to take a few moments to reaffirm the love we have for ourselves (and those closest to us).  There is nothing wrong with taking the time to mend the damage the world does to our self-confidence.  If a bully pushed one of our kids around, we'd hug and love them, give some loving words and advice to help mend the damage done to their little ego.  We certainly ought to show ourselves the same love and understanding. 

Have a great weekend!
Hugs,

Rylie has facial hair?! LOL

The other night Ray was sitting in the chair with Rylie watching tv.  She started to rub his chin and noticed his 5 o'clock shadow.  So he told her that "daddy has whiskers".  Well, she rubbed his face again and then put her hand on her own face and rubbed.  He said "do you have whiskers?"  So she grabbed his hand and put it on her face so he could feel her whiskers.  LOL

So then they had to come and show me Rylie's whiskers.  First, Ray told her to show Mommy Daddy's whiskers, at which point she reached over and rubbed his jaw.  Then he said "show Mommy Rylie's whiskers" and she started to rub her face.  It was too cute.  Until Daddy said "Does Mommy have whiskers?"  So she reached over and touched my face and I said "Nope, just Rylie and Daddy".  LOL  Thank goodness that is one of the issues that I do NOT have to deal with.  (Another reason I am thankful for being blonde and having such thin, fine hair.)

I love that baby.  Who could have imagined, 3 years ago, as we were getting ready for 2 of our kids to graduate high school, with 2 more to follow suit shortly there after, and another one starting junior high...that this little bundle of "surprise" would bring so much joy and laughter into our lives? 

I can't wait to see her grow up, to see the person that she becomes.  However, at the same time, I am already missing that little tiny baby that never crawled but did that goofy little scoot across our floor.  I already miss being able to hold her in with one arm.  The way we would sit and rock her and it would just soothe her and calm her right down.  The "baby" giggle, already her laugh is changing. 

Not that I don't love the laugh she has developed.  It is too funny, just hearing it sometimes will make us laugh.  It seems to be under a constant change, almost as if she is trying a new one on until she finds the one that fits just right.  Sometimes she does this little "ha-HAH!"  Almost as if she is saying "as if", ya know?  Other times, usually during the Phil of the Future show or The Suite Life of Zach and Cody (she is in love with Cody-more about that in a minute) she will just let out this big ol' belly laugh that is just too dang adorable.

So, when she hears the opening song of The Suite Life of Zach and Cody (A Disney channel show) she will come running into the room yelling "Coow-dee, Coow-dee!"  (Thats as close as I can get to spelling it how she says it, lol)  Then she will start dancing while the music is playing.  Sometimes during the day, just at random moments, she will start hollering "Coow-dee, Coow-dee!" 

So we asked her "Do you love Cody?"  She nods her head "yes".  "Do you love Zach?"  Nope, she just loves Cody.  Which someone please explain to me, lol...they are twins for goodness sake.  Ahhh, lucky me.  My 2 year old has fallen in love with the dorkier, good grades, nerdish type portrayed by Cole Sprouse.  But has no intrest in Zach, played by Dylan Sprouse, who is a "bad boy", doesn't study, always in trouble type of kid.  My girl, at a mere 2 years, is a smart one indeed.  LOL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight we are having a "painting party", lol.  Yep, I'm getting burnt out and need a little help.  So we are having one of the brothers and his wife (my fav sis) over for dinner and then some painting in the kitchen.  I just really hate doing these cupboards and it seems to be taking me forever.  So in between coats of paint, while we let them dry, we'll play dice or cards.  It should be fun, and a good way to help me get this done quicker.

Last week we went over to their house and had a PJ party and played dice.  LOL  I told Ray that I didn't feel like wearing clothes in the evening.  I just wanted to wear my PJ bottoms and a tank top.  He said that he was planning on wearing his PJ's and slippers over too.  So I said "well call them and tell them it's a pajama party".  We got there and they were in their pj's too.  It was fun, even though I lost...again...lol.

Well, I guess that's it for today.  Have a spectacular weekend. 
HUGS,

Better than Martha Stewart?!

  Well thank you very, very much Brenda for such high praise!  I've been so busy painting this past 2 weeks that I hadn't even read about it until you emailed me about Sugar having made the award graphics!  That is such an honor, although a bit of an exageration, lol.  Maybe Martha's redneck trailer park twin, lol.

Congrats to Brenda for her choices as this weeks Guest Editor.  I'm sure all the picks you made were wonderful, I just hope I get a free couple of minutes to go check all of them out.

Thanks again to Brenda for the honor and to Sugar for the great graphic.

Hugs,

Home Remedy

                           

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks.

Sunburn

• Mix 2 tsp. tomato juice and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Apply to affected area. Rinse after 1/2 hour.

I know there are a bunch of remedies for sunburn out there.  I had never heard this one and decided to post it.  I think my Mom use to put vinegar or something like that on us.  So we looked like little tomatoes, but smelled like pickles, lol.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Here is a quick tip for Mommies of little ones.  You know those little water filled teething toys you pick up at the store?  Well, don't throw it away when your little one gets done teething!  I put mine in the freezer and use it as an ice pack.  Have you ever tried to get a small child to hold an ice pack on their boo-boo?  It usually just ends up with more crying. 

 

Well, a few days ago I told Rylie she could have an ice cream bar.  She got all excited and started to walk out of the room to go to the kitchen.  Well, right as she got near the door she turned to make sure I was actually coming with her.  And that's when it happened...she walked the side of her face right into the door.  I know, I know, it sounds like some poor woman's pitiful excuse for some bruise.  But it's true!

 

Well, we went into the kitchen and as I was giving her kisses upon kisses for her owie, and getting her the promised ice cream bar, I spotted the old teether in the freezer.  How perfect!  It even had a nice little handle for her to hold.  Now getting her to hold an ice pack, or a package or frozen pee's on her owie's is dang near next to impossible.  But I gave her this little teether and asked her to put it on her owie...and she DID it!  Not for as long as I would have preferred, but then that ice cream bar was a bit more important to her at the time.

 

Just be sure NEVER to let your child with teeth to actually chew on these things.  You don't know where the water came from or how much bacteria it has in it.  If they bite through and swallow the water...ewwww! 

 

Have a great one!

Hugs,

 

Late entry

I'm sorry this entry is so late today.  I started removing wall paper from the kitchen wall today at 9am.  By noon I was done...finally.  It was only under the cabinets...on one wall.  However, before I put that paper up I failed to prep the wall properly and the paper was a real "stinker" to remove.

I took a break here and there to answer the phone, get something to drink or change a wet diaper.  We did MickeyD's for dinner as my stove was covered with junk from the counter.  I got the wall painted where I wanted to and started priming and the first coat of paint on one of the set of cabinets.  I finally stopped at 9pm to watch Big Brother with Ray. 

LOL  We are big fans of the Big Brother and Survivor shows.  It's been a real pip so far this season.  I never liked Will, but he sure does keep it entertaining.  I still think Mike Boogie rides on Will's coat tails and acts like a spoiled little boy.  I even wonder if he isn't hiding a bit in the "closet", ya know?  Theres just something about that boy that has my gaydar up, lol.  I am sooooo happy that James is about to get his stanky butt evicted.  I never did like that boy.  Janelle is a bit ditzy sometimes...but I think she is playing that one up a lot.  I think it's part of her strategy.  I think she is cute, I like her.  Except for when she acts too cocky and you know she doesn't really know what little lies are going on.

Anyway...on with todays Cleaning tip.

          

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these aretips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, please let me know.

 

Mothball Alternative: A better idea than using mothballs is to take your leftover soap slivers and put them in a vented plastic bag. You place the bag with seasonal clothes before packing them away. Not only will the scent prevent them from moth harm but also they'll smell great when you pull them out. I especially like this for sweaters, which can be difficult to remove the odor of mothballs from. Using soap you simply have a clean smell rather than the smell of an attic.

 

Well, I'm off to get some sleep so I can get up tomorrow morning and start in on the cabinet painting...ugh!

Have a good one!

Hugs,

Recipes

Both of these recipes are from Spark People.  I've included the nutritional information for those who are concerned about fat or carb grams or if your counting your calories. 

Hamburger Stroganoff
Serves: 2
This is so easy, you'll be ready to eat in no time!

INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb. lean ground sirloin
1 can fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon light sour cream
1/2 cup mushrooms (optional)
1 cup uncooked wheat egg noodles

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta as directed on package.
2. While pasta is cooking, brown beef.
3. Once browned and drained, stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, light sour cream and mushrooms if you would like.
4. Turn onto low and simmer until pasta is cooked.
5. Pour pasta onto a plate, and top with the meat mixture.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 457.4
Fat: 27.7 g
Carbohydrates: 24.6 g
Protein: 24.6 g

Applesauce Carrot Cake

Serves: 16

Applesauce makes this cake healthier than your regular cake.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole grain flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup olive oil
3 large eggs
3 cups carrots, coarsely chopped

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine the applesauce, oil and eggs. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until the ingredients are well blended. Add the carrots and mix again.
3. Pour the batter into a greased 9" tube pan, or use a 9" x 13" rectangular cake pan, or two bread loaf pans, or a cupcake pan.
4. Bake the cake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 1 hour, 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. Set the cake on a wire rack for five minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, and turn the cake out onto the rack to cool.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 145
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 4 g

Rylie has been a real trip lately.  Two year olds can be so much fun, in between the temper tantrums.  LOL  A week or two ago, she was outside with us in the evening.  We both smoke, but don't smoke in the house, so usually in the evening we go out for a smoke.  Well, when we came inside she had a big ol' skeeter bite on her little foot.

So, the next few days we kept telling her "stay inside so the skeeters don't get your feet."  Well, try to tell a 2 year old to stay inside the door while your sitting out on the porch.  Eventually she kept coming outside, but she would insist on sitting on our lap.  Kind of defeats the purpose of going outside to smoke when she wants to sit right on top of you. 

We kept saying "the skeeters are going to get your feet."  Well, little Miss decided that if she lifted her feet when she was sitting there the skeeters couldn't get her.  LOL  It was just too funny.  We'd say it and she would look down and lift those little legs up so the skeeters couldn't get her.

Then one day we were both standing out there, and we kept telling her she needed to stay inside so the skeeters wouldn't get her feet.  So she went off to her room, then Ray went inside and I was on the porch and she walked out...wearing her tee-shirt, a diaper AND her snow boots!  LMAO  Them skeeters weren't going to get her feet!  She was too dang cute, but smart as a whip.  I swear, that child is going to make us both gray.

During my big paint project, of course, the house has been pretty much a disaster area.  Things moved here and there, everything pretty much out of place, this and that unplugged, pictures off the walls, etc.  Well, one day Rylie found apile of extension cords.

Don't worry, she didn't try to play with the outlets and plug them in.  No, you've got to think like a "Superstar", lol.  She stood in the middle of the living room, between her father and I, and performed for us.  She held the chord up to mouth and used it as a micro-phone.  She sang and sang for us.  She even danced.  She'd stop and then we would clap for her.  Omygosh!  This child is too darn adorable.

Well, the living room is all done.  Finally.  I've got to finish the back entranceway, where the washer and dryer are.  It needs another coat of white, and I have to paint the door.  I've got one set of cupboards in the kitchen painted (they look really good) and I have 5 more sets of cupboards to do, plus the island and the pantry.  Then I will start on the dining room. 

OMG, I knew this was going to be a big project, but I didn't realize how very time consuming it would be.  Of course, when I did my other painting projects I didn't have a two year old to keep entertained.  Well, I should be done by Halloween...of 2007!  LOL  No, actually I figure a week or so on the kitchen and maybe a week on the dining room. 

It just takes a lot to cover all that panelling.  The Kilz coat and then 2 coats of paint.  It is very time consuming, but will be well worth it in the end. 

Have a good day.
Hugs,

Still painting...

Well, the big project is still under way.  There are so many walls covered in paneling and it is beginning to drive me crazy.  I have to clean the walls, then apply a coat of Kilz (stain killing primer) and then 2 coats of white paint.  If I don't finish this soon I'll have a permanent indent of a paint brush in the palm of my hand, lol.

But we are absolutely thrilled with the change this makes in the house.  The paneling made the room seem so drab and dingy.  I always referred to the living room as a cave, even though it is about 18x24 feet, it seemed so small and dark.  Just blah, ya know?  I can't wait to get done and take some pictures. 

Well, on with business as usual, lol  I had this recipe saved to put on here, but I can't remember whether I already posted it or not.  If I did, I apologize. 

Grilled Chicken with Savory Summer Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 30 min
Makes: 4 servings
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.)
1/4 cup KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided
1 zucchini, cut into chunks
1 red pepper, cut into chunks
1 cup chopped asparagus
1/2 of a red onion, cut into chunks

PREHEAT grill to medium-high heat. Brush chicken with 2 Tbsp. of the dressing. Let stand 10 min.
MEANWHILE, poke holes in bottom of disposable aluminum foil pan. Toss vegetables with remaining 2 Tbsp. dressing. Place in prepared pan.
GRILL 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are crisp-tender.

KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS
Use Your Grill Basket
Omit foil pan. Place vegetable mixture in grill basket. Grill as directed, shaking basket often.
Creative Leftovers
Toss leftovers with hot cooked pasta for a quick Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Pasta.

 

                     

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, please let me know.

Mildew Stains (on clothing): Shake or brush the item to remove loose growth. Presoak in cold water. Wash in hot water with heavy duty detergent. For whites, add 1/2 cup bleach. If colored, use color-safe bleach. If staining remains on white items, repeat washing before drying. Dry thoroughly; heat and sun tend to kill

Home remedy tip

                               

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks.

Stomach Acidity

• Drink coconut water 3-4 times a day.
• Have a plateful of watermelon and/or cucumber every hour.

Have a good one!
Hugs,

Monday and Tuesday entries

Well, once again I've got a project going on here at the house and, as usual, the one thing that gets pushed to the side is my journal.  Sorry folks.  But last week Meijer had a deal that I just couldn't pass up.  They had Dutch Boy paint on sale for $8 a gallon (satin finish). 

I saw that and was like "Woohooooo!"  Actually I was looking more for my sister (-in-law), Cathy.  Since they just moved into their new house and I knew she wanted to do some painting I was scanning the sale flyers for her.  But Ray and I have talked about painting the living room, which runs into the hall, which runs into the entry way...well, if I am going to paint the living room it means I have to do those areas and the dining room too.  LOL 

Anyway, we've been talking about doing it since we moved in....SIX years ago.  At the price it was kind of hard to pass up on the paint.  I bought 3 gallons (that was just 24 dollars! YEA!) and thought that would be enough (there are a lot of windows and doorways) but nothing has been done to these walls in almost 30 years and they just seem to be soaking up the paint.  So I'll probably have to get at least another gallon, if not two.

Anyway, I (once again) apologize for not getting my regular entries posted.  I'll start with the Monday recipe (I'll even throw 2 of them at ya) and then do todays Tuesday cleaning tip.  When I get done painting I'll try to remember to take some pictures of my little project and post them.

This first one I got when I saw an internet address on a bottle of Wishbone dressing, www.salad-lover.com, go to the link if you want to check for some more recipes.  But this sounds like a real complete dinner salad recipe...okay, okay...if ya got a man in the house...ya might want to throw an extra steak on the grill, lol.

BEEFY STEAK HOUSE SALAD 1-1/2 cups Wish-Bone ® Italian Dressing 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 4 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 boneless beef top sirloin steak, 1 inch thick (about 1 lb.) 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 small loaf Italian bread, (about 10 oz.) 10 cups torn romaine lettuce leaves

1. For marinade, blend 1 cup Wish-Bone ® Italian Dressing, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons cheese, 4 cloves garlic and Worcestershire sauce; set aside. Cut steak into 1-1/4-inch pieces. In medium, shallow nonaluminum baking dish or plastic bag, pour 1/3 cup marinade over steak and red pepper; turn to coat. Cover, or close bag, and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Reserve remaining marinade.   2. Meanwhile, cut bread lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter into 1-1/2-inch pieces. On four 11-inch metal skewers, evenly thread bread cubes; set aside.   3. For dressing, blend remaining 1/2 cup Dressing, 2 tablespoons cheese and 1 clove garlic; set aside.   4. Remove steak and red pepper from marinade, discarding marinade. On 4 metal skewers, alternately thread steak and red pepper. Grill, turning occasionally and brushing frequently with 1/3 cup reserved marinade, 8 to 10 minutes or until steak is medium rare to medium doneness.   5. Meanwhile, generously brush bread with remaining reserved marinade. Grill bread kabobs, turning occasionally, 4 minutes or until golden brown and toasted. To serve, toss lettuce with dressing; arrange on serving plates or platter. Top with steak, red pepper and bread. Garnish, if desired, with additional Parmesan cheese.

Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 20 Minute(s) Marinate Time: 30 Minute(s) Cook Time: 8 Minute(s)

Now let's give you a recipe for a yummy, not too naughty, cheesecake and we're all set for dinner!

Citrus Cheesecake
Serves: 12
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)

INGREDIENTS
Crust Ingredients
fat free cooking spray
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Filling Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 8-oz. packages nonfat cream cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/3 cup nonfat sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
1 teaspoon lime peel, grated
1 teaspoon orange peel, grated
3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 300º F.

2. Prepare the crust: Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs, brown sugar and butter then firmly press mixture into bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan.

3. Prepare the filling: In a large sized mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour then add vanilla, cream cheese, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Add milk, sour cream, citrus juices and peels and beat until smooth.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, using clean and dry beaters, beat egg whites at room temperature at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg white mixture with cream cheese mixture.

5. Pour into prepared crust and bake at 300º F for 1 hour or until set. Remove from oven and let completely cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight.

6. Sprinkle with grated lemon, lime and orange zest before serving (optional.)

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 177
Fat: 4.2 g
Carbohydrates: 26.3 g
Protein: 8.6 g

And finally...today's regular Tuesday entry, a little household cleaning tip.

                      

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, please let me know.

Lipstick: Use petroleum jelly for removing lipstick stains. Another possibility is to rub in a little vegetable shortening and then launder as normal.

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs!

Several things today...

First I want to share another thought provoking email from Spark People.  I like this one, if you take the time to think about it you can really see your life from a whole new point of view. 

 

"Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged."  -Helen Keller

 

Is the grass truly greener on the other side?

Do you ever feel that you're always getting the short end of the stick? Or do you constantly compare your life to others'? We are bombarded with daily images of the posh lifestyles of celebrities. Their pampering, expensive wardrobes, and status can entice even the happiest of people to drool over such luxury. But by thinking about the world as a whole, you'll find that your own life is wealthy beyond compare. Make a short list of some of your overlooked privileges. Owning a car (or two!), having access to television, computers, drinkable water, a respectable wage at your job, and all of the freedoms you enjoy that are a foreign idea to many people around the world. Be grateful for your life and over time maybe you will see that your plot in life is someone else's "greener grass".

 

So there are times when we just seem to live pay check to pay check, and we wonder if we will have enough to make it to next week.  But turn I can turn that around and think of it this way..."Yeah, it's going to be tight this week, but thank God there is a pay check coming next week."  Because some people don't have a job, maybe they've been laid off, maybe they have been disabled, whatever the reason. 

 

There always seems to be some sort of drama revolving around one of the kids.  (Ray has 2 from a previous relationship, I have 3 from a previous marriage, and we have one together.)  Thank God we were blessed with children at all.  Many people desperately want a child and we have been lucky enough to have been blessed with 6 beautiful kids.

 

There always seems to be a mechanical problem with one of the cars.  But thank God we even have a car.  At least we don't have to depend on the public transportation system every day.  

 

Sometimes I begin to feel like I am trapped in this house.  But I thank God that I have a house at all.  We aren't living on the streets or out of the car.  

 

There are times that I begin to feel resentful of the fact that Ray and I haven't been out on a date.  I long to go out to dinner and maybe shoot some pool or go to a movie.  Just some alone time with the man I love.  But I am thankful that we have food in the house and we've never had to go without food.

 

I don't have health insurance.  Thank goodness we found the county clinic where I am able to see a doctor and I am able to get my blood pressure medication at the Health Department at an affordable price.

 

There are days when I wonder how I will make it through the terrible two's with Rylie.  Thank the Lord, especially with all the medical problems during the pregnancy, that Rylie was born healthy and she is a normal (rambunctious) two year old.

 

For every thing I think of that we ever complain about I can think of how it would be worse, and why we should be grateful for what we do have.   

 

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Project 1: Learn the 5 causes of disorganization  (I've linked each Project because I am giving you the shorten description of each cause.  If you go to the link you will be able to read more about each cause and find out if it is really describing you.)

Before you can dig out of your disorganization you have to first understand what led you there. Here, Vicki Norris sheds light on five common causes.

 

1- Situational Disorganization
The cause: A precipitating life event that causes disruption and disorganization in your life.

 

2- Habitual Disorganization
The cause: Bad habits that have developed over time.

 

3 - Historical Disorganization
The cause: When your upbringing (either orderly or disorderly) impacts your state of order. You can either model or rebel against the environment in which you were raised.

 

4 - Social Disorganization
The cause: When you are influenced by your social world to create and exist with disorder as a way of life.

 

5 - Chronic Disorganization
The cause: When we live in a chronic, debilitating state of disorder even though we have tried and failed to help ourselves.

 

*I think I am a little bit of 2, 3 and 5.  Nothing really jumps out at me.  I tend to have good organization idea's and put them into effect most of the time.  It's just a matter of keeping it up. 

 

Project 2: Practice Good Organizing Habits (Again I've linked this Project in case you want to go to the site and read it there)
Is disorganization affecting your life? Here, a four-step process to help you get things in order.

 

1. Create appropriate systems
Being able to locate something—at the very moment you need it—is the result of putting the object in the same place every single day. To ensure your keys and other oft-misplaced items are always at hand, Socolow says to get in the habit of putting things away in a designated area, like a hook near the door for keys, an attractive box on an entry table for incoming mail, a basket or plastic container for children's artwork—whatever works for you.

 

2. Throw out paper
We're bombarded with paper at every turn and one of the keys to staying on top of it, says Socolow, is to immediately throw out information that has expired or has no value. For example, if you're holding on to a stack of newspapers so you can clip recipes out of the food section, don't bother—they're all probably online. Also, Socolow says to not keep paper around just in case you might need the information at a later date. If that's the case, write down the information in a designated place or enter it into your computer.

 

3. Create a schedule
Do you feel more productive if you over-schedule your day? A hefty to-do list may look good on paper, however if you underestimate the amount of time it takes to do something you may end up feeling stressed if you don't check everything off your list. For example, if it takes you 20 minutes to get to the grocery store and you have a long list, don't think you're going to be in and out and home in under an hour. If you give yourself a realistic amount of time to get things done, you'll be able to better plan your day.

 

4. Write it down
Take the pressure off your short-term memory and write down the information you only need to refer to later. Keep a small notebook in your purse for those little things that are hard to remember, everything from details for upcoming soccer registration to what to bring to the next potluck. Or make a to-do list that covers just a few hours or an entire month—whatever helps to ease the information overload.

 

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Here is a recipe from Pillsbury.

 

 

Summer Fruit Cobbler Prep Time: 30 min ; Start to Finish: 1 hr 35 min Makes: 8 servings  Nutrition Information Tender Grands!® biscuits melt in your mouth in a classic peach and pear dessert.

3 cups sliced peeled fresh peaches (4 to 5 medium) 3 cups sliced peeled fresh pears (3 to 4 medium) 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup fresh raspberries 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 2/3 cup sugar 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated shortcake or Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1 .  Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, toss peaches and pears with lemon juice. 2 .  In 4-quart nonstick saucepan, heat 1/2 cup sugar, the water, cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon over medium heat to boiling. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in peaches and pears. Cook until hot and bubbly, stirring frequently. Add raspberries; cook and stir 1 minute. Pour into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Cover to keep hot. 3 .  In small bowl, place melted butter. In another small bowl, mix 2/3 cup sugar and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. 4 .  Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Lightly roll each biscuit piece in melted butter, then in sugar mixture to coat. Arrange biscuit pieces point sides down on hot fruit mixture. 5 .  Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until biscuit pieces are deep golden brown and bottoms are no longer doughy. Cool at least 20 minutes before serving.

 

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I haven't done a word of the day in a while, so here's one for ya.  

 

Bamboozle

 

Main Entry: bam·boo·zle

Function: transitive verb
Pronunciation: bam-'bü-z&l

Etymology: origin unknown
: to deceive by underhandedmethods : DUPE , HOODWINK

 

If you have children you probably know this one well.  Funny how they think they're getting something over on you.  Most of us know the "tells" of when they are lying.  You have those that can't look you in the eye, those that fidget, those that freak out and have tantrums when you question them on anything and then there are those that can look you straight in the eye and tell the biggest story as honestly as possible (funny how they never look you in the eye any other time, lol).  Bamboozle...it just sounds so much nicer than lying, deceptive, etc.

 

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Have a great weekend! 

Hugs,

Get organized with HGTV

I just got done checking my email and it seems that HGTV is having a 6 week Fall home organization thing.  Its a 6 week plan to help us all get organized for good.  I just went and signed up.  To sign up just visit HGTV and fill out the online form.  You'll receive "free checklists, simple strategies and more".  It starts this Friday so be sure to go and get signed up and get ready to de-clutter.

What a crazy week....

                

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks.

 

Stomach Ache

• A simple cure for a stomachache is to dissolve 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon in 1 cup warm water, cover and let sit for 15 minutes, then drink it like tea. This remedy can also ease diarrhea and flatulence.

Wow...what a week!  Let's see there has been this icky heat wave thing going on, it's been in the high 90's add the heat index to it and they say it feels more like 106 or there abouts.  John (bil) and his wife Cathy (sil and friend) closed on their house last Thursday, we all worked on it over the weekend and spent all day Tuesday getting all their stuff moved in (I think the heat index that day was like 107). 

Yesterday I took Rylie to the pool, Cathy, Courtney and Bub (Johns kids) went with us.  I slathered the sun block on Rylie, but we were there for 3 hours because it was so cooling, so her little cheeks ended up getting burned.  I forgot how reflective the water is.  Every time I look at those red little cheeks I feel bad.  Next time I'm going to rub the lotion in like I usually do, but then I'll add another layer of some that I don't rub in, a final coat of thick...naw, I can't do that, because then with the water splashing it will probably get in her eyes.  I'll just have to make sure to put 2 real good coats of lotion on her little cheeks.

The good news is that the heat wave seems to have broken.  At this very moment I can hear the thunder crashing outside.  Which is a bit weird because the rain hasn't started yet.  Of course, the downside to that...ahhh, there comes the rain...that should really cool us off.  Anyway, they are already posting flash flood warnings for us again.  OMG, that is so not what we need.  So many people have had their homes flooded around here.  It seems like it rains, floods people's homes.  Then it's fairly dry for a few weeks, just enough for them to get things dry and start to get cleaned up and then we have another torrential downpour and they get flooded again.  What a crazy summer!

So in between helping fix up John and Cathys new home, helping them move in and taking care of Rylie, it has just seemed like I haven't had anytime to get on here and do my regular entries.  I've had very little time to sit and work on my graphics either. 

It seems like I get things cleaned up from dinner, finish a few chores and then I am just ready to go to bed.  Yeah...I'm talking 8:30pm!  I feel like a little kid again...I want my afternoon nap!  LOL  Oh heck, I'd be thrilled if Rylie took an afternoon nap.

Okey dokey...I'm feeling a bit guilty for not getting things done on here.  How about I throw a smootie recipe at ya'll?  This came in my email from the Spark People website.

Fresh Hawaiian Smoothie

Serves: 2

Cool, refreshing, and great for you! Reprinted with permission by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup mango, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup cantaloupe, fresh or frozen
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 cup pineapple juice (or more to thin)

DIRECTIONS
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 10 seconds or until smooth.

NUTRITION INFO
Calories: 134
Fat: 0.6 g
Carbohydrates: 32.9 g
Protein: 1.4 g

Doesn't that sound yummy?  Okay, ya'll know where my mind is going...well, if you've been here enough before you know.  It has to do with a bottle of Coconut rum, a cabana boy and some tanning lotion.  Oops, I've never mentioned the tanning lotion before, have I?  Shhh, don't tell, lol.

This is the email I got yesterday from the My Daily OM.  Some of ya'll may think of this as hocus pocus or just plain silly.  Me?  I think it would be a great way to start each and every day.  Just a way to get centered and ready to go at the day and whatever it may bring. 

August 2, 2006 An Invitation To Love Angel Meditation Though your host of spirit guides encompasses many diverse beings, all of which willingly watch over you, meditating with angels can be a uniquely insightful experience. The angels stationed at your side are both powerful and knowledgeable-they possess a limitless understanding of your needs and desires, your strengths and weaknesses, and your purpose. However, angels take an active part in our lives only when invited to do so. Meditation allows you to make contact with your angels and lovingly request that they participate actively in your day-to-day life. To begin, retreat to a solitary place where you won't be distracted by concerns. Incense and candlelight may aid you in achieving a meditative state but are not necessary. However, laying an image of an angel, angel statue, or item symbolizing your angels before you can focus your thoughts. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and let yourself relax. When you feel peaceful, invite your angels from the highest of light to sit with you as you meditate. Mentally repeat your request and reiterate that this time together is important to you. Then, in your mind's eye, visualize a bright-white light floating above you. As you breathe, draw this light first into the crown of your head and then into the whole of your physical self. Allow this light to spread through your arms and hands, your core, and your lower body. Repeat this integration of illumination with a violet light. Once again, ask your angels to be with you. Let the stillness surrounding you enter your soul, and open your heart to your angel guides. If they wish to communicate a message, they will do so now. Allow them to wrap their wings around you and infuse you with their bountiful love. Breathe them in as you did the light. As the meditation draws to a close, you may feel a presence, fluttering wings, or billowing fabric, or you may see an angel in your mind's eye. Thank them for providing you with love and light, and being with you as you meditated. If you don't sense or feel anything, there is no cause for worry-you can be certain your angels are with you. Don't be surprised if you start to see signs throughout the day that your angels are near, perhaps a feather at your doorstep. As you practice this meditation, you will become increasingly adept at recognizing when your angels are near and sensing their presence.

I don't think it matters whether or not  you believe in angels, God or a higher being.  I think meditation can really help a person clear their mind and get centered.  As a matter of fact, since Rylie Jo is still sleeping, I think I will sit and meditate for a bit as soon as I finish reading my mail and sign off the computer. 

LOL, with my luck and as tired as I have been...I'll probably fall asleep sitting on the floor.  There is something about the sound of rain and thunder outside that makes me feel all safe and cozy.  Isn't that crazy?  I love storms though, especially rain storms in the summer.  I love to walk in a warm rain.  It just feels wonderful.

Oh, a quick note on my vertigo.  It seems to be a bit better, or maybe I am just getting used to it.  It doesn't seem as bad as it's been and much less frequent.  But I finally nailed down the "metallic" taste in my mouth.  I was helping Cathy clean the new house when it hit me.  It isn't exactly metallic.  It is more like when you put a 9 volt battery on your tongue to test to see if it's still got juice.  THAT is the taste!  It is pretty much constant these days.  Sometimes it is much stronger and other times it's barely there, but still pretty much there all the time.  Yuck! 

I do have an appointment to see the dentist on the 16th of this month.  I have a feeling they are going to want to yank my crown off and re-root around on that one tooth.  I hope they can re-use that crown though, otherwise there is not way I am going to be able to afford to do it.  I also hope that is the cause of this nasty battery mouth.  That feeling just needs to end.

Well I am off to finish my mail and then go meditate for a bit.  Have a great day.

Hugs,