The Best Nest

Now THAT'S Hand Dancing!

2012-01-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

Children’s Emotions Stabilized by Simple Dietary Changes

2011-12-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

By Mary Lynch, Kindergarten Teacher

I am writing to share with you a few of the amazing changes we have seen in our family since we started changing our diets and learning the truth about what is and is not healthy.

We made little changes at first; adding coconut oil, fermented cod liver oil, and raw milk and butter to our diets. Within a week and after many hours of research, we decided to eliminate refined sugar and processed foods and to reduce grain consumption as well.

We noticed immediate and dramatic changes in our daughters’ mood and behavior!

My eldest has always struggled with fear and anxiety issues. For years we have worked with prayer and behavior modification and we have certainly seen improvement. But one week into our diet changes we saw the largest jump in confidence that we have ever seen. All of a sudden, she approaches challenges calmly and logically, rather than immediately shutting down or freaking out. She has attempted – and enjoyed – activities she would not even consider in the past. She is embracing life rather than hiding from it!

My youngest daughter is not afraid of anything. We call her our “adventure girl.” However, this passion for life sometimes leads to what I like to call an “excess of emotion.” She’s nine years-old and was having all-out temper tantrums at least once a month. Small discouragements became huge problems. Her emotions were controlling her, rather than her controlling her emotions. Sarah, as soon as we changed our diet she became a calm, content child. She now takes disappointments in stride and can control her emotions, actions and words easily. Yes, she cries sometimes. But she no longer screams and throws things while she does it. She even noticed right away, saying, “If I don’t want to be angry I can just take a deep breath!” She even surprised herself!

It was my husband who noticed the change first. He came home from work at 5:30, as usual, but was not met with the usual homecoming chaos. He expected me to be stressed about preparing dinner, tidying the dining room and overseeing homework. He expected the girls to be whining about homework and dinner and chores. (I’m embarrassed to admit this was typical at our house.) Instead, he found silence. We were still getting things done – cooking and chores and homework – but instead of coming into an atmosphere of tension, he came home to a house filled with peace.

Thank you, Sarah, for your passion for healthful eating and for sharing what you have learned on your blog. I just had to let you know how it has changed not just our diets, but our attitudes and relationships, too.

Mary Lynch is a Kindergarten teacher in Tampa, FL.
She has been following the principles of Traditional Cooking and Eating for only a couple of months and has already experienced life changing results in her home. She is one of the few teachers I have met who knows how to throw a truly heathy party that is still fun and delicious for the children in her class.

Picture Credit

reported by Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist on January 30, 2011

in Healthy Living,Healthy Pregnancy, Baby & Child

How to Stitch . . .

2011-11-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

THE BASICS

* casting on with two needlescasting on with two needles
* knit stitchknit stitch
* purl stitchpurl stitch
* stocking stitchstocking stitch
* starting a new ballstarting a new ball
* casting offcasting off
* weaving in endsweaving in ends
* dropped a stitch?dropped a stitch?

MORE KNITTING STITCHES

* casting on with one needlecasting on with one needle
* cable cast oncable cast on
* decreasingdecreasing
* increasingincreasing
* rib stitchrib stitch
* loop stichloop stich
* ladder stitchladder stitch
* moss stitchmoss stitch
* bobble stitchbobble stitch
* intarsiaintarsia
* fair-isle/carry the yarn overfair-isle/carry the yarn over
* triple yarn overtriple yarn over
* neckline and strapsneckline and straps
* fringues fringues
* buttonholebuttonhole
* joining your workjoining your work
* customisationcustomisation
* make a braidmake a braid
* circular knittingcircular knitting
* make one ball of yarn with 2 + ballsmake one ball of yarn with 2 + balls

http://woolandthegang.com/en/videos/index

The 100 Up

2011-11-27T00:07:00.001-08:00

Peanut Butter Cup & Candy Corn Turkeys (plus a Cookie Pilgrim Hat)

2011-11-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is a fun and yummy Thanksgving project from Our Best Bites.

I have copied and pasted in case the post is no longer available. Today is actually June 8, 2011 so I am post dating for Thanksgiving 2011. I also plan to PIN IT @ Pinterest :-)

Between now and then I want to kitchen test these and take my own pictures.

If you are reading this post it is most probably because of one of he following reasons:

1) I died (I really hope thatis not the case. If it is, please pray hard for me!!)

2) I moved far, far away and do not have Internet access.

3) OR - Sara's post is no longer available and I did not kitchen test so I am using this as a fall-back. :-)

These little turkeys are perfect for school parties, family nights, and Thanksgiving place holders. At the end there’s an easy pilgrim hat as well. I don’t really know where this idea originated -- I made the turkeys as a kid as I’m sure many of you have and I’ve seen the little hats all over the internet. Both are Turkey Day classics, so go have some fun!

Ingredients/Supplies

Double Stuff Oreo Cookies
Candy Corn
Whoppers
Peanut butter Cups
Chocolate frosting
Yellow Frosting
Optional: Red frosting
Optional: black sprinkles for eyes

*For these kinds of things I love to use the little pre-filled tubes of colored frosting you can buy in the baking isle. The chocolate is easy to make, and homemade actually works a little better because you can make it stiff. However for the colored details like yellow and red, these little tubes are great. It doesn’t really matter what they taste like and they last forever (which is both cool and disturbing at the same time.) I’m using store-bought tubes for everything here purely for convenience- works great!

First step: Grab a cookie. You don’t have to put frosting in there, but I like to because it holds in the candy corn a little better. Just give it a little squeeze of chocolate.

Then stuff in your candy-corn. If you’re in some sort of candy corn shortage, you can cut off the white tips to use later for your beaks. I think the candy corn sticks in better with the tip so I leave it on. Go ahead and do all of the cookies through this step.

Next put a dab of frosting on the opposite end of the cookie and secure it to the “base” cookie. It helps to place them next to a wall as they dry so they stay put.

While those are drying, unwrap your PB cups. Take a sharp knife and cut a sliver off of one end. (I don’t need to tell you what to do with the sliver, do I?) It helps to gently cut in a sawing motion so you don’t break the PB cup. (Although I wouldn’t have to tell you what to do with a broken one either, would I?) Cut it from the bottom like I show here:

Once those are ready, flip your cookies over, but you may find it’s easy to keep them next to the wall. My frosting was a bit soft, so they needed the extra support.
Place a dab of frosting on the pb cup, and place it on the cookie like so:

Now those little guys will need heads, so glue a whopper on there with frosting as well. I put frosting on the side of the whopper that hits both the cookie and the PB cup. Wouldn’t want a turkey running around with its head cut off, would we??

While they’re still laying there, use a dab of frosting (I use yellow) and glue on the white tip of a candy corn for a beak. Put two yellow dots on for eyes, and for the black spots in the eyes you can use a dab of chocolate frosting, or a mini chocolate chip, or a little sprinkle like I’ve used. A sprinkle is really the perfect size if you have them.

Once the beak stays put you can flip them over and draw on some little yellow feet. If you have red frosting too (usually comes in a set with the tube of yellow) you can add a little wattle.

And there you go, cute as can be!

These make really cute place card holders too, for either a kid, or adult table! I just made little name tags with Sara's Silhouette and then I popped them in there on toothpicks.
How cute is my little turkey family?

Stick one on each plate and everyone will say “Awwwwwwe….” If you have kids old enough to handle making them, it’s a fun project for them to be in charge of.

They’re also darling combined with pilgrim hats.

Those are just marshmallows dipped in chocolate and placed on a fudge strip cookie. Use yellow frosting to make the buckle. (Pretty much the Thanksgiving version of the Halloween witch hats seen in this post!)

Dirty Dozen & Clean 15

2011-10-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

A handy reference!

How to Stretch Out Shoes (w/ no pain!)

2011-08-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

1. Fill up two Ziploc bags with water ~ half full.

2. Make sure the bags are sealed properly!

3. Place one bag in each shoe.

4. Place shoes with water bags in the freezer.

5. When the water in the bags freezes it expands.

6. Take the shoes out of the freezer, remove the
bags, and wear immediately.

7. Let your newly expanded shoes mold to your feet as they warm up and constrict.

Produce Storage

2011-08-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

FRUIT

Apples
If kept in the refrigerator apples will usually keep crisp for 3 to 4 weeks.

They will usually stay crisp for ~ 1 week when stored outside of the refrigerator in a cool, dry

place.

Tip: Store apples in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Apples give off ethylene, a natural gas, which will make lettuce and other produce turn brown. The plastic bag will prevent that.

Avocados

Store avocados at room temperature for up to 1 week until they are ripe.

Once they are soft to the touch, move them to the refrigerator, where they can keep for up to another week.

Tip: If the avocados you bought aren’t soft enough to eat yet, you can ripen them in a jiffy: Just throw them into a paper bag with a banana (bananas produce the most ripening-inducing ethylene of any fruit). They'll be guacamole-ready in about a day.

Berries

Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh for up to 10 days. How long depends on the variety of berry, but blueberries will stay fresh the longest.

Tip: Berries are one of the most perishable fruits because they’re so thin-skinned. Washing them and leaving them on the counter will cause them to mold within hours, so don't wash them until you intend to use them. The dusty covering you see on berries is called the "bloom," a natural preservative that keeps them fresh. When you wash any fruit or vegetable, you’re removing its natural outer layer, which will cause it to ripen even faster.

Citrus (grapefruits, oranges, etc.)

Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh for 2 weeks, or store at room temperature to keep fresh for seven to 10 days. Because citrus fruits have a tougher skin, they will last longer than most other fruits.

Tip: Meyer lemons and limes have a shorter shelf life, only 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Grapes

Store grapes in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Grapes also have a bloom, so it’s best not to wash them until you’re ready to eat them.

Pears

Store unripe pears at room temperature for approximately 5 days. Once ripe, refrigerate for up to

week.

Tip: To check for ripeness check the “neck” right next to the stem for a slight softness. If you want to speed up ripening, put pears in a paper bag.

Pomegranates

Store pomegranates in the refrigerator, where they will last 2 to 3 weeks depending on how ripe they are.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place and enjoyed within 1 week once they’re fragrant and soft to the touch. You want to avoid refrigerating tomatoes because it puts the fruit into cold shock and inhibits the taste.

Tip: Avoid storing them in plastic, because the trapped ethylene will cause them to ripen more quickly.

VEGETABLES

Bell Peppers

Refrigerate peppers for up to 2 weeks or store them at room temperature to keep fresh for about a week.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Keep cauliflower and broccoli in their wrapping and place in the refrigerator, where they will last 3 to 5 days. Use them before the ends turn brown.

Greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.)
All leafy greens should be stored in the refrigerator and will last 3 to 7 days. If leaves aren’t prebagged, wash and wrap loosely in a paper towel (to keep the water from rotting the leaves), then put in a plastic bag.

Tip: Keep heads of lettuce whole. When you cut up lettuce, you’re cutting the pores, which will produce more ethylene.

Mushrooms

They should be stored in their packaging in the refrigerator and used within 5 to 7 days. Like other produce, mushrooms will perish faster if they’re presliced.

Root Vegetables (onions, potatoes, etc.)

Store in a cool, dry place—ideally in an open basket away from the oven. While most last approximately a month, baby potatoes have a shorter shelf life of about 10 days.

Tip: Keep these items away from light, which causes them to sprout and turn green.

15 Words With No English Equivalent

2011-07-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Cool Stuff!
The Global Language Monitor estimates that there are currently 1,009,753 words in the English language. Despite this large lexicon, many nuances of human experience still leave us tongue-tied. And that’s why sometimes it’s necessary to turn to other languages to find le mot juste. Here are fifteen foreign words with no direct English equivalent.

1. Zhaghzhagh (Persian)
The chattering of teeth from the cold or from rage.

2. Yuputka (Ulwa)
A word made for walking in the woods at night, it’s the phantom sensation of something crawling on your skin.

3. Slampadato (Italian)
Addicted to the UV glow of tanning salons? This word describes you.

4. Luftmensch (Yiddish)
There are several Yiddish words to describe social misfits. This one is for an impractical dreamer with no business sense. Literally, air person.

5. Iktsuarpok (Inuit)
You know that feeling of anticipation when you’re waiting for someone to show up at your house and you keep going outside to see if they’re there yet? This is the word for it.

6. Cotisuelto (Caribbean Spanish)
A word that would aptly describe the prevailing fashion trend among American men under 40, it means one who wears the shirt tail outside of his trousers.

7. Pana Po’o (Hawaiian)
“Hmm, now where did I leave those keys?” he said, pana po’oing. It means to scratch your head in order to help you remember something you’ve forgotten.

8. Gumusservi (Turkish)
Meteorologists can be poets in Turkey with words like this at their disposal. It means moonlight shining on water.

9. Vybafnout (Czech)
A word tailor-made for annoying older brothers—it means to jump out and say boo.

10. Mencolek (Indonesian)
You know that old trick where you tap someone lightly on the opposite shoulder from behind to fool them? The Indonesians have a word for it.

11. Faamiti (Samoan)
To make a squeaking sound by sucking air past the lips in order to gain the attention of a dog or child.

12. Glas wen (Welsh)
A smile that is insincere or mocking. Literally, a blue smile.

13. Bakku-shan (Japanese)
The experience of seeing a woman who appears pretty from behind but not from the front.

14. Boketto (Japanese)
It’s nice to know that the Japanese think enough of the act of gazing vacantly into the distance without thinking to give it a name.

15. Kummerspeck (German)
Excess weight gained from emotional overeating. Literally, grief bacon.

Many of the words above can be found in BBC researcher Adam Jacot de Boinod’s book ‘The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from Around the World.’

SOURCE:

15 Wonderful Words With No English Equivalent
@ Mental Floss by Bill DeMain

More from mental_floss…
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10 Buildings Shaped Like What They Sell

Big Leaf Prints

2011-06-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

A perfect project for all ages -- very young to very old! These examples were created by 3 year olds!

I used the lid of my cake pan to hold the paint (acrylics in a variety of colors). The children were free to add colors as they liked . . . . just a bit, spread around works very well.

Then the children pressed the leaf into the ink . . . . I used a big leafed plant in my garden.

Then we transfered the leaf to the paper. The children really need to press down all around the leaf . . . .making sure to press all the way to the corners. It takes a minute or two for small hands to be able to do this.
Carefully lift the leaf off the paper.

The results of the mixed colors are striking.

And each one comes out so differently, despite using the same leaf over and over.

Source: http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2010/10/leaf-printing.html

Fruit Crates + Wheels = Cool Shelf Unit

2011-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when you find simple but innovative re- purposing?
How about this one?

Of course, it could be sanded and painted for a "less rustic" use. The lines along the side would be very pretty. You could also opt for little legs rather than wheels.

I have traced it back and, following quite the rabbit trail, found an originating source. . . .
Kjerstis Lykke, via doorsixteen via Remodelista via a few more.

A Ladder of Roses

2011-05-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

There is a really neat project happening over at Woodlands Home.

I feel compelled to participate! Here is My Point of View on Ladders. . . .

Check it out at Woodlands Home and join the weekly project.

This is the first image I thought of when I heard, "ladders." I searched for awhile before I was able to find this photo. It is perfect -- exactly what I had imagined!

I have been slowly nurturing my gardening skills and find I love eclectic garden art, fountains and planters.

I suppose our recent trip to nearby Arbor really sparked my interest in bohemian gardening!

Today I filled a white wood and glass birdhouse with black soil and planted English Ivy in it. Very pretty! If I must say so myself.

Graphic Source: Garden Notes

Dandy Dandelions

2011-05-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Pity the American dandelion! In countries across the world the dandelion is considered a delicious vegetable and is consumed with affection. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In America, it is most often cursed as an bothersome weed and is dug out, pulled, poisoned and otherwise generally maligned.

Dandelions are one of the most nutritionally dense foods you can eat.

Knowing when to pick them and how to use them is key. If you pick a dandelion leaf that is not a new leaf and pop it in your mouth . . . . it will be terribly bitter.

It is best to harvest the leaves when they are brand new. The best time seems to be in the early spring before they bloom. The bitterness is offset by a spicy twang that is much like arugula. You can even tame the bitterness of the more mature leaves by blanching them. If you live in an area that gets frost in the fall (we do not) you are in luck. The older leaves loose some bitterness after a frost.

In harvesting be sure to avoid areas that have been treated with lawn chemicals. Do not use dandelions along highways or roads. These plants (like most) accumulate pollutants.

The roots of dandelions can be used as a substitute for coffee. The flowers can be used in recipes and for garnishes. Creme de pissenlits (cream of dandelion soup) is an easy to make dandelion soup. Dandelion syrup is also easy to make. Both recipes follow.

DANDELION, LEEK, CARROT SOUP (DLC SOUP)

Ingredients
2 pounds (about 6 cups) dandelion greens, trimmed and washed
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock
2 large leeks, white and light parts only, cleaned and sliced
1 carrot, cleaned and diced
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Dandelion buds and/or flower petals for garnish

1. If using more mature or very bitter tasting greens, blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water, then drain and squeeze out the excess water, chop and set aside.

2. Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium high heat, add greens, carrot and leeks and cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes.

3. Add stock and simmer for about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in milk, cook stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

4. Puree mix in a tightly-covered blender until smooth, taking care with the hot liquid. Season with salt and pepper, and add Dijon if you like.

5. Serve in bowls and garnish with flowers or buds.

DANDELION SYRUP

Ingredients

100 dandelion flowers, or 1 and 1/2 cups petals
1 cup sweetener (see below)
3 cups water
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

1. Remove the petals from the sepal (the sepal consists of the small tight leaves that extend from the stem and grasp the flower). It takes a while to get the hang of, but gets much quicker as you go along. Be sure to not allow any green into the petals, it will add bitterness to the syrup. Rinse to get rid of any insects or dirt.

2. Place the petals in a medium pot and cover with 3 cups water and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat, cover and let set overnight.

3. Strain dandelion water into a bowl, pressing on the flowers with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid.

4. Return water to pot and add sweetener, and lemon juice if using, and simmer over low heat until thickened. The longer you simmer the thicker it will get. So stir and

5. Allow to cool, and pour into a clean, sterile* jar or bottle. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes about 2 cups

*Sterilize: Wash in soapy water and then heat in oven @ about 130-150 degrees for 30 minutes. Throw the lids in a pot of boiling water for 15 mins.

SWEETNERS

Traditionally white sugar is used, but here are some alternatives. (H/T to Melissa Breyer Senior Editor @ Care2 Green) She played around with some other alternatives, all with quite different results. Here is what she found:

• White sugar made a syrup with a faint taste of vanilla and very slightly nutty, it was really just mostly sweet and somewhat plain.

• Sucanat, one of my favorite sweeteners, was, as I expected, too heavy in flavor to let the subtle dandelion taste shine through. That said, it was very interesting; like an herbaceous molasses.

• Honey has that smooth edge that became more pronounced after simmering. I used a mild clover honey and the result was like a somewhat spicy and grassy honey.

• Agave syrup worked beautifully because it is such a clean-tasting sweetener—the syrup made with agave was sweet and clean, with bright green undertones.

So pick your dandelions, pick your sweetener and make some syrup!

More details about dandelions can be found at Coffee Grounds and Eggshells. It is quite interesting stuff!

MORE RECIPES:

Dandelion Syrup with AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHS

Dandelion Soup with Potatoes, Lima Beans, Carrots, Onions and Celery

Italian Chicken Dandelion Soup

Cream of Dandelion Soup with Nutritional Details

SOURCES:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-green-dish-dandelion-syrup.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cream-of-dandelion-soup-recipe.html

GRAPHIC OF SYRUP: Happy Self Sufficient
HUMOROUS DANDELION ARTICLE: Dandelion War
Links:
http://www.eveventure.com/Peggy/article/oh-those-dandy-dandelions
http://coffeegroundsandeggshells.blogspot.com/2011/05/oh-those-dandelions.html

A Slithering Surprise on Mother's Day

2011-05-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yep, I live in Texas!

Does Your Child Babysit?

2011-04-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

How much do you know about the babysitting jobs that your teens take on?
Many parents seem to be very careful when it comes to monitoring where their kids go for social outings. I know many parents who ask (and double check), "Who will be there? Are parents supervising? Who will be driving?" But many of these same cautious parents will let teens baby-sit without really knowing anything about the family.

Here is a story that I read recently:

When I baby-sat as a teen I was exposed to way more than I should have been. One mom told me all the details of her husband's affairs, down to specific things she knew that he had been doing (things I knew nothing about at the time). She viewed me as a confidant.

Another family had very inappropriate magazines in different parts of the house. It seemed to be everywhere -- including the baby's changing table. And, I am not referring to images that are considered mild by today's popular culture, either; it was pretty hard stuff. You would never have known it to look at them; they were a short, chubby couple that seemed very prim and proper. I got away from it as fast as I could, but I certainly saw it.

Here is another experience I read about recently:

It was a Friday night in August 1984. I had put the baby down for the night and around 10pm or so, the door opened and in the husband came to the house. I was surprised that he came home from his trip early and he began to share with me that he never had a trip. He had planned this whole event out and had just come home from a bar to spend the night with me. (I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that...I would soon find out).

He asked me to make us something to drink so I went to the kitchen to get 2 cups and some ice. He came into the kitchen and told me that I never gave him anything for his birthday. He had turned 29. I asked him what he wanted, he said a kiss would do. I was uncomfortable at this point and did not know what I should do. I kissed him on the cheek and thought that would be it...it wasn't.

Two things stand out at me from her story.
1) she knew something was wrong before he actually attacked her
2) but she didn't leave. She obeyed what he told her to do.

This is quite normal; she was a young teen, and he was an adult man.

We have to teach our girls and boys that when they feel uncomfortable, they should leave. Give them a cell phone so they can immediately call Mom.

In such circumstances IT IS OK to lie.

And, it is OK to err on the side of caution. So what if you hurt someone's feelings -- if that "this isn't right" feeling hits you or even nudges at you - GET AWAY!
Arm them with the words to use. Practice the "polite" QUICK get-away and the impolite QUICK get-away.
My Mom set up this strategy with me and I have done the same with my children.

I think that we should stress that an impolite get-away is OK and even admirable when they feel that uncomfortable feeling. Practice!
"My head is hurting really bad and I need to get home."

"I have been feeling so sick. I think I am going to throw up (again)."

"My Mom told me to check in every half hour - I have to call her. You don't know my Mom - she called the police when my sister didn't check in and the police showed up at the door where she was babysitting! I would be so embarrassed!"
(Then when you call home - if things have escalated or you feel trapped or are in trouble use a code word that means, BIG TROUBLE come NOW).

We have 2 code words: One means: make an excuse for me now because I can't get out of an embarrassing or unwanted situation. The other means: "cannot talk, I'm in trouble, CALL POLICE."

If they feel uncomfortable, it's for a reason. They do not have to comply with what an adult says--even a female adult--if it seems somehow wrong.

The blog author at To Love, Honor and Vacuum suggests that:

"[If this situation] had happened in the cell phone era, and the babysitter had said to the adult man, "I'm just going to text my mom and tell her you're home and you want to have a drink with me," it's unlikely anything else would have happened. He would have known that he'd be found out. He would have known he couldn't intimidate her. Cell phones can be big safety nets.

I think that a young girl might feel that is too confrontational and embarrassing a response. Thinking back on my teenage years -- I would not have said such a thing to an adult. I would have been intimidated. That strategy might have kept me playing along and hoping for the best -- hoping that my weird feeling was unfounded.
If my feeling was "spot on"~~~> how would I fend off an attack that might come because he knew I was catching on? What would I do if I created a situation where he then tried to prevent me from calling my Mom or get away?
If I was incorrect (which, in the back of my mind I would have suspected was the case) ~~~> I would be mortified by his embarrassment when he "realized" what I was inferring.
In a situation like this an innocent young girl (or boy) might feel that the dad is nice man and their weird feeling is unfounded.
The important thing is to recognize that feeling and act on it.

"I'm glad you are home early. I have a terrible headache and my Mom was headed over with some Tylenol. I'll just text/call her and tell her you're home and not to worry about the Tylenol." Then she could text or call and use the code word for get-me-outta-here-now. Danger, Danger Will Robinson!

1) You have set the premise that someone is on their way.
2) You have set the stage for a call to Mom

Unfortunately, in that particular story the babysitter's folks were alcoholics and no one seemed to know or care where she was.
But, if you are reading this article I am going to take a huge leap of faith here and assume you CARE and want to PREPARE your children to protect themselves.

We can't expect our children to handle these things alone, without us. The problem with young teens is that sometimes they feel something's wrong but they can't explain WHY it's wrong. They're too naive and too confused. So, if they get into a conversation with the guy about it, they'll lose. So tell them, "don't talk about it. If you feel uncomfortable, phone to leave and we'll pick you up."

The second thing that struck me is that, after it was obviously dangerous, she still didn't run. She felt so ashamed and so scared she didn't get out of there. Our kids need to know that we will NEVER be angry at them if they take steps to protect themselves. And no matter where they are, they should always ask themselves, "where would I go if I had to get out in a hurry?" I do this naturally now whenever I enter a new store, home, or building. I always plan an escape route. It doesn't scare me anymore; it just has become natural, and I always do it. Teach your girls and boys to do it, too. If you feel uncomfortable, or if you're in danger, know how you're going to get out before it becomes an issue.

We can't protect our kids all the time, and baby-sitting can be a good job for teenagers on the whole. But let's remember that we never really know what goes on inside a house. Arm your kids with protection, in the form of cell phones, great advice, and warnings. Let them know they're allowed to say no. And then just pray hard! It's a scary world out there, but we can help make it a little safer!

This post consists of heavily edited excerpts from an article found at, To Love, Honor and Vacuum.
I edited much of the article to use less specific words and descriptions due the demographics of my readers!
I love you guys and the "R rated" nature of the original article was not necessary for the point to be made -- nor do I want search engines finding my site with those particular key words. If you want to read the original articles click on the sources. If you are a student of mine -- you know the drill. No clicking sources or any outside links without parental permission and supervision. You have signed a contract with your parents and me. This is the honor system (but I also have a tracker on the blog).

SOURCES:
Neither Do I Condemn You
To Love, Honor and Vacuum

Thank Goodness God Knows What We Mean

2011-04-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

I just read this on a Facebook wall . . . .

"please dont let a tornado come through barksdale ...especially while im still awake. amen, blessed be, and thank you creator. um...and if one does, please spear my family...amen."

I would probably add -- "Please make that spear sharp and the aim true, so we don't feel a thing!"

You just can't make this stuff up!

Thumper

2011-04-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

We have adopted a bunny. Now the number of animals officially out numbers humans in our home. :-)
This latest addition to our furry family was rescued by a neighbor. He saw an adorable, little white fluff ball hiding next to the creek near the boundary of his property.
Bless my neighbor's heart, he found he could not leave the little rabbit there to become easy prey to foxes, cats, owls, wild hog or any other predatory critter.

So, he scooped the bunny up and showed Thumper (a perrrfect name, btw) to his wife. But his wife, who is a full time Mom to their toddler and 4 months pregnant, was definitely not keen on this idea. I am gathering it was all too much for the Mrs. who promptly sent out a neighborhood group email.

Yep, call me a sucker or . . . on the other hand, I would rather be labeled the "great homeschool Mom who saw a wonderful opportunity to incorporate hands-on life science into our curriculum"!
*cough, cough!*
In reality I am a sucker who saw a way to rationalize the split second decision to adopt said white fluff ball.

First item on the agenda after the white fluff ball hand-off was to find/make/borrow adequate living quarters for Thumper. I knew I needed to have a plan in place before hubby came home.
I have learned over the years that it is much better to ~~spring a new pet on my husband~~ introduce a new pet to my husband if it does not involve the need of his immediate action to build, buy or renovate anything.

My son enthusiastically took charge of the bunny housing dilemma. He put together a beautiful habitat that was meant to be temporary but we are so happy with it that we will keep Thumper in it all summer.

He used smooth wire closet shelving and reconfigured it to create a nice open and airy hutch. He lined the bottom with 1/4' coated hardware mesh. It is easy to move and very adaptable. Today he added a thatched roof over half of it. He also told me that a neighbor planted bamboo in the woods behind their house and wants it thinned out. So, we are planning an excursion to gather the new material for an even better thatched roof. It is copperhead season here in the piney woods of Texas so I am not in a huge hurry to start that quest but it is definitely on the agenda for May . . .ish. :-)
I am happy to report that hubby likes Thumper very much! I only got an impishly silly shake of the head when I ~~sprung it on him~~ introduced him to our newest arrival.

And, of course, we are all learning (more specifically, re-learning) more about bunnies.
Bunnies should get a good rabbit pellet and a little fruit and vegetable each day. Note that apples & lettuce are not good in big doses. There are certain types of hay that are better than others.
I hear that bunnies go nuts for basil and small branches from apple trees.

Here is a list of plants that are toxic to rabbits.
A
Agave (leaves)
Almond
Aloe
Amaryllis (bulbs)
Andromeda Anemone
Angel's Trumpet
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (all parts except fruit) Asian Lilly
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Avacado (leaves)
Azalea (leaves)
B
Balsam pear (seeds, outer rind of fruit)
Baneberry (berries, roots)
Barbados Lilly
Begonia
Betel-nut Palm
Bird of Paradise (seeds)
Bitter Cherry (seeds)
Bittersweet (American & European) Black Nightshade
Black Walnut (hulls)
Bloodroot
Bluebonnet
Boston Ivy
Buddhist Pine
Busy Lizzie
Buttercup (leaves)
Black Locust (seeds,bark, sprouts, foliage) Blue-green algae (some forms toxic)
Bloodroot
Boxwood (leaves,twigs)
Bracken fern
Branching Ivy
Buckeye (seeds)
Buckthorn (berries, fruit, bark)
Bull Nettle
Buttercup (sap, bulbs)
C
Cactus Thorn
Caladium
Calendula
Calico Bush
Calla Lilly (rhizome, leaves)
Caladiur (leaves)
Carnation
Carolina Jessamine
Castor Bean (seed, leaves - castor oil)
Celastrus
Ceriman
Chalice vine (all parts) Cherry tree (bark, twig, leaves, pits)
China Doll
Chinaberry tree
Chinese Bellflower
Chinese Lantern
Chinese Evergreen
Choke Cherry (seeds)
Christmas Candle (sap)
Christmas Rose
Chrysanthemum
Cineraria
Clematis
Climbing Nightshade Coffee Bean
Cone Flower
Coral plant (seeds)
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cowbane
Cowslip
Crown of Thorns
Cuban Laurel
Cuckoopint (all parts)
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen
D
Daffodil (bulbs)
Daisy
Daphne (berries, bark)
Datura (berries)
Day Lily Deadly Amanita (all parts)
Deadly Nightshade
Death Camas (all parts)
Delphinium (all parts)
Devil's Ivy Dieffenbachia (leaves)
Dogbane
Dracaena
Dumb Cane
Dutchman's Breeches
E
Easter Lilly
Eggplant (all but fruit) Elderberry (unripe berries, roots, stems)
Elephant Ear (leaves, stem)
Emerald Feather English Laurel
English Ivy (berries, leaves)
Eucalyptus
F
False Hellebore
False Henbane (all parts)
False Parsley Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fireweed
Flamingo Plant Florida Beauty
Flowering Maple
Flowering Tobacco
Foxglove (leaves, seeds)
G
Garden Sorrel
Geranium
German Ivy
Ghostweed (all parts) Giant Touch-me-not
Glacier Ivy
Gladiola
Glory Lilly Gold Dust
Golden Chain (all parts)
Golden Pothos
Green Gold
H
Hahn's Ivy
Hairy Vetch
Hart Ivy
Hawaiian Ti
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heavenly Bamboo Hemlock, Poison (all parts)
Hemlock, Water (all parts)
Henbane (seeds)
Hogwart
Holly (berries)
Horse Chestnut (nuts, twigs) Horsehead Philodendron
Horsetail Reed
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth (bulbs)
Hydrangea
I
Impatiens
Indian Hemp
Indian Rubber Indian Turnip (all parts)
Indigo
Inkberry Iris (bulbs)
Ivy, Boston & English (berries, leaves)
J
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (all parts)
Japanese Euonymus
Japanese Show Lily
Japanese Yew
Jasmine Java Bean (uncooked bean)
Jerusalem Cherry (berries)
Jessamine
Jimson Weed (leaves, seeds) Johnson Grass
Jonquil
Juniper (needles, stems, berries)
L
Laburnum (all parts)
Lace Fern
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Lady Slipper Lantana (immature berries)
Larkspur (all parts)
Laurel (all parts)
Laurel Cherry
Lily of the Valley (all parts) Lima Bean (uncooked bean)
Lobelia (all parts)
Locoweed (all parts)
Lords and Ladies (all parts)
Lupine
M
Macadamia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Manchineel Tree
Marbel Queen
Marijuana (leaves)
Marsh Marigold
Mauna Loa Peace Lily
Mayapple (all parts except fruit) Meadow Saffron
Medicine Plant
Mesquite
Mexican Breadfruit
Mescal Bean (seeds)
Milk Bush
Milkweed
Mistletoe (berries) Mock Orange (fruit)
Monkshood (leaves, roots)
Moonflower
Morning Glory (all parts)
Mother-in-law
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms (some)
Mustard (root)
N
Nandina
Narcissus (bulbs) Needlepoint Ivy
Nephtytis
Nicotiana Nightshades (berries, leaves)
Nutmeg
O
Oak (acorns, foliage) Oleander (leaves, branches, nectar) Oxalis
P
Panda
Parlor Ivy
Parsnip
Patience Plant
Peace Lily
Peach (leaves, twigs, seeds)
Pear (seeds)
Pencil Cactus
Peony Periwinkle
Peyote
Philodendron (leaves, stem)
Plum (seeds)
Plumosa Fern
Poinsettia (leaves, flowers)
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison sumac Pokeweed
Poppy
Potato (eyes & new shoots, green parts)
Precatory Bean
Primrose
Primula
Privet (all parts)
Purple Thornapple
Q
Queensland Nut
R
Ranunculus
Red Emerald
Red Lily Red Princess
Rhododendron (all parts)
Rhubarb (leaves) Ribbon Plant
Ripple Ivy
Rosary Pea (seeds)
Rubrum Lily
S
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Self-branching Ivy
Sennabean
Shamrock Plant
Silver Pothos
Skunk Cabbage (all parts) Snake Palm
Snowdrop (all parts)
Snow-on-the-Mountain (all parts)
Solomon's Seal
Spindleberry
Split Leaf Philodendron Star of Bethlehem
Stinkweed
String of Pearls
Sweet Pea (seeds and fruit)
Sweet Potato
Sweetheart Ivy
Swiss Cheese Plant
T
Tansy
Taro Vine
Thornapple Tiger Lily
Toadstools
Tobacco (leaves) Tomato (leaves, vines)
Tree Philodendron
Tulip (bulb)
U
Umbrella Plant
V
Vetch (Hairy)
Vinca Violet (seeds) Virginia Creeper (berries, sap)
W
Walnuts (hulls, green shells)
Water Hemlock
Weeping Fig Western Lily
Wild Carrots
Wild Cucumber
Wild Parsnip Wild Peas
Wisteria (all parts)
Wood Lily
Wood-rose
Y
Yam Bean (roots, immature pods) Yellow Jasmine Yew (needles, seeds, berries)
Yucca

An Uncontrolled (& Out of Control) Experiment on American Children

2011-03-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

Many people are intrigued by my home business. I love what I do . . . . my passion is to help de-tox households . . . . one home at a time. I am also one heck of a great trainer in my field.
Many people have also asked me why I decided to work in this field of wellness. Here is part of an article from National Geographic Magazine that just may help answer that question.

Although many health statistics have been improving over the past few decades, a few illnesses are rising mysteriously.
From the early 1980s through the late 1990s, autism increased tenfold; from the early 1970s through the mid-1990s
one type of leukemia was up 62 percent
male birth defects doubled
childhood brain cancer was up 40 percent.
Some experts suspect a link to the man-made chemicals that pervade our food, water, and air. There's little firm evidence. But over the years, one chemical after another that was thought to be harmless turned out otherwise once the facts were in.

The classic example is lead. This picture shows a lead paint Xray.

In 1971 the U.S. Surgeon General declared that lead levels of 40 micrograms per deciliter of blood were safe. It's now known that any detectable lead can cause neurological damage in children, shaving off IQ points.

From DDT to PCBs, the chemical industry has released compounds first and discovered damaging health effects later.

Regulators have often allowed a standard of innocent until proven guilty in what Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and environmental health specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, calls "an uncontrolled experiment on America's children."

A helpful resource and place to request more information.

Organic On a Budget (+Peach Glazed Ham Steak Recipe)

2011-03-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

As a general rule, anything you have to peel before you eat (such as bananas or garlic, for example) is relatively low in pesticides.
If you want to eat organic, splurge on produce with permeable or edible skin, such as peaches, lettuce, and apples.

Peach Glazed Ham Steak

Recipe by Linda Larsen

Just three ingredients combine for a wonderful sweet and spicy glaze on a ham steak. You can grill the ham, or saute it on the stovetop for the same amount of time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp honey Dijon mustard
1/3 cup peach nectar
1/4 cup peach jam
1 lb. fully cooked ham slice, 1" thick
4 peaches, peeled and sliced
2 green bell peppers, each cut into strips

Preparation:

Prepare and heat grill. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, nectar, and jam and mix well. Make vertical cuts around the edge of the ham slice to prevent curling. Brush one side of the ham with the glaze. Grill ham, glazed side down, uncovered, over medium hot coats for 6-7 minutes. Turn ham and top with peaches and green pepper rings. Brush all with more glaze. Grill 7-9 minutes longer until ham is thoroughly heated and peaches and peppers begin to soften, brushing frequently with glaze. 4 servings

March in Texas

2011-03-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, my goodness, how I love March in Texas!
I saw my first BlueBonnet today! I got so excited that my son had serious doubts about my sanity. The Indian Paintbrushes are springing up all over (no pun intended) and the weather has been perfect!

We survived the Ides of March (thank God) and I pray for no friends like Brutus!
And now it is St. Patrick's Day followed soon by the Feast of St. Joseph on the 19th.
Many blessings to all my blogging buddies!

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Happy Pi Day!

2011-03-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Ash Wednesday tradition of Soft Pretzels!

2011-03-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

I keep reading that pretzels have a significant Christian meaning. I am from Philly and boy, oh boy, do I miss my Philly Soft Pretzels.
So, I am all for an Ash Wednesday tradition of Soft Pretzels! We fast on Ash Wednesday but these can definitely be part of our one meal!
This is what I found At Colleen Hammond's site:

"They get their shape from the crossing of arms across the chest–the usual form of prayer of early Christians. They are made of simple flour and water as–up until recently–no eggs, meat, dairy products (cheese, butter, cream) were eaten during Lent.
Pretzels were originally called bracellae (little arms), and the German Christians came up with the word “pretzel” from that."

The coolest thing is that they are fairly easy to make! Here is Colleen's recipe with some notes from me:

Colleen's Soft Pretzel Recipe

2 cups very warm water (110-120 degrees F)
4-6 cups flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 quarts boiling water
1/2 cup baking soda
Coarse salt

-Proof yeast in water and sugar (that means let it double in size -- keep in in a warm place for about 5 to 10 minutes. I sometimes add a touch of sugar - at the beginning - to help it along)
-Add flour and salt
-Knead to the proper consistency (~8 minutes)
-Rise for an hour (or until double in size)
-Turn dough onto a lighted floured surface
-Divide into 8-12 equal pieces
-Roll each ball into a 20-inch rope
-Form into pretzel shape
-Bring water and baking soda to a boil
-Slip pretzels into boiling water (1-2 at a time)
-Boil for 10-15 seconds
-Remove with a slotted spoon
-Drain
-Place pretzels on greased baking sheets
-Lightly brush with water (or egg bath)
-Sprinkle with coarse salt (Sea Salt!)
-Bake in a hot (425º degree F) oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown

And just for the record:

While history might credit the Germans for the creation of the pretzel, the first American pretzels came on to the scene in the Philadelphia region in the mid 1800's. According to www.ushistory.org:

" Lititz, a city outside of Lancaster in Pennsylvania Dutch country is said to be the birthplace of the American pretzel. Another legend has it that in the late 1850s, a hobo jumped off a train in Lititz and was given a free meal by a baker named Ambrose Roth. In exchange for Roth's munificence, the hobo gave the baker a recipe for the pretzel. Roth passed on the recipe to his apprentice, William Sturgis, who baked the first American pretzel in 1861...."

Soft pretzels can be purchased throughout the city, often from street vendors. The best pretzel is warm and does not appear to be moist. Once the pretzel gets cold, it begins to harden, and the soft pretzel is no longer soft, nor nearly as good. Many people coat their pretzels with yellow mustard, which heightens the taste. The vendor should have mustard available. Enjoying a Philadelphia soft pretzel is an important experience during any visit to Philadelphia. (source: tryphilly.com)

Crock Pot Jamboree!

2011-03-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

THIS WAS JUST TOO COOL NOT TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE.

I WORK FROM HOME, TEACH A CHRISTIAN FITNESS CLASS AND I HOMESCHOOL. SOMEHOW EVERYONE SEEMS TO THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE I AM HOME ALL DAY THAT I HAVE OODLES OF FREE TIME. LOL!

THIS INCREDIBLE LINK LIST HAS THE POTENTIAL OF MAKING ME LOOK GOOD -- VERY GOOD. I AM PUTTING IT INTO THE MEAL ROTATION ASAP. NOW, I HAVE LEFT IT "AS IS" -- YOU WILL LEARN THAT SOME RECIPES ARE HEALTHY AND OTHERS . . . WELL, NOT SO MUCH. I WILL LEAVE IT TO YOUR DISCRETION.

JUST CLICK ON THE MEAL YOU WANT AND IT OPENS A FILE WITH THAT RECIPE. HAVE A BLAST -- GO ON AND IMPRESS YOUR FAMILY!

(Hat Tip to Michelle M.)

. . . . almost every link works :-)

Crock Pot - Beef

All Day Crock Pot Beef	Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry	Beef and Pasta Casserole	Beef Diablo
Beef Fajitas	Beef Ragout Over Rice	Beef Tips	Beer Braised Beef in Crock Pot
Burritos Crock Pot Style	California Tamale Pie	Cattleman's Beef and Beans	Cheeseburger Sandwiches
Cheesy Meat Loaf	Chili Beer Brisket of Beef	Classic Swiss Steak	Complete Crock Pot Dinner
Corned Beef and Cabbage	Country Swiss Steak	Cowboy Casserole	Cranberry Pork Roast
Crock Pot Beef Burgundy	Crock Pot Beef 'n Peppers	Crock Pot Beef with Mushrooms	Crock Pot Beef Roast
Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls	Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage	Crock Pot Creole Steak Strips	Crock Pot Delight
Crock Pot Easy Swiss Steak	Crock Pot Enchiladas	Crock Pot Fajitas	Crock Pot Fajitas II
Crock Pot Italian Beef	Crock Pot Meatballs	Crock Pot Rump Roast	Crock Pot Sauerbraten
Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce	Crock Pot Swiss Steak	Crock Pot Taco Casserole	Fiesta Tamale Pie
Glazed Corned Beef	Glazed Corned Beef #2	Harvest Dinner	Harvest Pot Roast with Tomato-Wine Sauce
Hot-and-Spicy Sloppy Joes	Lean Crock Pot Beans	Nina's Beef and Beans	Pot Roast Dinner
Old Time Beef Stew	Pot Roast with Noodles	Ranch Style Beef	Reuben Casserole
Roast Cooked with Coke	Roast with Veggies	Sage Pot Roast	Salsa Swiss Steak
Savory Pepper Steak	Savory Stewed Beef	Slow-Cooked Beef Stifado	Slow Cooked Pepper Steak
Slow Cooked Steak Rolls	Slow Cooked Swiss Steak Supper	Slow Cooker Italian Spaghetti Sauce	Slow Cooker Lasagna
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak	Slowly Deviled Beef	Smothered Steak Strips	Spaghetti Sauce Italiano
Spicy Wine Pot Roast	Stuffed Cabbage Casserole	Stuffed Pasta Shells	Swiss Bliss
Swiss Steak	Teriyaki Steak	Three Pepper Steak	Three-Way Beef
Yankee Pot Roast and Vegetables

Crock Pot - Pork

Crock Pot - Fish & Seafood

Crock Pot - Soup, Stew & Chili

Barley Soup	Bean Soup for the Crock Pot	Bean Soup Italiano	Beef-Barley Stew
Beef Chowder	Beef Ragout	Black Bean Chili with Beef	Busy Day Stew
Calico Ham and Bean Soup	Chicken and Vegetable Chowder	Chicken Vegetable Chowder	Chili
Chili con Queso	Confetti Yellow Pea Soup	Cowboy Sausage & Beans	Crock Pot Bean Soup
Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup	Crock Pot Beef Stew	Crock Pot Beef Stew #2	Crock Pot Beef Stew #3
Crock Pot Beef Vegetable Soup	Crock Pot Chicken Corn Soup	Crock Pot Chowder	Crock Pot Broccoli Soup
Crock Pot Chili	Crock Pot Chili #2	Crock Pot Cock 'n Bull Stew	Crock Pot Corn Chowder
Crock Pot Dumpling Soup	Crock Pot French Onion Soup	Crock Pot Hamburger Soup	Crock Pot Hearty Beef Stew
Crock Pot Homemade Chicken Soup	Crock Pot Onion Soup	Crock Pot Potato Soup	Crock Pot Split Pea Soup
Crock Pot Stew	Crock Pot Wild Rice Soup	Debbie's Potato Soup	Easy Crock Pot Chili
Favorite Beef Stew	Greek Beef Stew	Healthy Chili in Crock Pot	Hearty Bean Soup
Italian Bean Soup	Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup	Jolene's Chili	Lentils & Vegetable Stew
Low-Fat Potato Soup	Minestrone Soup from the Crock Pot	Navy Bean Bacon Chowder	Polish Hunter Soup
Pork Chop Stew	Possum Lodge Firehouse Chili	Potato and Mushroom Chowder	Ranch Style Stew
Red Beans, Barley & Sausage Stew	Slow Cooked Texas Stew	Slow Cooked Two Meat Chili	Slow Cooked Tex-Mex Chili
Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Soup	Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew	Southwest Stew	Southwestern Corn Chowder
Southwestern Chicken and Bean Stew	Spicy Black and Red Bean Soup	Spicy Cajun Gumbo	Taco Soup
Tex-Mex Chili	Tomato-Bean Stew	Tortilla Soup	Vegetable Barley Soup
Vegetable Beef Barley Soup	Vegetable Gumbo	Vegetarian Split Pea Soup	Waldorf Astoria Stew

Crock Pot - Barbeque

Crock Pot - Side Dishes

Aztec Black Beans	Barley with Mushrooms & Green Onions	Bean and Cornbread Casserole	Bean Pot Medley
Bean Ragout with Cilantro-Cornmeal Dumplings	Best Crock Pot Beans	Bourbon Baked Beans	California Rice
Cavatini	Cheese and Potato Casserole	Cheesy Creamed Corn	Chuck Wagon Beans
Corn, Ham and Potato Scallop	Cottage Potatoes	Cowboy Beans	Creamy Green Beans
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes	Creole Black Beans	Crock Pot Baked Beans	Crock Pot Beans
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans	Crock Pot Casserole	Crock Pot Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole	Crock Pot Cheese Potatoes
Crock Pot Corn	Crock Pot German Potato Salad	Crock Pot Mexican Dish	Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Crock Pot Spanish Rice	Crock Pot Tijuana Pie	Double Squash Combo	Enchanted Beans
Frijoles (Pinto Beans)	Frijoles Borrachos	Herbed Squash AuGratin	Layered Dinner
Mexican Red Beans	Mormon Beans	No-Fuss Party Potatoes	Pineapple Baked Beans
Pizza Beans	Potatoes Au Gratin	Prysnac Serbia (Broccoli Casserole)	Rice
Risi Bisi	Saucy Green Peas with Onions	Scalloped Corn	Slow Cooker Oven Bean Salad
Spanish Rice	Spinach Souffle in a Crockpot	Sunshine Bean Casserole	Thelma's Beans
Vegetable Casserole	Vegetable Enchilada	Vegetable Spaghetti	Wild Rice Casserole
Zucchini Parmigiana

Crock Pot - Dessert

Crock Pot - Miscellaneous

Your Car Insurance Company is Probably Not Telling You . . . .

2011-03-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

. . . . that insurance rates are constantly changing.

I am a frugal gal who works from home and has a large network of people that I stay in contact with all across the USA. I listen to my business partners and clients across the country and I have learned a few things!

1) In many parts of the country car insurance rates have actually dropped significantly. You do not automatically get that savings. Your insurance company sure isn't eager for you to find out! But it is there for the taking.
If your driving record has improved you may get even more cost savings on your policy.

2) You are NOT locked in to your policy and its terms. Insurance is not like a typical cell phone contract.
If you are thinking, "yes, but I prepay or have paid ahead," do not fear!

You have the right to cancel your policy at any time and get a pro-rated refund.

3) There is no cost to switch policies from one company to another! (I wish cell phones were like that!)

You can easily compare quotes from many insurance companies to see who delivers the most savings.

I say, "Go for it!"

Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil, honey (I squeeze a few generous circles around the bowl)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes

H/T - my friend, Lisa Jacobucci Boyle

My February Lists

2011-02-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Nature:
* The nights are dark and cool.
* The weather is unpredictable. Be happy for warm and cold!
* The ground needs preparation for Spring - which is very close.
* The February Moon will be full on Friday the 18th. It is called the Snow Moon.

Faith:
Family Rosaries
1. Saint Bridgid
1. Saint Ignatius
2. Candlemas-Day
3. Saint Blase
4. Saint Jane of Valois
5. Saint Agatha
6. Saint Dorothy
7. Saint Romuald
8. Saint John of Matha
9. Saint Apollonia
10. Saint Scholastica
11. Saint Severinus
12. Saint Benedict of Anian
13. Saint Catherine of Ricci
14. Saint Valentine
15. Sts. Faustinus and Jovita
16. Blessed John de Britto
16. Saint Onesimus, Disciple of Saint Paul
17. Saint Flavian
18. Saint Simeon
19. Saint Barbatus
20. Saint Eucherius
21. Saint Severianus
23. Saint Peter Damian
23. Saint Serenus
24. Saint Matthias
25. Saint Tarasius
26. Saint Porphyry
27. Saint Leander
28. Saints Romanus and Lupicinus
29. Saint Oswald

Seasonal Food:

* butternut squash
* cauliflower
* sweet potatoes
* oranges
* grapefruit
* pears
* pizzelles

Home:

* Heart Wreath on front door! <3
* Time to scrub all the windows, sills, screens and sashes ~
* Time for carpet cleaning
* Garage goal . . . make ready for wall frame
* Set up candle making supplies
* Deep Clean Kitchen (especially counter tops) with herbal (Melaleuca) cleansers.
* Ceiling fans cleaned
* Bring hums back home
* Back deck painted and backyard deck power washed/treated
* Upstairs hall painted and 4 new pictures hung
* Boys making Blanket Chests :-)

Life:
* Family Rosaries
* Tuesdays - Latin Mass :-)
* MODA prayer class to begin
* KinderMusik class planned - to begin in March
* First Friday (4)
* New Beginnings Homeschool Group (11)
* CCs Brunch (12)
* Minute2WinIt Party (12)
* CCs Steak Dinner (13)
* Family Dinner Celebration for CC (14)
* J & V to Game Night - date still to be chosen
* Family Game Night - date still to be chosen
* Father to lunch - date still to be chosen

Crafts/activities:

* Pick up The Catholic Mosaic series
* Make the picture frame craft for the prints purchased at HH
* Biking with son
* iPod walks
* Museum @ least one day.
* Make candles.
* Read a story from the new books each day.
* Rosaries to OGAP
* Crosses

A very Happy February to you!

Popeye Polenta

2011-01-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

Super foods are nutrient power houses that boost your immune system and fight aging. Leafy greens are one of the top 12 nutrient dense super foods.

Popeye (Spinach) Polenta

Preheat oven to 350º
2 bunches spinach
1 med. onion-sliced thinly
4 cloves slivered garlic
¼ cup water
3 ½ cup water and/or vegetable broth
1 ¼ cup whole grain cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. fresh herb of your choice
4 oz asiago cheese
4 oz fresh mozzarella
½ cup sour cream (can used reduced fat)

Wash spinach. Coarse chop. Heat large skillet with olive oil, add onion and sauté for 1 minute.
Add spinach and water. Cook and toss until wilted, about 4 minutes.
Prepare polenta: Heat water/stock to a boil and add cornmeal gradually and in a steady stream stirring constantly with a wire whisk until combined. Continue to boil and cook, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. Stir in seasonings in the last 2 minutes. Stir in asiago cheese.
Smear a bottom thin layer of polenta into a 2 qt. casserole.
Top with spinach.
Top spinach with sour cream and sliced mozzarella. Top with remaining polenta.
Bake for about 30 minutes and allow to rest another 5 minutes before serving.

Crockpot Dressing

2011-01-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

1 cup margarine
2 cups onion -- chopped
2 cups celery -- chopped
1/4 cup parsley sprigs
2 cups mushrooms, 8 oz. -- drained
12 cups bread cubes -- slightly dry
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 eggs -- well beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sage
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon marjoram -- optional
3 1/2 cups chicken broth or turkey broth

Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion, celery, parsley, and mushrooms.
Pour over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.
Add all seasonings and toss well.
Pour in enough broth to moisten.
Add eggs and mix well.
Pack lightly into Crockpot.
Cover and set to high for 45 minutes then reduce to low to cook for 4 to 8 hours.

This recipe is from the Rival Crock Pot Cookbook.

Classic Games On-Line! Blokus and Scattergories

2010-12-26T21:16:00.000-08:00

BLOKUS

Blokus is a strategy game where you play against 3 other players. The object of the game is to place a maximum of your 21 pieces on the board. The more pieces you place on the board, the higher your score will be.
But, of course, it is not that simple. There are only certain ways you can put your pieces on the board. Play starts with the blue player and proceeds to yellow, red, then green. The first piece of each player must be placed in one of the four corners starting in the upper left with blue and going clockwise around the board. The player may place any piece he chooses in the corner spot. Play then continues with blue, yellow, red, and green each placing a piece, in turn until one can no longer place a piece on the board.

After the first piece is placed, each piece must be placed so that the pieces of the same color touch only at the corners. Pieces must never come in contact with the sides of a piece that is the same color. Different colors may play against your color thus blocking your play. Some strategic moves to help you win the game are as follows.

First of all, always try to keep your pieces moving toward the center of the board. If you keep to your corner, you will quickly be blocked. Also, you will want to try to place your largest (5 square) pieces at the beginning of the game. As play continues, there is less and less space thus it is harder to place the larger pieces. In addition, you will always want to keep the maximum number of corners open so that you will have maximum play space available. Try to use the different shapes to create more open play space on the board for yourself.

SACTTERGORIES

This is a great group word game of quick thinking and originality. Just make a list of words falling under various categories that all begin with the same letter.

Sound easy?

There is a time limit, and you have to think of things nobody else does. So if your category is "colors" and the letter is "P," you'd better think of something other than pink. Try taking a chance on polar bear white or pale red - but only if you don't think of peach, pigment, purple or puce.

Rubber Banding

2010-12-13T19:51:00.001-08:00

Don't you just love new and creative uses for simple things? Well, here ya go . . . a doozy of a list!

For stubborn jar tops, wrap a rubber band around the perimeter of the the lid a couple times before attempting to open it—the band acts as a grip and makes it about a thousand times easier to undo.

Paint can marker. If you’re partially finished with a can of paint, wrap a rubber band around its exterior at the same level as the paint that’s inside the can so you can tell at a glance how much you have left.

Pencil eraser. Fold a rubber band a few times to rub off pencil doodles.

To keep soap output in check. Loop a rubber band around the neck of the pump on a liquid soap dispenser to control how much soap comes out with each use.

Bookmarks. Just wrap a band around the page you’ve just finished reading and the cover of the book.
You won’t have to worry about losing your place, nor do you have to bend the pages.

To manage stray wires—or yarn. Wrap cords and balls of yarn or thread in bands to prevent tangles.

Baby-proof cabinets. Bind knobs with rubber bands to keep them firmly shut.

Remote control pad. Wrapping the base with a band keeps your remote from sliding off the coffee table—and prevents your furniture from scratching.

Make a broom last. When the bristles on a broom get tired and start to splay out, wrap a couple rubber bands close to the base to keep them tight (and cleaning more effectively).

Kitty proof your toilet paper. To keep kittens (or puppies) from pawing at the ends, wrap a band around a roll of toilet paper.

Bottle gripper. To keep shampoos, conditioners, etc from slipping from your hands in the shower, wrap rubber bands around the middles to make them easier to grip.

Keep a sliced apple fresh. Supposedly, after you slice an apple into wedges, if you reassemble the wedges so the apple looks intact again and wrap a (clean!) band around it, it slows down the browning process—a good thing to keep in mind for brown bag lunches.

Have anything to add to this list?

SOURCE: A Dozen Ways to Stretch a Rubber Band
Tricks w/ a Rubber Band

Great Meals on a Budget

2010-12-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to feed a family of 4 on $300.00 a month? (That is about $75.00 a person per month - so you can easily do the math for bigger families) Yes, it is possible! And you can even get some change back.

When money was excruciatingly tight a few years ago I fed 3 on no more than $100.00 a month. THAT was hard and the selection of food was rather mundane. We did a lot of spaghetti, rice and beans. If we bought beef it was hamburger and it was a treat. I would hope to not have to relive that.
I vividly remember neighbors with the same size families complaining about how they could not get out of the grocery without spending $100.00 (a week!!!!!). That $100.00 did not even include their McDonalds, Chick Filet and take out pizza.

Maybe you do not need to be ultra frugal to make ends meet. But cutting back is always helpful. The exercise of becoming AWARE of how that money can trickle away can be mind bending.
Think of it like this-- the money you save could go to those less fortunate. What a great family endeavor!

A good starting point -- nutrient-rich foods that pack a lot of bang for the buck -- RECIPES and meal ideas follow! :-)

Leslie Bonci, a dietician at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests these nutrient-rich foods that pack a lot of bang for the buck:

• Eggs: 99 cents per dozen, can be breakfast, lunch, dinner or hard-boiled for snacks.

• Canned beans, like kidneys or chick peas: 79 cents for a 16-ounce can. Bags of raw beans are a good buy, also.

• A five-pound roasting chicken ($5) could yield two dinners. For the first meal, roast with potatoes and carrots and eat half of the chicken. For the second meal, make a stir-fry with the leftover chicken and a bag of frozen mixed veggies ($1.29 for a 16-ounce bag) and serve over brown rice (99 cents for a 16-ounce bag).

• Oatmeal costs $3.69 for a 42-ounce canister and has 30 servings. (Of course, stay away from those silly individual packets) That could replace at least $7 worth of boxed cereal, and the oatmeal has better fiber and is more filling.

• Bananas, @ 49 cents a pound, cost less than most fruits, especially those "select" peaches and nectarines @ $1.99 per pound. Bananas are definitely cheaper and healthier than the sugary granola bars or fruit roll ups.

• Texturized Veggie Protein, a lean meat substitute that's a lot like ground beef and can be added to pasta sauce or tacos, is $2.69 for 10 ounces.

So, here is the nitty gritty:

If you eat cereal and milk for breakfast, a PB&J and an apple for lunch, and protein-enriched pasta with store-brand marinara and a couple of carrots sticks and broccoli or green beans for dinner, you could get by on $10.34 per day.

Cutting out all the extras can make a big difference over time. No snacks, no OJ (fresh seasonal fruit instead), no organic milk at $5.99 per gallon, no fresh Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of that pasta, no frozen yogurt at night. Brown bag it to the office and on outings (to avoid restaurants or *gasp* fast food). Coffee can be added to the mix, at $2.15 per week, because I know many people consider it essential. But NO Starbucks, for goodness sake!

Our family's bargain-basement dinner costs $3.40. Foods that most people think are inexpensive (like a large pizza for $10) are pricey in comparison. And the foods that others agree are "a bit more expensive"such as a $10 steak, fish that's $14 per pound, or deli meat at $8.99 per pound, seem decadent.

But, all in all, I have realized that there is real money to be saved by this exercise and subsequent habit changes!

Here are some helpful ideas for frugal cooking. Remember that S T R E T C H I N G makes the difference . . .

IDEA 1) The meal: 30 minute / 5 ingredient chili - 5 ingredients because I always add onions.
To S T R E T C H -- use more beans and less meat. Or make rice as a side. (rice and beans = the perfect protein)

IDEA 2) The meal: Roasted Chicken makes the perfect special occasion meal. Use smaller broiler/fryers and roast potatoes along with the bird to stretch. Carrots gussied up with butter and dill make an inexpensive side. Cost: about $7. OR another good chicken recipe (especially if you have a bit of Cajun in ya) Crock Pot Creole Chicken

IDEA 3) The meal: A veggie-rich stir-fry is so easy on the budget! The recipe is a guide -- You can use almost any veggies. (If you do not have ginger or soy sauce it is not the end of the world!) You could start the meal with Egg Drop Soup and finish with fresh fruit. The egg drop soup base does NOT have to be from a can. Use those chicken bones and drippings from yesterday's roast and make your own. Stir fry in any leftover chicken, too. Cost: about $9.

IDEA 4) The meal: Less costly than spaghetti and meatballs, Spaghetti Carbonara calls for eggs, bacon, and Parmesan to flavor noodles. Serve with chopped iceberg salad. Cost: about $9.

IDEA 5) The meal: What budget meal repertoire would be complete without Tuna Noodle Casserole, particularly one with a crunchy potato chip topping? Serve with steamed broccoli florets. Cost: about $9.

IDEA 6) The meal: This well-loved enchilada recipe is made to serve eight, so cut it in half, or make the full recipe and freeze leftovers. Cost: about $10.

IDEA 7) The meal: Stroganoff - Switching to hamburger instead of beef tips cuts down the price of Stroganoff without sacrificing flavor. Serve with steamed fresh veggies in season OR frozen veggies. Cost: about $10.

IDEA 8) The meal: Tomato vegetable soup An easy base recipe! OR Taco Soup You can add different kinds of beans to this one :-) I substitute fresh or frozen whenever possible if a recipe calls for a can. It all depends on the budget :-)
Become a soup connoisseur -- it is healthy and budget friendly! A loaf of homemade bread makes it a special dinner! (I use a stick of butter instead of oil if the budget allows)

IDEA 9) The meal: Meatloaf -- as many ways to make it as there are days in the year. The basic idea is ground meat + other ingredients that go well with the meat! Bind together (usually) with eggs and bread crumbs and bake!

IDEA 10) The meal: Homemade pizza I like to use the Jiffy Boxed pizza dough mix. I never use enough flour so my pizza crust is usually very (too) thin. My family will tell you -- add flour to knead it and don't be afraid of the flour! LOL

Comments and Observations 1

2010-12-06T00:20:00.000-08:00

"You'd never know this from going to a supermarket, but children are supposed to eat the same foods as their parents."

--Dr. Marion Nestle

Berry Brunch Bars

2010-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

2 Very Similar Recipes!

Blueberry Crumb Bars Recipe
(Adapted from AllRecipes)
Ingredients:

1 cup sugar (plus extra 1/4 to 1/3 cup for blueberries)
1 tsp. baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter
1 egg (you can use 2 to 4 for a less crumbly version)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt
zest of one lemon
4 cups fresh blueberries
3 Tbsp. cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, salt, lemon zest, and baking powder. Blend in the butter, egg and vanilla. Dough will be thick to crumbly. (I often add a touch of add water to make it smoother)
Half to 2/3 of the of dough goes into the prepared pan.

In another bowl, stir together the sugar and cornstarch. Gently mix in the blueberries. Sprinkle the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over the berry layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

No fresh berries? You can make this with Canned Fruit!
1 c. butter
1 3/4 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 can cherry pie filling OR blueberry pie filling
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cream first 2 ingredients.
Add eggs; beat well.
Add vanilla.

Sift dry ingredients; mix well into batter.

Put 2/3 into bottom of greased 9x13-inch pan.

Spread cherry OR blueberry filling.

Drip remaining batter over the fruit.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.

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

Optional: When slightly cool, drip with powdered sugar icing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even better the second day. It usually needs to bake almost an hour. Buttery and moist.

Beer Bread

2010-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

RECIPE #1

BEER BREAD WITH NO YEAST

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 12-ounce can of beer

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly grease a loaf pan. Combine all the ingredients, mixing well. Pour into prepared pan and bake for one hour or until golden.

RECIPE #2
BEER BREAD WITH YEAST

21/2 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 package yeast
1 cup beer
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
1 egg

Grease and flour a 9×5 loaf pan and set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast and mix to blend. In a small sauce pan, combine beer butter and honey and heat to 125 to 130 degrees.

Pour beer mixture into flour and add the egg.
Mix to blend, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
Cover and let rise until double in bulk.
Punch down and place in prepared pan.
Cover and let rise for 15 to 30 minutes then bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 – 35 minutes until bread is golden brown.
Remove from pan and let cool before serving.

Ice, Ice Baby!

2010-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

It is a standard procedure for paramedics to look for in-case-of-emergency contact numbers in cell phones.

ICE - "In Case of Emergency"

There are hundreds of numbers stored in our phones so it is important to designate the people you want contacted in case of emergency. Use the acronym - I C E preceding their names.

For more than one contact name simply use ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3, etc.

Take action right now!

1) Label your ICE numbers today AND

2) Tell others

The History of Medicine in 6 Steps

2010-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

You have an earache . . .

2000 BC - Here, eat this root.

1000 AD - That root is heathen, say this prayer.

1850 AD - That prayer is superstition, drink this potion.

1940 AD - That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill.

1985 AD - That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic.

2000 AD - That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.

Lawsuit Proceeds on Johnson & Johnson's Baby Shampoo

2010-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

A lawsuit alleging Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo includes potentially cancer-causing chemicals will be allowed to go forward, according to a federal court judge In Newark.
U.S. District Court Judge Dennis Cavanaugh based his decision to let the lawsuit proceed on the presence of a single chemical ingredient found in the shampoo: methylene chloride, which is banned by the Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics.

Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo AND WalMart’s Equate Tearless Baby Wash contain the same cancer-causing chemicals.

Lawyers for WalMart and Johnson & Johnson, which is based in New Brunswick, had sought to dismiss the suit, arguing the consumers lacked standing to sue because the product failed to cause an injury or that the shampoo failed to clean hair.
Bonnie Jacobs, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson’s consumer products business, refused to comment on the litigation.

In a letter last May to Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Executive Officer William Weldon, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of consumer, health and environmental groups, asked the company to reformulate the baby shampoo as well as some of its other personal care products.
In addition to noting methylene chloride, the letter — and the ensuing lawsuit — also identified formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane as being in the baby shampoo.

At the time the coalition sent its letter to Weldon, the company said the chemical compounds existed in "trace levels’’ that could result from processes that make the baby shampoo gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. "Many regulatory agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe,’’ Johnson & Johnson spokesman Bill Price told the Associated Press at the time.

Ira Loss, an analyst who follows the pharmaceutical industry, said it is not unusual for companies to reformulate their products and then to market them as new and improved.

Edited by Soutenus (bolding and cartoon is my emphasis)
Full post here.
Author: Susan Todd stodd@starledger.com or (973) 392-4125

Pesto Recipe

2010-10-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

1 bunch fresh Basil stems removed (about two cups packed leaves)

3 TB pine nuts

1 TB olive oil

~2 garlic cloves

~1/4 tsp salt

2 TB water

1/2 cup + 2 TB grated Parmesan cheese

Combine all in food processor (or crush and blend with a mortar and pestle). I sometimes add a bit more salt and garlic but prepare by recipe first and taste test before adjusting.

Boil the water for your pasta and . . . enjoy!

(Grocery) Store Wars - May the Farm Be With You!

2010-10-20T19:27:00.001-07:00

CLASSIC!

These are dark times, young Cuke!

Seduced by artificially lower prices, people don't even want to know where their food comes from.

A growing resistance called the Organic Rebellion is fighting back!

Help me, Obi-wan Cannoli, you're my only hope!

Chew-Brocolli!

That's no moon, that's a melon! The Death Melon! That giant fruit threatens us all!

Darth Tator. He's now more chemical than vegetable.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2010-10-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

H/T In the Heart of My Home

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte seems to be a seasonal hit. Many people eagerly wait for it to show up on menus each Fall.

I noticed that it was back on the menu when I went to Starbucks just the other day . . . . However, for those of us on a budget, those little cups of goodness can add up. 99.9% of the time I just do not buy from Starbucks as a matter of principal.

I do not like their donor program (planned parenthood)

I can spend that same money to actually help someone with real food . . . . .

Making your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home will not only save you money, but you can also enjoy them at anytime of the year.
And! You can tweak the recipe to make it, as Goldilocks says, "Just right." (We have not even mentioned impressing friends and family! LOL)

Note: You can change the sugar and fat content of this recipe quite easily.

Pumpkin Spice Latte
makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk ( I much prefer 1/2 & 1/2 or @ least a mixture of milk and cream or 1/2 & 1/2)
2 Tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming.

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process until foamy (for 15 seconds @ least). If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really, really, really, really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream (almost NOT optional)
And sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, or drizzle honey on top.

SOURCE: In the Heart of My Home

Anti-Cancer Activity of Tea Tree Oil

2010-09-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

A report released in June 2010 by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation has highlighted the positive role Tea Tree Oil may play in the future in treating people with skin cancer.
The identification of anti-cancer activity of Tea Tree Oil is an important step in the process to identify, test and implement effective treatments for skin cancer.

“This research is encouraging, as researchers were able to successfully demonstrate a way to inhibit tumour growth in mice and induce tumour regression,” Dr Roslyn Prinsley, General Manager of RIRDC’s New Rural Industries said.

As part of the study, researchers from the University of Western Australia examined the efficacy of a topical Tea Tree Oil formulation as a potential anti-tumor agent using preclinical mouse cancer models.

Researchers measured changes in solid tumors grown under the skin in mice which were treated topically by rubbing the area with a Tea Tree Oil formulation.

Mice were treated for four days with the TTO formulation, with researchers monitoring the rate at which tumours grew, or started to subside.

Researchers found that the Tea Tree Oil formulation significantly inhibited the growth of cancerous tumors in mice and also regressed the tumors during and after the treatment period for a time. Only minor side effects (which appear to be important for topical chemotherapies to work effectively) were observed in the form of skin irritation which was temporary and cleared after a few days.

According to the report’s co-author, Dr Sara Greay from The University of Western Australia, the findings are significant as the tumours being studied are highly aggressive.

“We’ve known for a long time that tea tree oil has recognized health benefits, particularly its role in combating bacteria, fungi, and viruses” Dr Greay said. (see: Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle)

“Although we and others have reported anti-cancer activity of tea tree oil against cells in vitro, no study has ever reported anti-tumour efficacy of tea tree oil in a preclinical cancer setting. We believe the formulation is crucial to prevent the evaporation and increase the penetration of tea tree oil through the skin. So what this new research tells us is that tea tree oil, in the right formulation may also play a role as a clinically effective topical treatment for skin cancer in humans.

“If topical Tea Tree Oil can slow down aggressive solid tumors grown under the skin in mice, then its potential to be effective against cancers that grow within the skin is enormous. The potential next step is a clinical trial to test Tea Tree Oil formulations on people with precancerous lesions, with the aim of preventing the development of skin cancer,” Dr Greay said.

SOURCES:
RIRDC
Anti cancer activity of tea tree oil was funded by RIRDC and industry revenue from Novasel Pty Ltd. The report is available on the RIRDC website www.rirdc.gov.au
Media enquiries:
Duncan Sheppard – RIRDC Public Affairs Manager – 02 6271 4175 or 0458 215 604
Janine MacDonald – University of Western Australia media manager - 08 6488 5563 or 0432 637 716

Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle

2010-09-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Tea tree oil, explains the UWA Tea Tree Oil Research Group, is the essential oil steam distilled from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia (unique to Australia and native to Northern New South Wales).

Kathi Keville of HowStuffWorks.com says this oil is often called a “medicine cabinet in a bottle” and is “effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and stimulates the immune system.” Here are 16 ways to use Tea Tree Oil for health and for the home.

*Make sure it comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. This will prevent light from shining in and reducing the oil’s potency. *Editor’s Note: This article does not replace medical advise.

Great Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil

For Health

Use a dab to treat acne or a fever blister.
An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice. (I have a chemical free recipe -- email a request to PeggyCortez@yahoo.com).
A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor.
Treating sinus infection.
For dandruff and dry scalp.
New research suggests possibilities in cancer treatment. See Anti-Cancer Activity of Tea Tree Oil

For Cleaning

A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
Be sure to take some with you when traveling, hiking or camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.

Tea tree oil is usually clear to very pale golden in color and it exudes a fresh, camphor-like scent.be sure to purchase it from a reputable company. I prefer Melaleuca's Tea Tree Oil because it it pharmaceutical grade, the company is reputable, green and they revenue share with customers.
More info here.

I have to include just a touch of history (because that's the way I roll! & Yes, I am a geek!)

On his first voyage to Australia, Captain Cook made a sharp-tasting tea from tea tree leaves and later used them in brewing beer. Eventually the leaves and then the essential oil were used to purify water. Australian soldiers and sailors used this essential oil as an all-purpose healing agent during World War II.

SOURCES:Author Mickey Z., Planet Green

HowStuffWorks & Discovery Health

TreeHugger.com

Editor Peggy Cortez, FourPointGroup

What Do Home Schoolers DO All Day? 9-15-10

2010-09-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Where do you go to school?
Many people still have a blank look on their faces when my son answers, "I am homeschooled."

The few bold individuals who inquire further seem very curious about what we do all day. So, in an effort to let those folks into our homeschool (and personal lives) I am posting a look at a "Day in the Life of . . . . well . . . . Us!"

As one of my mentors says, "Homeschooling is a Lifestyle!" *1

Although we do set school hours, the learning and active teaching never stops while we are awake! I truly believe that parents must set the tone, habits and expectations for their children -- whether they are "home schooled" or not. As a teacher with over 20 years experience, I can ABSOLUTELY tell which families do this and which do not.
When my kids were in traditional school I still "homeschooled." The biggest difference was that I was filling in the gaps from lesson plans to which I had no access. Luckily in the lower grades it is fairly easy to figure out the "lesson plan."

My youngest son (11 years old) is attending a private Christian school part-time so you will notice "ORCA" notated by those subjects. Our reasons for making the decision to participate part-time at a traditional school are fodder for whole new post down the line!

Here is a snapshot of yesterday. It is not chronological but divided by subject.

RELIGION -

Confession
Adoration
Studying the Gifts of The Holy Spirit .
Our Memory Trick: WUC4 KP (with sign language initials) - Fear of the Lord
C is also Right Judgment
4 is also Courage
P is also Reverence
Fear is also Wonder and Awe!
We both attended the Great Adventure Bible Study Facilitator Training at church (7 - 9pm)

MATH -

We skipped the Saxon Math lesson today
We reviewed simple Business Math using the Tamale Business Venture as our lesson plan :-) Part of this lesson was review. See BUSINESS /CONSUMER EDUCATION entry below

Gross and Net Profit
Profit Margins
10% tithe
50% savings
Spending Budget of $100.00 at ThinkGeek.com
Calculation of tax - (according to Comptroller's Office the state tax is 6.25% and local businesses can charge up to 2% -- so we used 8% as an estimate)
Calculation of shipping and handling

LANGUAGE ARTS -

ORCA - Mr. S. reminded the kids to ask themselves questions as they identify verbs, simple subjects, predicates, etc.
ORCA - Mini pop quiz in class (what questions do you ask yourself to i.d. parts of speech)
@ home - Writing Paragraphs Workbook pg 4 (Exclamatory and Imperative Sentences)
@ home 1 BIC

Writing Prompt - Partner Story! My son started the story and we physically passed it back and forth adding on each time. As we reached the climax of the story we began collaborating (i.e.: he shared what he thought should conclude the tale!! LOL). We surprised each other with our differing ideas and laughed at the dialogue. This has been one of the most animated, fun and fruitful creative writing endeavors we have ever done!

SPELLING - ORCA - Studied words for test
HUMANITIES/HISTORY - ORCA LOTS of history today! Studying for tomorrow's test.
@ home: Looked up "galleon" (the type of vessel that Ponce de Leon sailed)
VOCABULARY -

Vocabulary workbook 7/8 (88%)
FreeRice.com (600 grains /levels 5-9)

GEOGRAPHY - world geography on-line
SPANISH -

On-Line (La palabra del dia: Quiero ) and
Conjugating Tener and
Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros, pacadores, ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.

iCIVICS - Reviewed general "what is civics" and branches of government.
I have added 2 more sites to the sidebar of HSchooling Notebook because the iCivics Amendment activity, "Do I Have a Right?" is now too easy. :-)

BUSINESS /CONSUMER EDUCATION - Delivered all tamales! He insisted on doing it by himself -- on his bike with multiple trips - -- and declined my offer to drive him in an air conditioned car :-)
Reviewed the original Plan of Action. He met exceeded his sales goal (+1) and adhered to his timetable. Discussed new territory.
Product chosen-
Fresh Tamales
Territory -
Neighborhood only

What will the market bear?

We researched area prices for a dozen fresh tamales.
Rico's $30.00
Knights of Columbus $7.50 (I believe these are frozen?)
Survey of yahoo users (found through a google search) -- ~$7.00 to ~$18.00
We split the difference on the survey results, came down a notch and decided that a fair price would be
$12.00 a dozen.
Who is our competition?
Church tamale sales in our Parish last weekend
Area Restaurants?
Calculated Expenses -
Cost of the tamales, paying driver and gas.
Calculated Profit Margin -
Gross minus expenses
Calculated division of profits -
tithe, savings, money to spend
Plan of Action -
Calendared a time frame, reviewed safety guidelines, practiced script, created order sheet, mapped territory, route and set a sales goals.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: ORCA - played on the field at recess (passing and running game)

*1 Tina Robertson from New Beginnings

Top 10 Killer Household Chemicals

2010-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

AIR FRESHENERS: Most air fresheners interfere with your ability to smell by coating your nasal passages with an oil film, or by releasing a nerve deadening agent. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener: Formaldehyde: Highly toxic, known carcinogen. Phenol: When phenol touches your skin it can cause it to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives. Can cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and even death!!

AMMONIA: It is a very volatile chemical, it is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Do not inhale under any circumstances.

BLEACH: It 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. WARNING: never mix bleach with ammonia it may cause fumes which can be DEADLY. Bleach can be absorbed into the skin and can take months to break down. Bleach is now being suspected in the causes of breast, ovarian, and testicular cancer - think about it - what do you wash your underclothes in??

BODY CARE PRODUCTS: Shampoo, toothpaste, soap, hair spray, antiperspirants, fingernail polish, lotion, baby wipes, etc. contain an ingredient called Quaternium 15. This is one of over 30 trade names for FORMALDEHYDE ( this is what is put into dead bodies to slow down decomposing process)which is a highly suspected carcinogen. Formaldehyde can cause dizziness, ear infections, nausea, headaches, skin irritations, joint pain, mental confusion, disorientation, vomiting, sleep disturbances, phlebitis, fatigue, laryngitis.

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: Known carcinogen damages liver, kidney and nervous system damage. Ammonium Hydroxide: Corrosive, extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.

DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. # 1 cause of child poisonings, according to poison control centers. You know those steamy fumes from the dishwasher - chlorine gas...

DRAIN CLEANER: Most drain cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid or trichloroethane. Lye: Caustic, burns skin and eyes, if ingested will damage esophagus and stomach. Hydrochloric acid: Corrosive, eye and skin irritant, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Trichloroethane: Eye and skin irritant, nervous system depressant; damages liver and kidneys.

FURNITURE POLISH: Petroleum Distillates: Highly flammable, can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol: (see Air fresheners, Phenol.) Nitrobenzene: Easily absorbed through the skin, extremely toxic.

MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANERS: Chemicals contained are: Sodium hypochlorite: Corrosive, irritates or burns skin and eyes, causes fluid in the lungs which can lead to coma or death. Formaldehyde: Highly toxic, known carcinogen. Irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin. May cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath.

OVEN CLEANER: Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): Caustic, strong irritant, burns to both skin and eyes. Inhibits reflexes, will cause severe tissue damage if swallowed.

ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANERS: may contain: Triclosan: Absorption through the skin can be tied to liver damage. Also - news reports are now saying that antibacterial soaps can eliminate your body's ability to ward off harmful germs which will lead to "supergerms" that cannot be killed by antibacterial soaps. Are they doing more harm than good? That is the question now. Check your Bath & Body products and all antibacterial soaps for this ingredient.

LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: Sodium or calcium hypocrite: Highly corrosive, irritates or burns skin, eyes or respiratory tract. Linear alkylate sulfonate: Absorbed through the skin. Known liver damaging agent. Sodium Tripolyphosphate: Irritates skin and mucous membranes, causes vomiting. Easily absorbed through the skin from clothes.

TOILET BOWL CLEANERS: Hydrochloric acid: Highly corrosive, irritant to both skin and eyes. Damages kidneys and liver. Hypochlorite Bleach: Corrosive, irritates or burns eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which may be fatal.

OTHER NASTY THINGS THAT ARE AROUND YOUR HOME

PESTICIDES: Most pesticides have ingredients that affect the nervous system of insects. Imagine what these extremely poisonous chemicals do to your body or your baby's. Dimpylate: Better known as Diazinon, extremely toxic. Impairs the central nervous system. Chlorinate Hydrocarbons: Suspected carcinogen and mutantagen. Accumulates in food and in fatty tissue. Will attack the nervous system. Organophosphates: Toxic and poisonous. If you can smell it, your lungs are absorbing it.

FLEA POWDERS: Why put toxins on "man's (or woman's) best friend." Carbaryl: Very toxic, causes skin, respiratory and cardiovascular system damage. Chlordane: Accumulates in the food chain, may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidney and skin. Dichlorophene: Skin irritation: May damage liver, kidney, spleen and central nervous system.

LICE SHAMPOO: Especially vulnerable are children. Lindane: Inhalation, ingestion, or ABSORPTION through the SKIN causes vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and circulatory collapse. May cause liver damage, stillbirths, birth defects and cancer.
Lice R Gone is a non-toxic alternative to pesticide based Head Lice Products

CAR WASH AND POLISH: Petroleum Distillates: Associated with skin and lung cancer, irritant to skin, eyes, nose and lungs. Entry into the lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema, most marked Danger, Harmful or Fatal.

TAR AND BUG REMOVER: Contains XYLENE and PETROLEUM DISTILLATES. Manufacturers are not required by law to list all ingredients (harmful or not) on their labels if they are intended for household use. And don't forget about your favorite LYSOL product. It contains DIOXIN which is an ingredient used in Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was a chemical used to spray in the jungles to strip foliage off the trees so our soldiers would be able to SEE the enemies they were looking for. This poison has afflicted so many soldiers from that war!

The question is - what will YOU use to clean your home and body ? Do you want your children to be absorbing these chemicals? They already are. Do you want to educate yourself on the dangers of household chemicals, cleaning products, and personal care products? Would you like to know what options are available?

http://www.5678.fourpointwellness.com/contact.cpo

http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/household/alternative_products.htm

More info can be found here:

Know the Facts for Safety

One Decision Can Make a Difference

SOURCES: author, Steve Tvedten @ http://www.thenhf.com/articles_296.htm

9 Things Your House Guests Won't Tell You

2010-08-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

If you haven't gone into the guest bedroom since you stored last season's clothes, it's time for a quick makeover. Here are room-decorating ideas that will fix any faux pas, just in time for weekend visitors.

My water glass left a ring on the bedside table.
When you look for a nightstand, choose one that you don't have to worry about. If you want people to feel relaxed and comfortable, you can help by designing their room to be as low-maintenance as possible. A table with a glass top won't leave rings.

After turning out the lights, I bruised my knee climbing into bed.
Instead of harsh overhead lighting, try bedside sconces. Not only do they cast a soft, soothing light, guests won't have to negotiate their way back to bed in an unfamiliar space.

I'm hungry.
Guests don't want to be caught rummaging through your fridge. Leaving a small piece of fruit, like an orange or an apple, will curb their craving for a midnight snack.

I woke up at the crack of dawn.
Blackout shades are a great option for guest rooms. They work well when you want to sleep in late, and can also create a darkened, cool room on a summer afternoon.

I hate the giant bouquet.
Don't overwhelm a tiny table with a large bouquet. Just a few buds will give guests enough room to place their essentials — and won't bring on an onslaught of allergies.

I worry about waking you up.
Guests won't fret about walking around on creaking floors or disturbing you every time they get up if you throw down a plush rug. It also helps to warm up the space.

I'm really cold at night, or I'm uncomfortably hot.
Here's the secret to a perfectly prepared bed: Start with great cotton sheets, add a cotton coverlet, then finish with a down duvet on top. That combination offers enough flexibility to deal with the most extreme temperature swings. Think a down comforter is pricey? Check Ikea for affordable ones.

I can't find a place to charge my phone.
Guests shouldn't have to scramble down on all fours in order to find an outlet. Add a conveniently placed power strip or a docking station.

Oh no, I can't see how my hair/dress/shirt looks in this tiny makeup mirror from my purse!
Guests will appreciate a mirror in the room!
H/T to my friend, Bridget, for reminding me!

How do you prepare your home for guests?
Another good article: 20 Decorating Ideas

SOURCE: House Beautiful Magazine

Did You Know?

2010-08-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

WARNING: You can't trust warning labels!

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed 2983 chemicals used in personal care products. The results were as follows:

884 of the chemicals were toxic
314 caused biological mutation
218 caused reproductive complications
778 caused acute toxicity
148 caused tumors
376 caused skin and eye irritations

Did You Know?

There are more than 3 million poisonings every year.
Household cleaners are the #1 cause of poisonings in children.
Regular shampoos often contain formaldehyde as a preservative
Since 1980 asthma has increased by 600%
Common household products have been identified as triggers of asthma
A 15 year study found that women who worked at home had a 54% highter death rate from cancer than women who had jobs outside the home.
Manufacturers ARE NOT required to list the exact ingredients on a label
Chemical names are often disguised by using "trade names", so you may not recognize the chemical for what it truly is
A women's fertility has also been negatively affected by the increase use of chemicals. In 1934 only 21 cases of endometriosis existed in the entire world. Today over 5 million women have this condition, which causes infertility in the US alone.

Why Should We Worry About Toxic Chemicals?

According to the EPA, most homes have airborne concentrations of hazardous chemicals that are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.
According to the EPA, toxic chemicals found in the home are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor airborne pollutants.
The Consumer product Safety Commission connects 150 chemicals commonly found in our homes to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders.
The National Cancer Institute has a list of twenty known carcinogens and over 2,200 chemicals that are probable carcinogens. Many of these chemicals are in the cleaners and personal care products you buy at your local grocery store.

What can you do?

There are many safe products on the market... all you have to do is change brands of products. Buy your products at a health food store, or order them from a reliable wellness company.

Links about these toxins:

http://www.bygpub.com/natural/living.htm
http://www.nbc6.net/dianagonzalez/1822845/detail.html
http://consumerlawpage.com/article/household-chemicals.shtml
http://oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_2002/tows_past_20020531_c.jhtml
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlight/2001-11-08-chec.htm
http://www.checnet.org
http://www.childenvironment.org
http://danpatch.ecn.purdue.edu/~epados/waste/house/mainmenu.htm
http://www.rmbarry.com/research/toxics_children.html
http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/
http://www.preventingharm.org/index.html

The Dangers of MSG

2010-08-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

by Barbara L. Minton @ Food Matters
see also: The Truth in Food Labeling – Food Additives to Avoid & Hidden Sources of MSG

(NaturalNews) MSG, or Monosodium Glutamate is a salt that is chemically converted into a flavour enhancer. Research has shown that MSG, found in most popular processed foods, causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals by damaging the appetite regulation center in the area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, causing leptin resistence. Leptin is the hormone that controls how much a person feels like eating. The fullness, gratification and satisfaction that come from having eaten is completely lost when MSG is consumed, leading to an urge to eat that never stops. A recent cross-sectional study in China supports the conclusion that what was seen in the animal studies also applies to people.
The best way avoid MSG is by buying whole foods and preparing them at home.

Study finds using MSG can cause weight gain

The study, reported in the August edition of Obesity examined the association between MSG intake and weight gain in humans. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 752 healthy Chinese people ages 40-59. These people were randomly sampled from three rural villages in north and south China. Forty-eight percent were women. The great majority of the participants prepared their foods at home, without use of commercially processed foods. For the study, participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. Eighty-two percent of the participants were MSG users. Their average intake was 330 milligrams per day.

After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index. Weight gain was significantly greater in MSG users than in nonusers. For the third of participants using the highest amount of MSG, the odds of reaching overweight status were between 2.10 and 2.75 greater than for nonusers.

MSG is an excitotoxin that causes brain damage

MSG is a food additive found in almost all commercially prepared and packaged food. It supercharges the taste of food, but not in the way you would think. MSG operates on the brain, fooling it into thinking food tastes really great. MSG is an excitotoxin in the brain, meaning that it over stimulates the brain causing the production of excessive amounts of dopamine. This creates a drug-like rush that provides a brief sensation of well being. It is highly addictive, causing its consumers to keep coming back for more and end up overeating. In the process, brain cells are destroyed.

Because MSG damages the brain and alters the ability of the brain to respond to the signal from the hormone leptin that satiety has occurred, it is a prime culprit in the epidemic of obesity that has everyone scratching their heads as to cause. Several research studies have shown that ingestion of MSG induces obesity in rats. In fact, when researchers want to fatten up lab rats for experiments, they feed them MSG because its effect is so predictable and rats will bulk up with regularity. MSG destroys the hard wiring in the brain of a rat like it does in the brain of a person.

Corporations that sell processed food love MSG because it makes cheap ingredients taste great. The success of their highly addictive branded flavors depends on their ability to stimulate the brain and create a repetitive response to these products. Instead of creating a quality product that tastes good on its own merits, processed food producers just lace a low integrity food product with MSG without regard for the negative effects it will have on the person who eats this product.

One of corporate America's best friends, the FDA, has said for many years that consumption of MSG is safe, and has condoned its use as an additive flavor enhancer in countless processed and branded food products. As obesity has reached epidemic proportions in American society, the FDA has purposefully ignored the steady stream of research showing its obesity producing effects. WHY is the US government OK with MSG in our food, especially when obesity and diabetes appear to be a problems they would like to address? Good question.

MSG also promotes liver inflammation and dysplasia

Chronic inflammation is a common theme in a variety of disease pathways, including autoimmune diseases. It is a concern due to its increasing prevalence in the westernized world and its direct correlation with lifestyle factors, particularly the diet. Diet caused liver damage may lead to liver cancer. In a study reported in the February-March, 2008 edition of the Journal of Autoimmunity, researchers reported that injecting MSG in mice leads to significant liver inflammation along with obesity and type 2 diabetes. To address the long-term consequences of MSG on inflammation, they performed serial analysis of MSG injected mice and focused in particular on liver pathology.

They found that by the age of 6 and 12 months, all MSG treated mice developed liver inflammation and structural change. Lesions were detected in some cases. They concluded that their results take on considerable significance in light of the widespread usage of dietary MSG and suggested that MSG should have its safety profile re-examined and potentially be withdrawn from the food chain.

The FDA condones food producers hiding MSG in their products

When people become aware of the dangers to their health and well being from the use of MSG, they no longer want to buy products that contain it. The producers of processed foods know that people don't want to consume MSG but are unwilling to remove it from their products because without it, people wouldn't want to buy them unless the quality was greatly improved, a task which would raise the cost of production. So they have gone to extremes to hide MSG in their products and this has been allowed by the FDA.

The term MSG is seldom seen listed on a food label, but MSG is most likely contained in the food, in a disguised form. Here are some of its many disguises: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured whey protein, and textured soy protein. Even the innocuous terms spice and natural flavor can designate the presence of MSG.

The use of MSG is another example of how corporate America has turned its back on the very consumers who buy their products, all in the name of greed. By continuing to pump their products full of MSG after knowing their customers do not want to consume it, food corporations are showing the ultimate in contempt for the food buying public, a contempt which should produce outrage rather than brand loyalty.

MSG is the world's most widely used flavor enhancer

It's very difficult to find any canned or packaged food item that does not contain MSG in one of its hidden forms. It's in canned and boxed soups, dried soup mixes, frozen prepared meals, canned prepared meals, fast food, junk food, snack food, Chinese food, gravy, stew, chili, canned beans, salad dressing, seasoning blends and mixes, bullion, broths, and prepared pasta products. Most restaurant food contains loads of MSG. It's what makes the restaurant experience so compelling. Hot food bars at grocery stores have foods containing MSG. Even high priced prepared foods that market themselves as gourmet are laced with MSG, such as the soup mixes and other non-dessert products at Harry and David's

You won't escape MSG shopping at Whole Foods or other stores that claim to sell healthy food. Many of the bagged, bottled, frozen and canned foods at Whole Foods contain MSG hidden under another name. Some of the deli dishes as well as those on the hot bar and the take-out rack contain hidden MSG.

Most processed food for children also contains high levels of MSG, such as spaghetti O's and other prepared pasta or pasta mixes, alphabet soup and chicken noodle soup, microwavable cups, packaged dinners marketed to kids, and much more. A meal of MSG containing food can raise the blood level of excitotoxin to a value proven in primates to destroy brain cells. A child's brain is four times mores sensitive to damage by excitotoxins than is the brain of an adult.

Chronic MSG ingestion by children may be one reason behind the nation's falling test scores, as well as attention and hyperactivity problems exhibited by children at home and at school.

The best way avoid MSG is by buying whole foods and preparing them at home. The next best thing is to become an expert at label reading and knowing the various disguises under which MSG travels. There are a few packaged prepared items at traditional grocery stores that do not contain MSG. At health food stores there are many more.

When you have managed to avoid MSG for a period of time and adjusted to the delicious taste of food as it was meant to be experienced, you will be shocked when you go out to a restaurant and taste food loaded with MSG again. You will know instantly because the flavor is so intense it is almost eye popping, and you suddenly want to just keep eating and eating.

Study found Red Clover able to block brain damage from MSG

Sometimes you just can't get around having to eat food that contains MSG. Eating at a restaurant with friends, an invitation to the boss' house for dinner, the need to stop for fast food while on a trip and many other situations can crop up where exposure to MSG is inevitable. A recent study found that pre-treating yourself with a supplement of red clover before you dine can nullify the potential for brain damage from MSG.

Phytomedicine, June 5, 2008 edition, reports researchers finding that the natural mixture of phytoestrogenic isoflavones found in red clover can protect the brain from MSG toxicity. They used a human cortical cell line to test the efficacy of a red clover fraction. When the cells were pretreated with red clover isoflavones there was a significant increase in cell survival and a significant decreased in the release of an enzyme indicating cell damage. The pretreatment also prevented the morphological disruption caused by MSG.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

The following foods contain MSG in amounts large enough to cause reactions in those sensitive to it.:

Taco Bell® - seasoned meat - contains autolyzed yeast - which contains free glutamate
Other menu items that contain soy sauce, natural flavors, autolyzed yeast or hydrolyzed protein which can contain up to 20% free glutamic acid - the active part of MSG.
Hamburger Helper Microwave Singles® (targeted towards children)
Doritos®
Campbell's® soups - all of them - based on their commitment to add "umami" (read - MSG) to their products
Pringles® (the flavored varieties)
Boar's Head® cold cuts and most of their hotdogs
Progresso® Soups - all of them
Lipton® Noodles and Sauce
Lipton® Instant soup mix
Unilever or Knorr® products - often used in homemade Veggie dips.
Kraft® products nearly all contain some free glutamate
Gravy Master®
Cup-a-soup® or Cup-o-Noodles®
Planters® salted nuts - most of them
Accent® -this is nearly pure MSG
Hodgson Mill Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour®
Tangle extract (seaweed extract) - found in sushi rolls (even at Whole Foods) Seaweed is what MSG was first isolated from.
Fish extract - made from decomposed fish protein - used now in Japanese sushi dishes - very high in free glutamate.
sausages - most supermarkets add MSG to theirs
processed cheese spread
Marmite®
supermarket poultry or turkeys that are injected or "self-basting"
restaurant gravy from food service cans
flavored ramen noodles
instant soup mixes
many salad dressings
most salty, powdered dry food mixes - read labels
flavored potato chips
restaurant soups made from food service soup base or with added MSG
monopotassium glutamate
glutamic acid
gelatin
hydrolyzed vegetable protein (found in many processed AMERICAN foods, like canned tuna and even hot dogs)
hydrolyzed plant protein (found in many processed AMERICAN foods, like canned tuna and even hot dogs)
autolyzed yeast (found in many processed AMERICAN foods, read labels)
sodium caseinate
textured protein
yeast extract
yeast food or nutrient
soy protein isolate
Worcestershire sauce
Kombu extract
"natural flavors" - may contain up to 20% MSG
carageenan
dough conditioners
malted barley
malted barley flour - found in many supermarket breads and all-purpose flours including: King Arthur, Heckers, and Gold Medal flour
body builder drink powders containing protein
Parmesan cheese - naturally high in free glutamate
over-ripe tomatoes - naturally high in free glutamate
mushrooms - naturally high in free glutamate
Medications in gelcaps - contain free glutamic acid in the gelatin
Fresh produce sprayed with Auxigro in the field. (Yes the EPA approved this. It appalled us too.)

Mmmm, mmmm, not so good!

Here we have a can of good ol’ fashioned Campbell’s Low Salt Chicken Soup. By all account it would appear to be healthy, in fact notice right on the label how it says ‘No MSG’ and ‘No Artificial Flavors.’ Well, I don’t know how they got away with that one, because if you look right on the ingredients list, you will see Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, both nasty chemical flavor enhancers.

You will also see Yeast Extract and Soy Protein Concentrate – legally MSG can be hidden in these ingredients and they do not have to report MSG as an additive.

Gnocchi Recipe

2010-08-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1lb. starchy potatoes, peeled
2 egg yolks
~1&1/2 cups of flour (tip 00 flour is the best choice - also known as Italian flour or pizza flour)
2 pinches salt
Good lashing of pepper

Method:

Wash potatoes then pat them dry. Steam the potatoes until soft.
Mash the potato finely then turn out onto floured surface.
Add 1 egg yolk and 3/4 cup of flour. Combine using your hands.
Add remaining egg and enough of the remaining flour that you create a smooth, silky dough.
Cut the dough into 6 even-ish pieces.
Roll each piece of dough on a floured surface into a long snake and then slice into gnocchi size portions (roughly 1 inch).
Give each cut piece a little roll and then press with the back of fork. Put onto floured plate, ensuring none of the gnocchi touch each other.
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil.
Drop half the prepared gnocchi in piece by piece. When they rise to the top, remove each piece from the boiling water with a slotted spoon. Drain and drop into your simmering sauce.
Repeat with the second half of the gnocchi.

Notes:

I serve my gnocchi with Napolitana sauce (1 finely diced onion, sliced garlic, 1 tb olive oil, basil, oregano, 2 x 420g tins crushed tomatoes, slosh of red wine, 11/2 cups of water and a tablespoon of tomato paste) and finely grated parmesan cheese on top.
I used russet potatoes for this recipe.
Make sure that you weigh the potatoes after peeling to ensure you have the correct amount of potato for the recipe.
You could use plain flour if you don’t have the tip 00 flour, but plain flour doesn’t have the same strong glutinous properties and the gnocchi may become soggy during cooking.
This recipe was created by Melissa Klemke for Kidspot, Australia’s best recipe finder.

SOURCE: http://www.kidspot.com.au/share.asp?ref=foodrecipe&cat=23&id=2557

Gigi's Heath Bar Crunch Cake Recipe

2010-08-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

MIX TOGETHER the following (Blend on medium speed for 2 minutes):

One box of Butter Cake Mix

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup of strong cold coffee

1 box of vanilla instant pudding

1 1/2 sticks of melted butter

3/4 cup of sour cream

Then mix the following together with spoon:

Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts

3 crunched-up Heath Bars pieces and add as much as you want of your favorite Liqueur (for example - Cuarenta y Tres)

Pour it into a bundt cake pan and bake for 25-35 minutes.

When done and partially cooled down, pour in cold Vanilla instant pudding in the center of bundt cake and top off with Cream Cheese Frosting and Heath Bar pieces.

It is delicious!! Enjoy!

Welsh Rarebit

2010-08-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular dishes of the early to mid-twentieth century (and certainly one that I’ve seen in a myriad of vintage cookbooks and ladies magazines) was Welsh rarebit (sometimes simply called “rarebit” or “rarebit cheese”), a hearty, homey, wonderfully simple dish that in both comforting and energizing at the same time.

Comprised of a zippy cheese sauce poured over relatively thick slices of bread, this dish is close cousin to both grilled cheese sandwiches and croque-monsieur. It pairs wonderfully with soups (such as roasted red pepper or minestrone), salads, fresh fruit (especially apples, pears and figs), and light fair such as grilled vegetables or chicken.

{This charming vintage illustration, from Eudamonius’ Flickr stream dictates that Welsh Rarebit should always be paired with toast. Good advice, but if you’re in the mood for something a little different, this tasty, versatile cheese sauce also works terrifically over English muffins, crackers, or as a fondue style dip.}

This particular recipe is one I’ve tweaked over the years, sometimes adding fresh herbs such as basil or chives, or jazzed up further with the inclusion of (rehydrated) sundried (or oven roasted) tomatoes or pitted and sliced black olives. Some people like to include a little ale or even hot sauce in their recipes, but I’ve not tried such versions myself.
This rarebit recipe is a wonderful dish that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for meals on the go or times when unexpected lunch or dinner gets drop by.

Ingredients

• 6 slices white or brown bread of choice, provided the bread you use is somewhat sturdy (I like varieties such as ciabatta, French, and sourdough – or a luxurious spin, you can even brioche, if you fancy), cut about ¾ of an inch (2cm) thick

• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (Gruyere is also nice, if you prefer)

• 1/2 cup milk (or, if you’re feeling indulgent, cream)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp dry English mustard (such as Colman’s) or, alternatively, ½ tsp Hungarian paprika

• ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, best omitted if using paprika)

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

In a double boiler (or a heat resistant glass bowl over a saucepan partially filled with boiling water), first bring the water up to a boil and then reduce the heat (burner temperature) to medium. Melt the butter, add the flour and mustard (or paprika) and stir briskly for a few seconds to combine (thereby creating a pale roux).

Next gradually add the milk and Worcestershire sauce (if using), stirring as you add. Allow mixture to come to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) and thicken somewhat. Next add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt and pepper (now would also be the time to include ingredients such as herbs, if you were using them), stirring moderately until the cheese had melted and the sauce has thickened to a consistency reminiscent of hollandaise sauce.

Meanwhile as the cheese sauce is nearing completion, toast the six slices of bread. Once cheese sauce is ready and the bread is toasted, divide the toast between three plates (two slices per serving) and spoon (or ladle) the sauce equally over each portion of toast. Serve and enjoy immediately :)

Makes three servings (two slices of bread each), or however many you wish to divide up between the six slices of bread.

SOURCE: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com

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