Been A Bit
My little summer experiment has been sadly neglected. This is just a little meeting place for some of my better ideas. I suppose it should really be a clue to myself, considering there are so few posts.
I recently learned that one of the sweetest persons I have ever known, Vicki Lucas, has a blog on here.
http://denandvicinbelize.blogspot.com
She and her husband have become missionaries in Belize. Check it out if you want a truly humbling experience.
Our chickens are doing well. Of course, well is a relative term. We integrated Cleopatra into the flock over the course of a week and already we can tell that she has sinister plans of snatching away power from the rooster. Clearly, she was aptly named. Crispy, as we have decided to call the rooster (because that's exactly what he is going to become if he turns mean,) has learned to crow. After spending a quiet morning listening to his horrendous efforts at sounding big and mature, I am grateful for my day job. If I could have pelted him with the pellet gun from the back deck, it would have been game on. Eggs have not yet started to appear and when they do, I better be seeing five a dy to make up for the messes they are causing in my rock gardens. Luckily, I already have all of my eggs sold to coworkers.
My wonderful friend Huffman got married a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful, funny, and successful wedding, perfectly representative of her. Even though she hasn't written in a while, she one of the funniest writers I know, so check out her previous posts.
http://huffalina.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Any Soldier
http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm
Just wanted to share this AMAZING site with you today. It connects deployed service members with everyday citizens wanting to help our soldiers. It is completely searchable by item to be sent, service branch, location of deployment, state unit is deployed from and more. You can read posts from service members to get an idea of what life is like when deployed and the type of donations that are really needed. You can also make monetary donations or purchase gear online to be sent to your adopted soldier.
The process is pretty straight forward:
(1) Look at the "Where to Send" section to get some ideas about what service members are in need of most. Make sure you get things that will ship well. These boxes get pretty beat up.
(2) Make purchases.
(3) Get at least two flat rate boxes (Tell them you are sending to service members. They have special boxes.) Also, go ahead and get your customs forms to fill out.
(4) Pack one box with necessary items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc. Pack the other box full of food and snacks. Apparently, after two weeks in a box and 100 degree temps, crackers will start absorbing the scent of deodorant. Who knew?! I like to put things that may leak in ziploc bags for extra protection. Really cram as much as you can in each box to get the best shipping for your money.
(5) Use packing tape to tape up the boxes. Go over each fold at least twice and if the box is especially heavy, go ahead and tape up the corners too.
(6) Go back to www.anysoldier.com and request the address of the soldier you have chosen. It will be sent to you via email in a matter of minutes.
(7) Fll out the customs forms according to the directions and tape to the packages.
(8) Now just mail it off!
I've included a few of the things that most of the service members request and some things I have found they seem to enjoy:
bar soap beach balls
body wash water balloons
razors shaving cream or soap
feminine products baby wipes
toothbrushes Q-tips
toothpaste individual drink mix packets
deodorant sunscreen
Axe body spray gum
AA and AAA batteries lotion
any type of candy shampoo
foot powder writing materials
body powder calling cards
books and magazines A & D Ointment
DVDs and video games baby powder
glow sticks individually packaged snacks
flashlights silly string
any type of nuts or seeds playing cards and poker chips
sunflower seeds floss and floss picks
any type of nuts microwaveable meals and snacks
mouthwash letters and cards of encouragement
toys like whoopie cushions birthday party supplies
holiday decorations theme party supplies
twin size sheets towels and blankets
magic kits remote controlled toys
This makes a great project for classrooms, school and civic groups, church groups, etc. Most service members will email you after it is received if you will include your contact information.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Bounce Sheet Alternative
Bounce Sheet Alternative
I absolutely abhor static cling. I mean, REALLY hate it! Of course, I also hate the filmy build-up that dryer sheets leave behind on my lint screen too. Last year, after our dryer sensor went out, I learned that dryer sheets could be to blame. Good time for someone to tell me! I went looking for a cheap and easy alternative. I had heard that Bounce bars were wonderful, but I was not at all pleased with the price. I found a few other suggestions about liquid softener and sponges, but that sounded really messy, so when I came upon this idea, I knew I had to try it. Here's what I do:
Take several thick wash cloths. New wash cloths seem to work best. Those that have been washed several times don't seem to work as well. To make this even easier, I would suggest buying a few new wash cloths in some really bright and easily recognized colors. Just make sure they don't match some you already have because you will not want them to get mixed up with the ones you throw in your washer.
Then, take a large bowl and pour in your favorite liquid fabric softener. One by one, submerge each wash cloth until they are all thoroughly coated and under the fabric softener. I leave mine in there for a couple of hours. The idea is to really saturate the cloth with the fabric softener.
Next, gently squeeze out the excess fabric softener from each wash cloth. Leave as much as you can in each cloth because this will determine how many times you can use each cloth without having to re-saturate it. Use clothes pins or clip hangers to hang the wash cloths to dry. It will take at least 1-2 days for them to completely dry and when they do, they will be as stiff as boards. Just make sure you really like the scent of the fabric softener you use, because your whole house will smell like it while the wash cloths dry!
When your cloths are dry, all you have to do is throw one in your dryer with your wet clothes. Make sure you pick out you dryer cloth when you put up your clean laundry (this is why wild colored cloths are a good idea) and try to remember not to wash your specified cloths.
I've been doing this for about six months with no problems. Even in the worst winter months, I had no static cling. The more you re-saturate your cloths, the longer they seem to hold the fabric softener. I can use one cloth for about 15-20 loads of laundry now, so I only have to re-saturate every couple of months. One large bottle of liquid fabric softener lasts for about 6 months!
I absolutely abhor static cling. I mean, REALLY hate it! Of course, I also hate the filmy build-up that dryer sheets leave behind on my lint screen too. Last year, after our dryer sensor went out, I learned that dryer sheets could be to blame. Good time for someone to tell me! I went looking for a cheap and easy alternative. I had heard that Bounce bars were wonderful, but I was not at all pleased with the price. I found a few other suggestions about liquid softener and sponges, but that sounded really messy, so when I came upon this idea, I knew I had to try it. Here's what I do:
Take several thick wash cloths. New wash cloths seem to work best. Those that have been washed several times don't seem to work as well. To make this even easier, I would suggest buying a few new wash cloths in some really bright and easily recognized colors. Just make sure they don't match some you already have because you will not want them to get mixed up with the ones you throw in your washer.
Then, take a large bowl and pour in your favorite liquid fabric softener. One by one, submerge each wash cloth until they are all thoroughly coated and under the fabric softener. I leave mine in there for a couple of hours. The idea is to really saturate the cloth with the fabric softener.
Next, gently squeeze out the excess fabric softener from each wash cloth. Leave as much as you can in each cloth because this will determine how many times you can use each cloth without having to re-saturate it. Use clothes pins or clip hangers to hang the wash cloths to dry. It will take at least 1-2 days for them to completely dry and when they do, they will be as stiff as boards. Just make sure you really like the scent of the fabric softener you use, because your whole house will smell like it while the wash cloths dry!
When your cloths are dry, all you have to do is throw one in your dryer with your wet clothes. Make sure you pick out you dryer cloth when you put up your clean laundry (this is why wild colored cloths are a good idea) and try to remember not to wash your specified cloths.
I've been doing this for about six months with no problems. Even in the worst winter months, I had no static cling. The more you re-saturate your cloths, the longer they seem to hold the fabric softener. I can use one cloth for about 15-20 loads of laundry now, so I only have to re-saturate every couple of months. One large bottle of liquid fabric softener lasts for about 6 months!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Kitchen Sink Scrub
I have the absolute worst kitchen sink in the whole wide world. When time came to buy it while building our house, money was tight and I never really thought there would be that big of a difference in kitchen sink qualities. Boy, was I wrong! Our sink is not nearly slanted enough and seems to catch and hold little pieces of everything it comes into contact with. It's completely drives me crazy, so I was constantly cleaning and scrubbing it. Luckily, I read that baking soda is safe for stainless steel, so now this is what I use:
Kitchen Sink Scrub
1 Cup Baking Soda
10-20 Drops Scented Oil
Mix well. Put into Parmesan cheese shaker. Allow to sit 24 hours before use. Shake all over sink. Allow to sit if desired. Turn on hot water and scrub.
I have read some blogs stating only to use essential oils, but I use the cheap scented oils from places like Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree and have well pleased. I let the mixture sit in my sink for about 30 minutes, just to get a nice smell and it really does work at removing hardened food residue.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Oreo Balls
Oreo Balls
This is perhaps my favorite treat. I make this for holidays, parties, treats for my classroom, whatever. They are always a big hit and I hardly ever bring any home. The great thing about this recipe is, you can double or even triple the recipe, and they turn out just as great. I have used white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate for the outside coating. You could use any type of coating really, as long as it will harden up. I really want to try all of the different baking chips that are available. Butterscotch and Oreos sound delish! You can also crush candy or peppermint pieces or roll them in sprinkles. The possibilities are endless!
This is perhaps my favorite treat. I make this for holidays, parties, treats for my classroom, whatever. They are always a big hit and I hardly ever bring any home. The great thing about this recipe is, you can double or even triple the recipe, and they turn out just as great. I have used white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate for the outside coating. You could use any type of coating really, as long as it will harden up. I really want to try all of the different baking chips that are available. Butterscotch and Oreos sound delish! You can also crush candy or peppermint pieces or roll them in sprinkles. The possibilities are endless!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
This may very well be Hubby's favorite cookie and I think I have finally gotten it down to a science. Hubby always wipes these out, as do most relatives, friends, church families and co-workers, so if you are looking to take these somewhere and come home with a few leftovers, might ought to just go ahead and make a second batch.
A few notes about making these cookies:
1. If the cookies look dull when you start to drop them, you have left them in the boil for too long. They will be probably be dry and crumbly. These cookies should have a shiny quality to them.
2. Do NOT double this recipe. It hardly ever works out well. Cook each batch separately. If you want to use the same pan, allow to completely cool and wash all ingredients out before starting a new batch. Any leftover ingredients in your pan will be overcooked and if the pan is already hot, it will not cook the proper amount of time.
3. Allow to cool on wax paper COMPLETELY before you move them. The cookies will be really soft for a while after you drop them. If you move them before they are ready, they will break apart and stick together if you stack them. They need time to become cold and allow the chocolate to harden. I usually allow several hours for this, so if I need them for an event, I cook them the day before.
4. In a sealed container, these cookies will stay moist for over a week, but trust me, they will never make it that long.
This may very well be Hubby's favorite cookie and I think I have finally gotten it down to a science. Hubby always wipes these out, as do most relatives, friends, church families and co-workers, so if you are looking to take these somewhere and come home with a few leftovers, might ought to just go ahead and make a second batch.
A few notes about making these cookies:
1. If the cookies look dull when you start to drop them, you have left them in the boil for too long. They will be probably be dry and crumbly. These cookies should have a shiny quality to them.
2. Do NOT double this recipe. It hardly ever works out well. Cook each batch separately. If you want to use the same pan, allow to completely cool and wash all ingredients out before starting a new batch. Any leftover ingredients in your pan will be overcooked and if the pan is already hot, it will not cook the proper amount of time.
3. Allow to cool on wax paper COMPLETELY before you move them. The cookies will be really soft for a while after you drop them. If you move them before they are ready, they will break apart and stick together if you stack them. They need time to become cold and allow the chocolate to harden. I usually allow several hours for this, so if I need them for an event, I cook them the day before.
4. In a sealed container, these cookies will stay moist for over a week, but trust me, they will never make it that long.
Carpet Powder Recipe
Carpet Powder Recipe
Borax is supposed to kill bugs (especially helpful if your dogs get fleas) and baking soda neutralizes odors, so this is a great combo. I will never buy commercial carpet powder again.
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Baking Soda
10-20 Drops Essential Oil
Mix together well. Put into Parmesan cheese shaker. Allow to sit 24 hours before use (so the oil can really soak in.)
Shake on carpet and allow to sit at least 1 hour if possible, then vacuum. On a side note, I really like using eucalyptus essential oil. It has some antibacterial qualities and helps me breathe a bit easier. Heaven knows if you have allergies in the South, that is always a plus!
Borax is supposed to kill bugs (especially helpful if your dogs get fleas) and baking soda neutralizes odors, so this is a great combo. I will never buy commercial carpet powder again.
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Baking Soda
10-20 Drops Essential Oil
Mix together well. Put into Parmesan cheese shaker. Allow to sit 24 hours before use (so the oil can really soak in.)
Shake on carpet and allow to sit at least 1 hour if possible, then vacuum. On a side note, I really like using eucalyptus essential oil. It has some antibacterial qualities and helps me breathe a bit easier. Heaven knows if you have allergies in the South, that is always a plus!
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