Twenty Three Lines To Make You Smile!

With this weather we all seem to be having I figured we could all use a little laugh!
1.. My husband and I divorced over religious differences.
He thought he was God and I didn't.
2.. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.
3.. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
4.. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
5.. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.
6.. I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing.
7.. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.
8.. God must love stupid people; He made so many.
9.. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
10.. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
11.. Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it!
12. Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.
13.. Procrastinate Now!
14.. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
15.. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance
16.. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!
17..They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.
18..He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.
19..A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand
times the memory.
20..Ham and eggs¦A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a
pig.
21.. The trouble with life is there's no background music.
22.. The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
23.. I smile because I don't know what the heck is going on.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! Life is too
short and friends are too few

This & That Kitchen Junk Drawer Wednesday!

PAPER MACHE:
The things you can make with paper mache are only limited by your imagination. As paper mache dries, it hardens over the mold you have made. You can make doll heads, Christmas ornaments,snowmen, pinatas, dolls, dollhouses, boxes, sculptures or bowls. The final dried product can be painted, decoupaged or decorated however you please.
Make a form from wire, wadded newspaper, stuffed paper bags, or balloons. For a flat piece, such as a dollhouse or box, you can use a piece of cardboard. Tear newspaper into strips. Narrower strips work best for a rounded mold and larger strips are good for flat or rectangular shapes. Choose one of the following recipes to make the paste. Dip strips into paste, coating completely, squeezing out excess paste with your fingers. Use the strips to cover your pre-made form. If you overlap the strips, your finished product will look smoother. Allow each layer to dry before adding another layer. Cover your form with 4 layers.


PAPER MACHE PASTE:
Rather than make my own paste for paper mache, I use liquid starch that is relatively inexpensive. I bought a large jug at the supermarket that I have been using for years. It gives the same result as the cooked method. It dries smooth and clear - fantastic for use with gift wrap scraps. I use it with brown grocery bags when I want to create pottery or leather looking crafts...add a little cinnamon to the mix - it makes it smell good...

Here is another if you want to do the cooked method.
Try this easy paper mache paste recipe:
Take 1 heaped soup ladle of powdered cornstarch
Place in a heat proof bowl
Add enough COLD water to form a paste and to dissolve powder to consistency of thick cream.
Pour in one kettleful (1.7 litres) of RAPIDLY BOILING (MUST be bubbling away...) and stir like crazy...!
It is very very HOT like porridge and it can form lumps so I usually give it a whisk or beating with my electric mixer to smooth it.
Paste should change from opaque white to translucent once the boiling water is added.
It will keep a few days and can be microwaved to be heated so it's less "jelly-like". Kids love to use it while it's warm, but it works equally well cold
A couple tablespoons of salt can be added to prolong shelf life...

Do you have dryer lint and want to use it?

Dryer Lint Papier Mache Paste:
Ingredients:
3 cups lint from your dryer
2 cups water
2/3 cup wheat flour
3 drops oil of wintergreen
newspaper

Method:
Put lint and water in a large saucepan. Get all of the lint wet. Add flour and stir constantly so lumps won't form. Add oil of wintergreen. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly,until mixture holds together and forms peaks. Pour out onto several thicknesses of newspaper to cool. Adding Elmer's glue to a any recipe will give it more strength!

HOMEMADE EGG SUBSTITUTE:

6 egg whites
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 Tablespoon corn oil
6 drops yellow food coloring

In a medium bowl combine egg whites, dry milk powder and oil. stir with a fork or wire whisk till thoroughly combined, then add food coloring and mix it in well. You will get 4-1/4 cup servings...store in fridge for 1 week or freeze in 1/4 cup servings........Weight Watchers Points is 1 for two 1/4 cup servings!

ZUCCHINI OMELET:

8" zucchini grated
1 Tablespoon chopped onion
Spray a non stick skillet with cooking spray. Over medium high heat,saute the zucchini & onion till tender. Lower heat to medium and pour 1/2 cup of egg substitute over and cook till set...Serve with 2 Tablespoons salsa...Now this really good..
Weight Watchers Points is 1

For lunch today I had 1 La Tortilla Factory tortilla(green onion one),1 ounce of boiled chicken breast chopped and 1/4 cup of my Jicama Slaw (see Mondays post for recipe)...I warmed the tortilla for 20 seconds, put some hot mustard (wal-mart) on it, then the chopped chicken and the jicama slaw, salt substitute and pepper...It was so good and filling, and all of that for 2 weight watchers points...The tortilla has 50 calories, but it has 6 grams of fiber which makes 1 of them = 0 weight watchers points...

My final this & that...

SWAN CANDLE COMPANY

Click here 12 oz Kitchen Pantry Jar to go to their site:
If you want the best smelling candle you have ever used then get a Gingerbread Candle from The Swan Candle company...a few years ago, Becky from "Tennessee Ridge Primitives" sent me one and I have been buying them ever since...Tried the other scents, but none of them compared with the gingerbread....I got a candle warmer at Wal-Mart for about $6, and I put that candle on it (I never burn it)and you can smell it even in my basement...and best of all it lasts and lasts...You won't be sorry and they send you another small candle for free....

Another Day Another Dollar! Tidbits For You To Enjoy!

Lets start with somethings I have found helpful traveling down that olde road again...Then I will tell you how to do something...
Keep a small journal and jot down these ideas and then fill in with your own...
Make a list of items to stop buying..You know the kind that aren't good for you, or the ones you just cannot keep your hands off.
Items to buy...Like high fiber bread.
Exercise/Walk, vacuum, mop, change sheets on all the beds....
Sleep good (this is very important in losing weight)....Don't let your depression get you down and then turn to your comfort item FOOD...
Start your meals with 1 cup low cal soup or salad....Cut back 1 cup of starchy carbs a day (potatoes, corn, peas, parsnips, beets are starchy veggies and you shouldn't have two at one meal. Replace with non starchy veggies, such as carrots, spinach, turnips, summer squash, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower.....Avoid trigger foods (Sweets or in my case peanut butter)....Drink lots and lots of water...Know in your heart you can succeed.....When preparing meals, don't nibble, taste or lick the spoon...After supper stay out of the kitchen...Plan your meals a week ahead and then only buy items you need to prepare these meals....Write down everything you put into your mouth....When you feel like you need something to eat, but know you really don't, drink some more water, go for a walk, post on your blog and of course chew sugar free gum...studies have shown chewing gum helps you lose weight...Let your old ways and taste buds go away...You're changing your style of eating and the taste buds will adapt in a few weeks to new tastes.....Make sure you eat a good breakfast...This jump starts your body...Don't ever, ever go to buffets or cafeterias....You will over eat...and remember YOU DESERVE to lose that weight!!!Don't eat food with empty calories, such as sugar, butter, sauces...these don't fill you up and actually make you hungry and want more...When you do falter, stop and ask yourself why? It is nearly always something else besides wanting that food....Use less salt on your food...use herbs and spices or a salt substitute...Now for the other thing....
Do you like those reed diffusers?
And don't want to spend the money on them?
Here are some basic directions for making your own..........

What you need:
- 1 small jar or bottle (simple ones can be purchased from supermarkets or craft stores) OR what about a small old prim bottle?
- Reed sticks will work best, you can purchase them at candle or gift stores OR Thin bamboo skewer sticks will also work (supermarkets sell them for around $3 for a packet of 100).
- Carrier oil: Don't let this freak you out. You can use sweet almond oil (or substitute with extra virgin olive oil , grapeseed oil or canola oil).
- Scent oil /essantial oil
-OPTIONAL-Ribbon, homespun, rusty star,vintage pic or hang tag

Directions:
Blend the scent oil and carrier oil together.
For every 1ml of your scent oil, blend with 10ml of the carrier oil. For a stronger scent, pour 6ml of carrier oil instead. Swirl the blend together in the bottle and let it sit for an hour.
*If you're using bamboo skewers, cut off both ends and make sure half of the stick appears above the bottle.
Have 10-12 sticks in the bottle and let it sit for a few hours for the scent to climb up.
Take a piece of ribbon ( or homespun) and tie around the bottle .
You can add a hang tag or rusty star if you want. OR attach a vintage pic to the front of the jar. :)

Three Miles Down That Road Again!!

Well I have traveled 3 miles down that olde weight loss road again. Along the way I found out I had to go on a different med for my diabetics...The old one was just to strong for me, making me dizzy and really low blood sugar...and I did something stupid.....You know the really STUPID kind of thing...left my cell phone in my jeans and washed it....OH MY! OH MY! how could I of done that...Do have something to be happy about..LOST a nice ugly 5.9 pounds....Happy with that you betch you!!!!
Here is a desert I made for myself this week....I call it
Heaven Sent Key Lime Pie:
Serves 7 and is 2 WW Points



You will need a 4 serving size, sugar free, Lime Jello
2 containers of Weight Watchers Lime Pie Yogurt
1 tub (80z) of Cool Whip light or fat free
In a microwave safe measuring heat water on high for 45 seconds to 1-1/2 minutes, or until boiling. Whisk Jello until dissolved.
In a large bowl whisk together Jello mixture and the yogurt...
Fold in the Cool Whip..
You can just leave in that bowl or do like I do put 1/2 cup into sherbet dishes and cover with plastic wrap...Seems much nicer that way and then I am not tempted to eat too much...
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set..

Here was my supper for tonight: I had Mexican Food!
Jicama Slaw:
1 WW points
1 medium jicama
2 cups angel hair cole slaw
1-11oz can mandarin orange segments, drained, reserve 1/4 cup
1/4 cup light Mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon fajita seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro leaves chopped.
Grate the jicama into a large bowl, add the cole slaw and mandarin oranges: Set aside
In a small bowl, whisk together reserved mandarin juice, mayonnaise, fajita seasoning and salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over jicama mixture. Toss to mix thoroughly. Top with cilantro.
Serve immediately...

CHICKEN CHALUPAS:
Serves 6 WW Points 5
1 roasted chicken (2 lbs)
12 fat free flour tortillas
2 cups low fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup mild green chili salsa
1 cup mild red chili salsa
Preheat over to 350%
Spray oven proff dish with cooking spray.
Remove chicken from the bones and shred. (I buy a roasted chicken from the grocery store)
Lay 1 or 2 tortillas in bottom of baking dish, overlaying slightly.
Layer tortillas with chicken, cheese and salsas. Repeat layers till dish is full ending with cheese and the 2 salsas.
Bake 25 minutes or till bubbly and hot.
For serving top with some toppings, such as fat free sour cream, sliced green onions, salsa, sliced avocado or cilantro...

Will post some more on weight management and loss tomorrow....

A Little Of This And That, Kind Of Like My Junk Drawer!!!

Hey gang, have you ever microwaved something with a strong order and the order of it has decided to take up residency in your microwave???.....Well my friends I have just the thing to kick out that unwanted visitor....Fill a microwave safe bowl with water, then cut a lemon into sections ( or use just lemon juice) and put them in the water.....Now bring the water to a boil and boil for a minute or so in the microwave, remove that bowl and wipe down the inside with a white vinegar and water solution (Put into a clean spray bottle and spray)...Then keep the door open for a couple of hours to air it out...If the order remains repeat the lemon mixture but add a couple of cloves in the mixture....My goodness won't the house smell good!!

Do you want your family to eat healthy, but feel the better for you foods are more expensive?
Here a few tips for eating healthy on a budget!
Check supermarket ads for specials and inspiration to base your meals on.
Write a weekly menu plan with an accompanying grocery list. Then purchase only what you really need.
Shop the perimeter of the store. It contains fewer packaged foods and more fruits and vegetables, which cost less and are more nutritious.
Be cautious using manufactures' coupons, since they often feature processed items with higher prices to support promotional efforts...

Good Eggs!
One large egg has only 72 calories and 5 grams of fat.
Eggs provide the perfect balance of taste and nutrition in a meal. Eat one and you have 12% of your daily dose of protein. Protein plays an important role in weight loss. Eggs are also an excellent source of choline, which 1 in 10 Americans don't get enough off. Research shows this essential nutrient may play a role in breast cancer prevention and heart health...But what is a "GOOD EGG"....I will help you pick out a "GOOD EGG"....
You're hoping to Boost your heart health----Look for this on the label "Omega3"----Hen's special flax seed diet produces eggs high in beneficial fatty acids!!!
You're hoping to eat a chemical free diet----Look for this on the label "USDA Organic"----Free of potentially dangerous antibiotics and most pesticides, because the hens eat only organic feed.
You're hoping to enjoy a better tasting egg----Look for this on the label "Free Range" and "Cage Free"----Unconfined hens are less stressed and may produce higher quality eggs.
Super Spinach:
Frolic acid is a B vitamin found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach. Frolic acid is important for healthy blood cells and healthy pregnancies

Here are a couple of good for you recipes using Eggs & Spinach:

Spinach Frittata with Creole Sauce:
Prep Time:35 min
Start to Finish:35 min
makes:4 servings

Sauce
1 large tomato, coarsely chopped (1 cup)
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons sliced celery
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper sauce
Frittata
2 teaspoons canola or soybean oil
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1 box (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, drained
1 1/2 cups fat-free egg product
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

1. In 1-quart saucepan, heat all sauce ingredients to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Keep warm.
2. In 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach; cook 2 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until spinach is thoroughly heated.
3. In small bowl, beat egg product, thyme, salt and pepper; pour over spinach. Cover; cook over medium-low heat 5 to 7 minutes or until eggs are set and light brown on bottom. Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into wedges. Serve with sauce.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 120 (Calories from Fat 30); Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 9g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 4g); Protein 13g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 130%; Vitamin C 8%; Calcium 15%; Iron 15% Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Lean Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils, 2 oz-equivalents Meat & Beans, 3/4 c Vegetables

Egg-specially Good!
Eggs supply chromium, a mineral we need in small amounts. Preliminary research suggests that people with diabetes may need a bit more chromium than others do.

Vegetable Poached Eggs:
Getting your "daily 5" of veggies couldn't be easier than in this hearty skillet egg dish loaded with the good stuff

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:20 min
makes:4 servings

2 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped spinach (about 3 oz)
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (about 3 oz)
1 medium carrot, cut into julienne (matchstick) strips (about 1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, cut into julienne (matchstick) strips (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup fat-free tomato pasta sauce (any variety)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 eggs
1/4 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese (1 oz)

1. Spray 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, spinach, onion, mushrooms, carrot and zucchini; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
2. Stir in pasta sauce and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated.
3. Make four 3-inch holes in vegetable mixture, using large spoon. Crack 1 egg into each hole. Cover; cook about 5 minutes or until egg whites and yolks are firm, not runny. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 160 (Calories from Fat 50); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 215mg; Sodium 350mg; Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 8g); Protein 12g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 100%; Vitamin C 35%; Calcium 15%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 2 Vegetable; 1 Medium-Fat Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 MyPyramid Servings: 1 oz-equivalents Meat & Beans, 1 1/4 c Vegetables

Do you have some old wool sweaters you no longer wear?...Well here is an idea for recycling them.Make a tote to carry your needfuls or bible in, or use as a purse:



Supplies:
• 100% wool sweater (Shetland, cashmere, merino & alpaca work well)
• chalk
• scissors
• needle & strong thread
• sewing machine (optional)

1. Begin by washing your sweater in the washing machine, using the hottest water possible. Washing will cause the wool fibers to compress, making the sweater denser and smaller. This process is called felting. It may take several washings to felt the sweater.
2. Once the sweater has been felted (usually 3 washings), lay the sweater flat to dry.
3. Turn the sweater inside out. Mark lines for cutting with chalk. You are cutting off the sleeves and neckline of the sweater to create tote handles.
4. Refold sweater so the side seams of the sweater and the strap openings face front.
5. Using a ¼" seam, hand stitch or machine stitch the bottom closed.
6. Turn tote right side out.
7. To create the handles, fold each handle in half lengthwise, matching up raw edges. Hand sew or machine stitch along raw edge.
8. Tote is finished. You may choose to embellish tote by using scraps of felted sweater to create flowers, pockets, etc. Buttons and ribbon add nice touches.

A True Early American Bed!

An early American bed generally consisted of an underbed (a "mattress" stuffed
with straw) a woolen winter sheet for winter, or a linen sheet for summer.
Next is an overbed; in todays closest terms a duvet. Average weight after
filled with down feathers was 12-15 lbs...comfy. The overbed was four
panels sewn together with bottom tie closures, and to top it off,
a decorative coverlet might be found. An elongated bolster case had
two elongated matching pillow cases; the practice of the cases hanging
over the edges of the bed, helped keep the pillows in their place on top.
Handstitched initials and laundry rotation numbers could be found
on the opening of the three cases. If you are interested in buying any of this for your home then just click on Family Heirloom Weavers...
They also have Tobacco cloth window panels which are light and airy...

These are the pillow cases. You can buy everything on the bed at Family Heirloom Weavers!

The Hope Of A New President Lies In You!

HOPE!
As the inaugration of Barack Obama proceeds with all the ceremony and hysteria of the latest Rolling stones farewell tour, it's important to recognize that the man at the center of the celebration is not the one who can bring America back to promience. The person who can do that is you.
The president can, with Congress's help and the Supreme Court's approvel, dictate policies that he believes will have the best effect on the nation, but without you he is nothing.
The president can with Congress's help and the Supreme Court's approval, set the tone for his vision of morality for the nation, but without you, that vision has no grounding in reality.
The president can with Congress's help and the Supreme Court's approval, reach down into our school districts and set the framework for the education of our children, but without your commitment to setting the tone at home, that framework will be as effective in bettering our children as the framework of a home is in keeping out the cold without walls and a roof.
The President can do a lot of things, but in the end, it's about you.
Don't get me wrong; Being the president of the United States is the most important job anyone in the world can have-except for your job. The president deserves our respect and honor, regardless of what we think about his positions and policies. But he is nothing without you.
So on this day after the inauguration, lets congratulate President Barack Obama on accepting the tremendous task a president accepts.
But more importantly, I congratulate you on accepting the tremendous task a citizen accepts in being a member of this wonderful democracy.

PRAYER FOR OUR PRESIDENT!

For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority:

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world. We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that being guided by the Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this state(or commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve the people, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one in God, world without end. Amen

TWO MILES DOWN THAT ROAD AGAIN!

Well I have re traveled two miles down the olde weight loss road...I had a very hard week, but stuck it out and lost 3.9 pounds....If I added up all the weight I have lost just in the past 10 years, I could make another person...I have been writing down everything that goes in my mouth and I also jot ideas that helped me or hurt me in a journal...I plan my meals a week ahead but don't always stick to it and have found out if I don't it is much harder to get through the evenings....that is my worst time...must not go anywhere near the kitchen...There are some blogs that the girls are dealing with their weight and one of the girls is very brave...She shows a picture of her scales when she is weighing....Good for her.....Her blog is So Tired Of Weighting.....another one is
Primitive Lifestyle and then there is my Weight is over...Just click on their name to go there.....Good blogs to read if you are traveling down that road again....Tip----When you feel like you need a snack grab some sugar free gum and chew on that...It helps and chewing gum also burns calories...

My Monday recipe is for all you people that love Chinese food...

CHICKEN SMOTHERED IN PEANUT SAUCE
Serves 4 5 WW Points I gave this 4****
1 onion chopped
4-(4 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup tomato juice
3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 garlic cloves (pealed)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and warm over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring for 5 minutes. Season the chicken with 1/4 tsp of the salt, the paprika and black pepper. add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or till browned. In a food processor combine the remaining ingredients and the remaining salt. Blend till smooth. Pour over the chicken. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 25 minutes or till juices run clear.
Good served over steamed rice but need to add on the points for the rice....

ASIAN SUPER SLAW
Serves 8 2 WW Points I gave this 4****
5 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
2 medium carrots shredded
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
In a large bowl combine above ingredients.Whisk the dressing (recipe below) and add to salad. Toss to coat. Place in Fridge for a couple hours before serving.
ASIAN DRESSING
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 Tbsp lite soy sauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar twin
2 Tbsp pineapple juice
1 Tbsp dark sesame oil
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
In a large glass measuring cup whisk together the above ingredients...

What Did Girls And Ladies In Pioneer Days Wear!

Life on the prairie meant making do with what you had and also learning new ways to sew garments. Without access to ready made gowns, silk fabrics and dress shops, ladies on the frontier learned to make their own fabrics. One of the most important items a pioneer lady or girl could own was the sunbonnet. With the hot sun, and harsh weather conditions the sunbonnet was used to shield the face.
Many styles of the sunbonnets were made, fancy versions for church and social occasions, sturdy homespun bonnets for doing farm chores and warm wool bonnets for the harsh and cold winters on the prairie.Straw bonnets were popular because straw was so readably available. Girls and ladies found braiding bonnets to be an enjoyable pastime.
Many of the garments that girls and ladies wore were made to be practical and wear well. Aprons and pinafores were a must when working or doing chores in the kitchen. Dresses were simple styles with long full skirts and long sleeves that could be rolled up for working or fancier sleeve styles were made for Sunday Dresses.The styles for fancy dresses or Sunday Dresses were kept relatively simple in design, perhaps accented with hand made lace or some pretty pieces of silk on the neckline or sleeves. For winter time, girls and ladies wore warm wool coats and knitted or crocheted scarves, shawls and hats or bonnets. A Petticoat was a must have item in any girls or ladies wardrobe. Made of a pretty white cotton or linen a lady always tried her best to keep them snowy white even on the dusty prairie. Petticoats were also a place that girls could practice their lace making skills and embroidery work. Girls and ladies would often have a couple petticoats, one for everyday, another for Sunday best and finally a heavy flannel or wool on for winter. If you wanted to look especially stylish you could layer on more then one petticoat for a full skirted effect
Pioneer girls and ladies would wear jewelry to dress up many of their outfits. Pins, Cameos and brooches of all kinds were popular to wear on blouses, dresses and shawls. Earrings or earbobs, as they were called in the 1800’s, necklaces, lockets and bracelets were still worn just as they are today. Ladies were also fond of wearing pin watches; these were delicate little watch faces attached to a pin and were put on upside down so that the wearer could reach down and look at the face of the watch and it would be the right side to her. Pioneer Ladies learned to make their own fabrics with homespun fibers and colored the cloth with home made dyes. Vegetables & flowers were the most popular items used for dying colors. Ever wonder how the old fabrics got their color back then? No rit dye in those times! Interested in trying your hand at a little Pioneer Fabric Dyeing?
a great source for natural dyes can be found right in your own back yard! Roots, nuts and flowers are just a few common natural ways to get many colors. Yellow, orange, blue, red, green, brown and grey are available.
Gathering plant material for dyeing: Blossoms should be in full bloom, berries ripe and nuts mature. Remember, never gather more than 2/3 of a stand of anything in the wild when gathering plant stuff for dying.
To make the dye solution:
Chop plant material into small pieces and place in a pot. Double the amount of water to plant material. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Strain. Now you can add your fabric to be dyed. For a stronger shade, allow material to soak in the dye overnight.
Getting the fabric ready for the dye bath:
You will have to soak the fabric in a color fixative before the dye process. This will make the color set in the fabric.
Color Fixatives:
Salt Fixative (for berry dyes) 1/2 cup salt to 8 cups cold water
Plant Fixatives (for plant dyes) 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar
Add fabric to the fixative and simmer for an hour. Rinse the material and squeeze out excess. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
Dye Bath:
Place wet fabric in dye bath. Simmer together until desired color is obtained. The color of the fabric will be lighter when its dry. Also note that all dyed fabric should be laundered in cold water and separately.
Muslin, silk, cotton and wool work best for natural dyes and the lighter the fabric in color, the better. White or pastel colors work the best.
NOTE: It's best to use an old large pot as your dye vessel. Wear rubber gloves to handle the fabric that has been dyed, the dye can stain your hands. It's also important to note, some plant dyes may be toxic, check with the Poison Control Center if unsure. Here is a list of a few plants to use..

Shades of orange:
Onion skin
Turmeric dyed cloth will turn orange or red if it is dipped in lye.
Barberry (mahonia sp.) yellow orange (with alum) very strong & permanent. Any part of the plant will work.
Shades of brown:
Tea Bags (light brown)
Acorns (boiled)
Coffee Grinds
Oak bark will give a tan or oak color.
Shades of pink:
Strawberries
Cherries
Raspberries
Shades of red:
Beets (deep red)
Dandelion (root)
Red leaves will give a reddish brown color I use salt to set the dye.
Shades of blues & lavender:
Blueberries
Mulberries (royal purple)
Grapes (purple)
Japanese indigo (deep blue)
Shades of black-grey:
Iris (roots)
Sumac (leaves) (Black)
Shades of green:
Spinach (leaves)
Black-Eyed Susans
Red onion (skin) (a medium green, lighter than forest green)
Artichokes
Shades of yellow:
Onion (skins)
Marigold (blossoms)
Celery (leaves)
Paprika ( shade of pale yellow - light orange)
Dandelion flower

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK......

Here are six reasons why you should think before you speak - the last one is great! Have you ever spoken and wished that you could immediately take the words back... or that you could crawl into a hole? Here are the Testimonials of a few people who did....
FIRST: I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, “How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?" I turned around and walked back out and never went back. My husband didn't say a word... he knew better.
SECOND: I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who work at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, "I think I like playing with men's balls."
THIRD: My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts. As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, "No, I'm just looking at your nuts." My sister started to laugh hysterically. The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my sister has never let me forget.
FOURTH: While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler decided to release some pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to grab hold of her after receiving looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I told her that if she did not start behaving "right now" sh e would be punished. To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice just as threatening, "If you don't let me go right now, I will tell Grandma that I saw you kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!" The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped what they were doing. I mustered up the last of my dignity and walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow. The last thing I heard when the door closed behind me, were screams of laughter.
FIFTH: Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. O ne day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, and she was clean. Then I realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while. I asked him if he needed to go, and he said "No". I kept thinking "Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any clothes with me." Then I said, "Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?" "No," he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse. So, I asked one more time, "Danny, did you have an accident?" This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over, spread his cheeks and yelled "SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!" While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An older couple thanked me for the best laugh they'd ever had!
SIXTH: We were at Cabella's shopping for Christmas items...my BIL was there with us...his birthday had just past and he had recieved a gift card for another sporting good shop named "Dick's"....well, know that a lot of stores accept competitor gift cards....he thought he would see if Cabella's would accept his. So, the lady rings him up...gives him the total amount...and he looks at her calmly and asks, "Do you accept Dick's?!"...Well, she was quite taken back by this and yelled for management!...We were laughing so hard when he had to show them he meant his Dick's gift card!...the young lady was so embarassed, she didn't even finish ringing him out, the manager did!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow but don't get any! We had a female news anchor that, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked: "So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?" Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too they were laughing so hard!

OLD AGE & ME!!!

Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend...I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set . They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it) MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!

On That Road Trip Once Again!

It seems I am always starting down this road and never completely get there...I almost reached my destination once in 2004, but I evidently convinced myself I didn't deserve to reach it....so all my hard earned losses were put back on and of course I had to add a few more pounds to punish myself for even thinking I deserved to loss that weight....Well I DO deserve to lose this weight!!! I asked myself why I was overweight, but I didn't want just the usual answers, such as I cook the southern style (you know pork fat and more pork fat)etc....so I looked at my life and what was good and what wasn't and I am trying to do some changes there...I also want to set aside time each day just for me to exercise and meditate....Well this road trip started January 5th 2009....I have set small goals for myself and girls I can use all the HELP you can give me....I almost reached my destination going to WW but that isn't an option now, but I do know how to do everything, like measure, measure and measure some more....keep a log of everything that goes into your mouth (those little tastes here and there add up) and drinking water and more water and then of course exercising....Now here in Minnesota it isn't always possible to go out and walk, so I simply walk around the house 10 minutes after each meal and do the old peoples push ups....I lost 2.1 pounds this past week and I am happy with that, but thought I would lose more the first week (water loss) know I have ran to the potty enough to have lost 20 pounds....I just wish I had someone that could come here every Monday and see me weigh...That is what I really need!!! Well since I have done the WW thingy I have compiled a lot of recipes with the points figured out, but I didn't always keep the calories, fat and fiber information. I will try and post some recipes each Monday that I have made and like.....

SIMPLE SALISBURY STEAK: 5 WW Points
I gave it 4****!
1 egg
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) reduced fat-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup undiluted, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 pound 93% lean ground beef
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 teaspoon Browning sauce (optional) I used it.
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
In a bowl combine the egg, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup soup and onion. crumble the beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into 6 patties. In a large nonstick skillet, brown the patties on both sides, drain.
In a bowl, combine the milk, Browning sauce, if desired, salt and remaining soup; stir in mushrooms. Pour over patties, reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink....Yield 6 servings

SCALLOPED POTATOES: 2 WW Points
Serves 6 ( 1/2 Cup)
I gave this 4****
Preheat Oven to 350%
5 coups frozen Southern Style Hash browns thawed
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon dried onion
1 teaspoon light butter
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup Crispy Fried Onions
Spray a 2-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the potatoes, flour, dried onions, butter and pepper together and put into prepared casserole. Pour milk over top. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle on the crispy fried onions and continue to bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Yield 6 1/2 cup servings:

EIGHT LAYER SALAD: 2 WW Points
Serves 12 (1-1/2 Cups)
I gave this 5*****
6 cups torn iceberg lettuce
8 cups torn romaine lettuce
6 40% less fat bacon slices cooked and crumbled ( I used Oscar Meyers recipe ready bacon pieces)
3/4 cups chopped red onion
1-10 ounce package frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts drained
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1 (0.7 ounce) package dry Italian dressing mix.
Combine lettuces in a 4 quart bowl. Toss well. Layer crumbled bacon and next 5 ingredients on top of lettuce. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream and dressing mix in a small bowl, stir well. Spread dressing over top of salad, sealing to edge of bowl. Cover and chill up to 24 hours.
Yield: 12 1-1/2 cup servings.

SERENITY!

A friend just sent this to me and I was laughing so hard I almost pee'd my pants...That is what happens when you get old....I should know!!!

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked,
'How old was your husband?' '98,' she replied.
'Two years older than me'
'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented.
She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it?

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
'And what do you think is the best thing
About being 104?' the reporter asked.
She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

The nice thing about being senile is
You can hide your own Easter eggs.

I've sure gotten old!
I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,
New knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes
I'm half blind,
Can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,
Take 40 different medications that
Make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia .
Have poor circulation;
Hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.
Have lost all my friends. But, thank God,
I still have my driver's license.

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape,
So I got my doctor's permission to
Join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But,
By the time I got my leotards on,
The class was over.

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Know how to prevent sagging?
Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

It's scary when you start making the same noises
As your coffee maker.

These days about half the stuff
In my shopping cart says,
' For fast relief..'

THE SENILITY PRAYER :
Grant me the senility to forget the people
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and
The eyesight to tell the difference.

Now, I think you're supposed to share this with 5 or 6, maybe 10 others. Oh heck, give it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are!

Always Remember This:
You don't stop laughing because you grow old,
You grow old because you stop laughing!!

Preserve Your Own Family Treasures!

Online historical records are full of clues that connect individuals and events in your family history. From military records to census records to old newspaper archives, there's an entire host of resources available when researching your family tree.

Besides online content, what family treasures are hidden in your shoebox, your attic, the cedar chest, even the garage? Look for family Bibles, photographs (found an old glass photograph of my great grandfather in his confederate uniform), diaries, letters and most importantly birth, marriage and death certificates. Scan and add them to your family tree---helping to preserve them for future generations. Older relatives, in particular, can often provide a wealth of information, stories, pictures and other family heirlooms.
We're all reflections of the ancestors who came before us, from our natural talents to the places we live and traditions we honor. Understanding our ancestors truly helps us understand ourselves..
Family history research is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. Getting started is easy. With the help of the Internet, you can be on your way in just minutes....In one weekend, you can create a full memorial page for your love ones.
Make a special scrapbook for your family and give for a gift this Christmas...Nothing you could buy would mean more to the recipient...Isn't that what we should be doing at Christmas, giving of ourselves?...Get started by going to Ancestry.com....Right now they are offering a 14 day free trial....Sign up and get started.
I was always told my great grandmother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian...Well guess what! she wasn't.....decided to follow her blood line as most people follow the men's bloodline...Well how interesting....I am Spanish, Italian, Scottish, Irish, English, German & of course Cherokee, just on her side alone....

Death By Chocolate!

For all of you that are not dieting and love chocolate!

Brownie Mix: Bake as directed in 9 x 13" pan, cool and then cut into 1 x 1" cubes.

6 Heath bars; freeze solid, then break into small pieces by placing in a ziplock bag and beating with a kitchen mallet, rolling pin, meat pounder etc.

3 boxes of Chocolate Mousse: Mix as directed.

16 oz container of Cool Whip/thawed.

In a large clear bowl layer:

1/3 brownies cut into 1"cubes

1/3 mousse

2 bars of broken candy

1/3 Cool Whip

Repeat layering 2 more times

cover with plastic wrap and put in fridge for a few hours before serving...

This is to die for...I like it more than "Better Than Robert Redford"....

ROOTED IN HISTORY!

What's your story? So what secrets are waiting to be discovered about the people who made you who you are today? Our roots influence us in ways we can't even imagine. Studying your family history actually lets you discover more about yourself....With online databases and research tools, it's easier than ever to start putting the pages of your family story together, preserving your heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Create a family tree.

You can easily create a family tree online with what you already know....Begin with yourself and add your parents and grandparents. Record each person's name, birthplace, birth date, death place and death date..If you don't know the exact information take your best guess...vague clues can lead to amazing finds...Family members may be able to help also...Go to ancestry.com and get started now....What a wonderful Christmas present this would be for the members of your family next Christmas...Keep tuned for more to come.....

I AM BACK!!!!!!!!!

Well as you can see and hear, it is time to find time to update my blog! I am busy digging up information on my genealogy and that is so time consuming...I hope to be able to give you'll some tips for doing this...We are all reflections of the ancestors who came before us....It is so important to pass on the information of your family to future generations....I just wish I had started sooner....I am amazed at all the different nationalities in my background that I never knew about...My great grandfather served in the civil war at the tender age of 17...He was with General Lee at Appomattox and is listed in the records there....My daughter went there and was so surprised to see his name listed.....You can even get the kids involved....Well my dryer just buzzed, so better get the clothes out before they get wrinkled......