Gumdrop Pops

Stack gumdrops, dot them with sprinkles and other candies in creative ways, and watch the colorful confections come to life as snowmen, Santas, and other icons of the season. Wrap the candy pops in cellophane bags, and then attach them to gifts or slip them into stockings. Or create a holiday display: Partially fill a large glass jar with sanding sugar, and stand the figurines on flower frogs in the sparkling "snow."

Slide gumdrops onto candy sticks to create body of each pop. (Use leaf-shaped gumdrops for holly pop.)




For Santa
Use top half of 1 small gumdrop for hat. Trim 2 oblong candies for arms. Use candy-coated seeds for buttons and pom-pom. Poke candy where facial features will go with a skewer; use sticky tip to pick up and place nonpareils for eyes and nose.


For Snowman
Trim top of head; top with 1 candy wafer and half of 1 small gumdrop for hat. Using a skewer (see "For Santa"), place nonpareils for eyes, mouth, and buttons. Insert sprinkle for nose.

Craft of the Day Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers
Candy Sticks

Dip these Christmas standbys in white chocolate and nonpareils for something extra-sweet. For 50 peppermint sticks, you'll need 8 ounces of white chocolate and 1 1/2 cups of white nonpareils.

Candy Sticks How-To
1. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water; stir until melted. Let cool slightly.

2. Dip peppermint sticks in chocolate; spoon nonpareils over chocolate. Stand candy, coated end up, in a loaf pan filled with dried beans; refrigerate until set.

3. Package candy in cellophane bags. Cut rectangles out of card stock the width of the bags.

4. Fold them over the tops of the bags; staple shut. Affix labels over staples

Homemade Cappacino Decalf Sugar Free

A great winter evening drink.

1 1/2 C powdered milk
1 1/2 C Nestle's Quick
10 OZ powder creamer any kind
1C Decaf Instant Coffee
1 C Splenda


Mix together and store in tight container.

add large scoop to hot water stir and enjoy.

Stocking Stuffers Moisturizing Body Oils and Bath Salts

Moisturizing Body Oils and Bath Salts

Treat someone you love to these wonderful body oils and bath salts this holiday season.

Lavender Body Oil
Makes three 4-ounce bottles

Ingredients
4 cups jojoba seed or avocado seed oil
1 pound dried herbs, flowers, or leaves, such as yarrow flowers, plantain leaves, or dandelion leaves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon organic essential oil of lavender flowers, clary sage flowers, rosemary stems, or grapefruit peel

Lavender Body Oil How-To
1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees.

2. Place base oil and herbs in a 6-cup casserole dish with a lid; stir until herbs are submerged. Cover and transfer casserole to oven for 4 to 8 hours, stirring every hour to ensure that herbs do not burn.

3. Set a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a large heatproof glass measuring cup. Strain herb mixture into measuring cup, squeezing cheesecloth to remove liquid; discard solids.

4. Clean casserole dish and dry completely. Pour strained liquid into casserole dish and stir in essential oil. Cover and let stand 24 hours. If fragrance is not strong enough, add another teaspoon of essential oil; let stand, covered, 8 hours more.

5. Using a funnel, divide liquid evenly between three 4-ounce bottles and cover.


Bath Salts
Makes three 16-ounce jars




Ingredients
4 tablespoons jojoba seed or avocado seed oil
1 tablespoon organic essential oil of lavender flowers, clary sage flowers, rosemary stems, or grapefruit peel
6 pounds coarse sea salt

Bath Salts How-To
1. In a small bowl, stir base and essential oils together to combine.

2. Place 3 tablespoons in a large bowl; add salt and stir until well coated. Reserve remaining oil mixture for another use.

3. Divide mixture evenly between three 16-ounce jars and cover. Add this bath salts label to your jars for some decorative flare.

Herbs
When herbs are combined, there is a synergistic effect; they work together, making a stronger, more healing potion than the sum of their parts, and can be used in wonderful beauty products such as these body oil and bath salts.

Yarrow
Yarrow has a long history as a powerful healing herb used topically for wounds, cuts, and abrasions. The botanical name is achillea millafolium and is named after the Greek hero Achilles, who would heal his wounds with it according to legend. Anti-inflammatory Yarrow is used for the treatment of wounds and sores because of its astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of the content of Azulene, Yarrow oil is used for skin-care purposes in the treatment of acne, eczema, and inflammation, to minimize varicose veins, and to reduce scars.

Plantain
Plantain has a cooling effect on burns and sunburns; it has astringent properties and can help stop bleeding from minor wounds and cuts. It also helps ease the effects of bites, stings, and rashes from Stinging Nettle; and aids in poison ivy itch-relief.

Dandelion
Dandelion has been used to treat warts, acne, and age spots.

Calendula Flower
These flowers contain antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties that promote healing. Calendula is used topically to treat acne, reduce inflammation, control bleeding and sooth irritated tissue.

Burdock Root
Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, is popular in Europe as a scalp treatment applied to improve hair strength, shine, and body, help reverse scalp conditions such as dandruff, and combat hair loss.

Yellow Dock Root
This root enhances bile production to break down fatty foods, improves the flow of bile and other digestive juices, acts as a mild diuretic and laxative to help flush out toxins, provides iron and promotes its absorption for optimal blood health, supports the bladder, kidney, and liver function, and helps reduce bowel inflammation and irritation.

Sage
Native to the Mediterranean, sage has been valued for centuries for its culinary and medicinal qualities. In fact, its name is derived from the Latin word meaning "to heal." A member of the mint family, its silvery-grayish-green leaves have a spicy, somewhat bitter flavor.

Comfrey
Comfrey is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne, and other skin conditions.

Resources
Special thanks to landscape designer and creator of the all-natural You Be Healthy skincare line, Michael Blake, for sharing these wonderful Handmade Holiday gifts. Get more information on the best herbs for women's health and DIY spa treatments.

I surrived 2009 Blizzard

I traveled to home for Thanksgiving holiday and to spend time helping a dear friend who had hip replacement surgery. Then behold the Iowa blizzard of '09 hit with a punch. Rural county roads drifted shut, 17 inches of snow fell and blew and blew. Snow drifts 10-12 feet high.

Stocking Stuffers Velvet Ribbon Belts

Stocking Stuffers
Velvet-Ribbon Belts

When coiled, these luxurious, stylish belts are just the right size and shape to fit in a Christmas stocking.

Add a luxurious touch to any winter outfit with a belt of velvet ribbon. Cut 2 1/2 yards of natural-fiber velvet ribbon. Slip two D rings slightly wider than the ribbon onto one end, and fold both ends of the ribbon in toward the midpoint, fuzzy side out, keeping the D rings at one folded end. Remove backing from a 1 1/4-yard piece of iron-on fuse tape, and sandwich it between the layers; place scrap velvet facedown on top, and iron on the cotton setting to fuse the layers

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Pie

For the best flavor, use a sugar pumpkin to make a homemade Pumpkin Puree. This variety of pumpkin, also known as "New England Pie" and "Sugar Pie" weighs from five to eight pounds and is known for its sweet, fine-grained flesh.

Ingredients
Makes one 9-inch pie

1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups fresh Pumpkin Puree, or canned
3 large eggs, lightly beaten, plus 1 egg for glaze
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
Pate Brisee (Pie Dough)
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin puree, and 3 eggs. Beat well. Add evaporated milk, and combine. Set aside.
2.Between two pieces of plastic wrap, roll pate brisee into a 12-inch circle. Fit pastry into a 9-inch glass pie plate; trim dough evenly along edge, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang. Pinch to form a decorative edge. If the dough begins to soften, chill for 15 minutes.
3.Make the glaze: Beat the remaining egg, and combine with heavy cream. Brush glaze very lightly on edges of pie shell. Fill pie shell with pumpkin mixture. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
4.Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 30 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Cake With Honey Frosting
Be sure to use canned pumpkin puree -- not pumpkin pie filling or fresh pumpkin puree.

Note: You can also use a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan: Increase baking time by 25 to 30 minutes (tent loaf with foil if it browns too quickly).

Prep: 25 minutes
Total: 2 hours 30 minutes



Ingredients
Serves 9
FOR THE CAKE
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice (or 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon each allspice and cloves)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin puree
FOR THE HONEY FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
1 bar (8 ounces) regular (or reduced-fat) cream cheese, very soft
1/4 cup honey

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan.
2.In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin-pie spice. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, butter, and pumpkin puree until combined. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture, and mix gently until smooth.
3.Turn batter into prepared pan, and smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool cake 10 minutes in pan, then turn out of pan, and cool completely, right side up, on a rack.
4.Make Honey Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk butter, cream cheese, and honey until smooth.
5.Spread top of cooled cake with honey frosting. Cut cake into squares to serve.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Mousse Pie

Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
9 ounces graham crackers
3/4 cup plus 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus 1 tablespoon for dusting
1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch ground nutmeg
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brandy
2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups homemade Pumpkin Puree, or canned
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions
1.Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a food processor, combine graham crackers, 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and pinch nutmeg; process until finely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl; mix in butter with a wooden spoon. Press mixture onto bottom and sides of a 10-inch tart pan. Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes. Set crust aside to cool.
2.In a small bowl, place brandy and 2 tablespoons water. Sprinkle gelatin powder over liquid; set aside to soften, 10 minutes. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat eggs on medium-low speed until fluffy. While the mixer is running, combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until temperature registers 245 degrees (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes. Immediately turn mixer to high speed. Carefully drizzle sugar mixture into eggs in a thin stream; continue to beat until mixture increases in volume and is pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place bowl with softened gelatin over a saucepan of simmering water; stir until gelatin has dissolved.
3.Turn mixer to low; add gelatin mixture to egg mixture. Add pumpkin puree, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, the allspice, ginger, salt, and sour cream; combine. Pour filling into pie crust; refrigerate until set, 4 hours or overnight.
4.To serve, whisk heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl until stiff. Using an Ateco #864 star tip, pipe whipped cream in rosettes onto pie (or spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie with a spatula). Sift remaining tablespoon cinnamon on top. Serve chilled.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies

Chocolate and pumpkin make a frightfully gooey pair in these creamy pumpkin-swirl brownies.

Ingredients
Makes 16
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or other nuts

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan or dish. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper; butter lining.
2.Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
3.Whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until fluffy and well combined, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in flour mixture.
4.Divide batter between two medium bowls (about 2 cups per bowl). Stir chocolate mixture into one bowl. In other bowl, stir in pumpkin, oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer half of chocolate batter to prepared pan smoothing top with a rubber spatula. Top with half of pumpkin batter. Repeat to make one more chocolate layer and one more pumpkin layer. Work quickly so batters don't set.
5.With a small spatula or a table knife, gently swirl the two batters to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle with nuts.
6.Bake until set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares.

Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes

Ingredients
Makes 22

1 sugar pumpkin, (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and seeded
1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree, or canned pumpkin puree
1 cup pecans
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 seven ounce packages almond paste
Gel food color, orange, brown, and green
Cream Cheese Frosting

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two muffin tins with paper liners. Grate pumpkin in a food processor or on the large holes of a box grater (you should have about 2 1/2 cups). Transfer to a medium bowl, and add pumpkin puree and pecans.
2.In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves; pulse to combine. With machine running, add oil and eggs; process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add pumpkin mixture; pulse to combine.
3.Spoon about 1/3 cup batter into each cupcake liner. Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
4.Make the marzipan pumpkins: Tint two-thirds almond paste orange, adding food color a dab at a time until desired color is reached. Tint a quarter of remaining paste brown and the rest green. Shape into leaves, stems, and pumpkins (see instructions below).
5.Decorate cupcakes with frosting and marzipan pumpkins. Store in airtight containers at room temperature up to 2 days
6.Marzipan Pumpkin How-To: Using a small rolling pin, roll out green almond paste about 1/8 thick; use a leaf cutter to cut out leaf shapes. Roll brown into small ropes; cut and shape into stems. Using the palms of your hand, shape orange into three-quarter-inch globes. Use a toothpick to poke holes in tops of pumpkins and to press creases from top to bottom. Attach leaves and stems to tops with a bit of frosting.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

To make ahead (up to two hours), complete recipe, then top with a thin layer of milk. Cover; set aside in a warm place. When ready to serve, stir to combine.

Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Ingredients
Serves 8

8 medium russet potatoes (about 4 pounds)
1 head peeled garlic cloves (about 15)
Coarse salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces

Directions
1.Peel potatoes and quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a 5-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic cloves; cover with water (about 8 cups) by 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
2.Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
3.Drain; return garlic and potatoes to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4.In a small saucepan, bring milk to a boil; pour over potatoes. Add butter and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Mashed Sweet and Russet Potatoes with Herbs

In this healthful mash, the sweet potatoes meet russets, which contain about 30 milligrams of vitamin C per eight-ounce spud.



Ingredients

Serves 4


4 garlic cloves (do not peel)
1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes, pricked with a fork (about 1 pound total)
2 medium russet potatoes, pricked with a fork (about 1 pound total)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus a sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
1 3/4 teaspoons coarse salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with racks in center and lower thirds. Put garlic on a small piece of foil; drizzle with oil. Fold to form a packet, and crimp edges to seal. Place garlic packet and the potatoes on center rack; place a baking sheet on lower rack to catch the juices.

2.Bake, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 45 minutes. Remove sweet potatoes and garlic from oven; set aside. Continue to bake russet potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes more. Remove from oven; let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

3.Peel potatoes. Pass through a ricer or a food mill into a medium bowl. Squeeze garlic from skins into bowl with potatoes. Stir in butter, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in yogurt, and serve.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Butter-Pecan Sweet Potatoes

To make ahead (up to five hours) prepare recipe through step 2. Cool; cover and refrigerate. About 15 minutes before ready to serve, proceed with recipe.

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 50 minutes







Ingredients

Serves 8

8 medium sweet potatoes (5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1/3 cup pecan pieces
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel potatoes and halve lengthwise; slice crosswise 1/2 inch thick. On a baking sheet, toss potatoes with olive oil; season with coarse salt.
2.Transfer half the potatoes to a second baking sheet; cook both sheets until potatoes are tender, tossing occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes.
3.Sprinkle with butter, brown sugar, pecan pieces, and cayenne pepper, dividing evenly. Bake until sugar is caramelized and hard, about 10 minutes. Gently toss; serve immediately.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Potato-Mushroom Pie

Use a mandoline to make thin, even potato slices.










Ingredients

Serves 10 to 12

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms, such as chanterelle, oyster, or black trumpet, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup finely grated Gruyere cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, about 3 1/2 ounces
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme leaves
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish; set aside. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add half of the mushrooms; cook until they are slightly softened. Add remaining mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms have released their juices and most of the liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
2.Combine cheeses in a small bowl; set aside. Cover bottom of prepared dish with potato slices, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle with half of the thyme and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese and half of the mushroom mixture. Repeat layering process, using all but 2 tablespoons cheese. Arrange remaining potato slices, slightly overlapping, around the edge of the dish. Stir together milk and cream in a bowl, and pour over top. At this point, dish can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
3.Cover loosely with foil, and bake until bubbling, about 1 hour. Remove foil, and sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake until top is golden, 20 to 30 minutes more. Transfer dish to a wire rack; let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Easiest Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash With Sage

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 4
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Directions

1.Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until squash is lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes.
2.Add 1/4 cup water, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover, and cook until squash is fork-tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
3.Toss with sage.

Easiest Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Sauteed Apples with Thyme

Turn fruit into a seasonal side dish with this easy recipe.

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes








Ingredients

Serves 4

3 McIntosh apples, or Golden Delicious apples (or a mix of both)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

1.Core apples. Cut each apple into 8 wedges; halve wedges crosswise.
2.Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples and 1 teaspoon each fresh thyme leaves and grated lemon zest; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until apples are just tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 3 to 5 minutes.

Life is Full of Beauty

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” Ashley Smith

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:
I use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins and paper towels. It saves money and the trees! -

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:

When you buy toiletries, buy them in economy sized bottles. Then refill your smaller ones for convenience and store until needed. You use fewer bottles save the planet & your wallet!

Green Tip of the Day,

GREEN TIP:

How are you doing today? Sharing your feelings and connecting with others helps to bridge the gap between "us" and "them." This is a reminder tip that we are all connected.

Green Tip of the Day,

GREEN TIP:

Next time you stay at a hotel, you can help to keep it green by not taking any of the hotel's complimentary soap or shampoo for your collection. Use only what you need or better yet, bring your own!

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:

Many rental companies are now offering alternative fuel vehicles. Check which rental agencies are offering these cars. Sometimes they cost a bit more, so take a moment and reflect on what's important to you.

Green Tip Of Day

GREEN TIP:

Searching for gifts for kids? Seek out toys that are safe, creative, and environmentally conscious. Lead paints, toxic plastics, and other chemicals are actually still used in many products. Gift smart!

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:

Biodegradeable cat litters are non-carcinogenic & made from various plant resources such as pine wood pellets, recycled newspaper, etc. These offer great flushability & deodorizing properties.

Green Tip Of The Day

GREEN TIP:

Stop smoking. If you can't stop, try smoking all natural cigarettes. Not only does the smoke cause pollution, but the cigarette butts, tobacco additives, and production create numerous toxic wastes.

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:
Is a stain, a small tear, or changing fashion threatening your favorite clothing? Don't just toss your old friend away! If the condition is perfectly good, you can always donate or reuse as a household rag!

Crisis

A crisis may change your life. But it doesn't have to ruin it.

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:

Use biodegradable bags when taking care of pet waste, whether out for a walk with the dog, or scooping out the cat's litter box. Millions of plastic bags are getting caught in landfills and our oceans.

Green Tip of the Day

GREEN TIP:

Buy the larger sized cans for all canned foods, including pet foods. Even though these cans are recyclable, one of the key steps is minimizing our use of material.

Carbon Footprint

What is your Carbon Footprint?

A Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Want to calculate your Carbon Footprint and find ways to reduce and offset it? Visit: www.carbonfootprint.com

Submit Cupcake Pictures and Recipes

Submit Cupcake Pictures and Recipes

Quote For The Day

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is made clean again.

Camping Options and Tips

QUICK CAMPING OPTIONS
It is always a challenge to make meals when you are camping. Here is a quick and easy tip that will help out wit your next camping trip.

The next time that you are preparing to go, brown some ground beef with some onions.

Let the mixture cool thoroughly, then place in zip lock bags and freeze.

Now all you have to do is place the bags into your ice chest.

Once you get to your destination just add any variety of sauces to make spaghetti, sloppy joes, taco’s, chili or whatever else your family craves.

MEASURING GRANULATED SUGAR

Place the desired dry measuring cup onto a piece of waxed paper, or into a larger bowl. This will contain any spills for easy transfer back to the canister.

Scoop some granulated sugar from the canister with a spoon and place it in the desired dry measuring cup.
Using a straight edge (spoon handle or spatula) level off the top of the sugar in the cup.

Place the measured sugar into your mixing bowl and return the overflow caught on your waxed paper or bowl to the canister.

Mix It Up

Why is it that every time you make up a cup of cocoa or soup, you always end up with lumps. You have tried everything and nothing seems to help. The next time that you make up a cup, try this:

Place the dry mix in the bottom of your cup or mug. Slowly add just enough HOT water to cover the mix.

Using a spoon, blend the water into your mix until a thick paste has been created and all of the mix has been dissolved.

Now add the rest of your water mixing well.

Voila! Lump free!

Deep Fry Cooking and Safety

For safety in the kitchen, always make sure that you keep a lid handy for any pot that you are deep frying in.

In case your oil overheats or spills and causes a fire, immediately drop the lid on the pot of oil to prevent the fire from spreading and possibly becoming worse.

Kitchen Safety

Juicing

Juicing Jubilee

I recently received a diagnosis that made me rethink my food intake. I researched and decided that I wanted to join the juicing bandwagon. I bought a Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice Extractor and about 3 pounds of fruit.

I was hooked after the first drink. My daughter and I go crazy seeing what different drinks we can make up. My favorite is one apple, one orange, a couple of strawberries and a handfull of grapes. She likes adding some honey and vanilla, but most of the time I don't find the need.

I will forwarn you that it takes longer to clean the machine than it does to make the juice! If you clean it promply after juicing it may only take about 5 minutes. If you let it dry out before you try to clean..... well, I am sure that the rest of the day might be shot for you.

Canning Tips

Easy Canning Tips

When canning, the recipe will always tell you to leave headspace at the top of the jar. Not all recipes will tell you how much headspace is needed. When canning the headspace must be there in order to get the ideal seal on your stored items.

If you leave too little or too much headspace you will not get an adequate seal.

Here is a quick list of different jars, and approximately how much headspace should be left.

Sugar or Liquid Pack: Wide top Jars ½ inch for Pint, and 1inch for Quart.
Sugar or Liquid Pack: Narrow top Jars ¾ inch for Pint, and 1 ½ inches for Quart.
No Liquid Pack: Unless otherwise noted, leave ½ inch.

Grannies Kitchen Canning Tips

Jelly - Canning

When making jelly, sometimes it is hard to tell when the jelly point has been reached. There is a simple test that you can do to determine this.

Place a small plate in the refrigerator. When you think that the jelly is ready, remove the plate from the refrigerator and using a spoon, place a small dollop on the plate.

Using a knife, draw a path through the jelly. If the path stays and does not ooze back down, your jelly is ready for canning.

Grannies Kitchen - Jelling Jelly, Canning and Homemade Jelly

Weekday Themes

Summer Calendar 2009

What to do with the kids home for the summer or if you are a daycare provider of childcare for ideas and days of the week themes.

Make it Monday
Two for Tuesday
Wacky Wednesday
Trivia Thursday
Fieldtrip Friday

Grannies Kitchen

Quick Applesauce - Apple Season

QUICK APPLESAUCE
You just got a bunch of fresh apples, and you are afraid that they are going to go bad.

You can make up a quick batch of applesauce that will keep in the refrigerator for 10-12 days.

Wash 6-8 apples, then core and quarter.

Place the apples into a saucepan and cover with 1/4 cup water.

Bring to a simmer and cover until the apples have cooked to a mush.

Puree in a blender or with a food mixer and add sugar to taste.

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Balloons Nationals Indianola 09 - Windows Live

Balloons Nationals Indianola 09 - Windows Live

Balloon Nationals

Got to Love Maxine

Apple Cake - Apple Season

This recipe was surprisingly good. Even my family who doesn't like fruity desserts thought it was pretty good. I just used a regular Red Delicious apple for this recipe. Could be used for a breakfast snack also.

APPLE CAKE
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 egg white
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon No Iodine Salt
1/4 cup chopped apples; diced into 1/4 inch cubes

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Place in an 8x8 pan. Bake 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm.

Yield: 8 servings


Grannies Kitchen - Apple Cake

Eunice Kennedy Schriver

In Memory of Eunice Kennedy Schriver


We are all ships returning home
laden with life's experience,
memories of work, good times and sorrows,
each with his special cargo;
And it is our common lot
to show the marks of the voyage,
here a shattered prow, there a patched rigging,
and every hulk turned black
by the unceasing batter of the restless wave.

May we be thankful for fair weather and smooth seas,
and in times of storm have the courage
and patience that mark every good mariner;
And, overall, may we have the cheering hope of joyful meetings,
as our ship at last drops anchor
in the still water of the eternal harbor.

By: Max Ehrmann

Grannies Kitchen Eunice Kennedy Schriver

Apple Season - Apple Muffins

Apple Muffins
This was a quick and easy recipe that I found. Good for breakfast or snack.



1/3 cup corn oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup egg white
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cup flour
2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
3 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients except the 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tsp Cinnamon in a large bowl.

Grease a 12 piece muffin pan, or line with cups.

Divide mixture evenoly beween cups. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over tops of all muffins.

Bake 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Yield: 12 Muffins

Grannies Kitchen Apples

Ocean In A Bottle - Activities For Kids

Activities for Kids

Ocean in a Bottle, also referred to as a Pet Wave

Great for class projects, scouts, birthday party crafts or gifts.

What you will need:

rubbing alcohol
mineral spirits
food coloring
water bottle

1. Fill half of the bottle with rubbing alcohol.
2. Put two to three drops of food coloring into the bottle and shake.
3. Fill remainder of the bottle with mineral spirits.
4. Put top on - Do not Shake.
5. Hold bottle horizontally until clear, then raise and lower ends to create waves

5 Useful Ways with a Contact Lens Case

Think those double-cylinder lens cases are only good for your contacts? Think again! Here, we found five other uses that are just as handy.

Household Tips


1. Petroleum Jelly and Lotion
Fill one side with moisturizer or hand lotion and the other with jelly to dab on your lips on the go. Contact cases are wonderfully leakproof.

2. Earplugs
No more feeling your way around your bedside drawer in the dark. Keep one in each side of the case.

3. Pills
Pack a set of your daily meds and put it in your purse just in case. Or stash other pills you might need (Tylenol, Imodium, Benadryl). Use a permanent marker to label the bottom of the case with what’s inside.

4. Earrings
For those days when you forget to put some on before you leave the house. Put your dependable studs in a case, and slide it into your travel makeup kit.

5. Overnight Shampoo and Conditioner
When you need just one night’s worth of toiletries, squeeze a gob of shampoo in one side, conditioner in the other.

Grannes Kitchen Household Tips Contact Lens Cases

Traveling - Must Need Items for Kids

Items to always have on hand when traveling with kids

Band-Aids
antiseptic hand gel
small tissue packs
sun screen
Dr.'s phone numbers
Tylenol - children's & adults
a rubber door stop can provide extra security for a hotel room door
small plug in nightlight - to help find the bathroom in the middle of the night
Crayons
mechanical pencils
highlighter - good for word search games
paper
deck of cards
zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)
sun glasses
hats/visors
light weight wind breaker
umbrella
camera with extra film
keep a photo of your child in your wallet - incase you loose them in a crowed area
extra copy of birth certificates, photo id, travel reservations, airline tickets.

Grannies Kitchen Traveling with Kids

Planning a Road Trip - Helpful Items to Take

Helpful items for a road trip with kids

Frisbee - great for some quick exercise when making a stop
plastic boxes - one for each child, to hold their supplies - the lid makes a great desk or place to hold food.
clean water - several bottles of water work best for drinking, a quick wash up, cleaning a scrape and so on.
lightweight blanket - small child's blanket for cuddling with at nap time.
paper towels - for quick clean ups.
snacks - saltines, goldfish crackers - any kind of lightly salted dry cracker. Hard candy, such as life savers or tick tacks.
compass - fun for the kids if they want to help navigate.
trash bags - for storing laundry, wet items or just for trash.

Grannies Kitchen Items For a Road Trip With Kids

Travel Food For Kids

Travel Food


individual applesauce and fruit cups (don't forget plastic spoons)
dry crackers - small snack pack size
individual size water bottles (a permanent marker will help to keep these separate)
poptarts
individual cereal boxes
flavored rice cakes
juice boxes/bags
jar of peanut butter and loaf of bread (don't forget a plastic knife)

Grannies Kitchen - Travel Food For Kids

Activites For Long Trips With Kids - Bring Books

Bring Books!

Books are always a good choice whether you are at home or traveling on vacation. Mom or Dad may have to sit in the back seat for this one, unless your are fortunate enough to have a few books on tape. Bring along a tape or CD player with headphones which can be used for your books on tape or music. You can also combine books with counting, point out items in the books, like a cow or a barn and ask your child to watch for it.

Grannies Kitchen - Activites For Long Trips With Kids - Bring Books

Activites For Long Trips With Kids - Sing

Sing!

Kids love to sing. There are many songbook/cassette sets that children seem to love. Some favorites are the ones by Wee Sing. Disney soundtracks are also wonderful. And if tapes don't make them sing, maybe the songs will put them to sleep.

Grannies Kitchen Activites For Long Trips With Kids - Sing

Household Tips Candles

Refrigerate candles for several hours before lighting; it will cause fewer drips.

Grannies Kitchen Houshold Tip for Candles and Drips

Grannies Houshold Fridge Tips

* Wiping the inside of the fridge with vinegar helps prevent mildew because acid kills mildew fungus.






* For a fresh smelling fridge, keep a box of baking soda, a can filled with charcoal or dried coffee grounds or a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract inside of it.


* Crumbled newspapers lining the vegetable compartments of a refrigerator will keep veggies crisp.

Grannies Kitchen - Household Tips for the Fridge

Perfect Pie Crust

Friday I had the pleasure of making fresh fruit pies with a dear friend who was classmates of my parents. Many times I have referred to her as my 2nd mom since my mother has passed away years ago. This pie crust recipe was one they where taught when they when in school by their homemec teacher in the 1950's.

This will make 1 two crust pie.

1 1/2 C Flour
3/4 C Crisco
1/2 t salt

Cut Flour, salt and crisco together till crumbs, Mix in 6 T cold water. Make a ball then roll crust out on a floured surface.

Grannies Kitchen- Perfect Pie Crust

Clothes Line News

A clothes line was a news broadcast to neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep when clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link for neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by to spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the fancy sheets and towels on the line;
You'd see the comp'ny tablecloths with intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth to folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung so carefully with pride.

The age of children could so readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed, you'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck, as extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too, haphazardly were strung.

It said, "Gone on vacation now" when lines hung limp and bare.
It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged with not an inch to spare.

New folks in town were scorned upon if wash was dingy gray,
As neighbors raised their brows, and looked disgustedly away.

But clotheslines now are of the past for dryers make work less.
Now what goes on inside a home is anybody's guess

I really miss that way of life. It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best by what hung on the line!

Marcia Chumbley

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land. Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified. Marcia is the founder and publisher of " Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents" web site, Faithful Grannies.com "Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, www.workathomedivasonline.com and Work At Home Moms Choices www.wahmchoices.com Marcia Chumbley: Specializing in Cooking Recipes http://grannieskitchen.blogspot.com/ She is a well known published and
featured author through out the internet and public speaker on domestic violence and a breast cancer surivor. She was choosen as a WAHM and SAHM of the 1st quarter of 2009 by Stay At Home Moms Online. http://stayathomemomsonline.com/momofmonth.html

Bookmarks Kids Crafts

Keep track of your favorite books with this handy bookmark
By Woman's Day Staff July 08, 2008 from WomansDay.com

Photo: © Paula Hible

Materials:
Fun Foam in assorted colors
Decorative scissors (optional)
White glue
Fine-point permanent markers in assorted colors
3/4" pompom
Two 5 mm movable eyes
Yarn

Instructions:
Cut 2" x 10" strips of Fun Foam for base of bookmark. Cut additional shapes, such as face or star. Use decorative scissors if desired.

Glue shapes to one end of strip. Decorate shapes with markers, movable eyes, pompom nose, yarn and hair.
Write names of books you’ve read on base strip.

Grannies Household Tips - Dusting

Dusting with a paintbrush can be an effective way to get into those hard to reach door jambs, etc.



Grannies Kitchen Household Tips