Saturday, December 31, 2011

A Tip on Microwaving Food

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart

With all the concern about microwaving food in plastic containers, this tip is a workable solution.  You don't need to go out and purchase lots of glass containers.  I've been doing this for a long time and find that quite a few dishes already in my cupboards have been working great for heating food in the microwave.  Corelle dishes are especially convenient because of their light weight.  Oneida salad bowls that I bought from Red Lobster in the 90's are a favorite in cooking frozen vegetables and other food items for just the two of us, with a cereal bowl serving as the lid.

Try combining some glass dishes you already have in similar combinations:

A salad bowl + a cereal bowl as a lid
A cereal bowl + a saucer as a lid
A salad bowl + a salad plate as a lid
A serving bowl + a cereal bowl as a lid
A larger serving bowl + a salad plate as a lid

I'm sure you get the picture, but just in case you're confused, I have posted several photos at  http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com

If you have Corningware casserole dishes, they work great as well, and they seem to last forever!  I'm still using the ones we got as wedding gifts more than forty-three years ago.  If you don't have any, yard sales and thrift shops are good resources to find them.  Clean them up with a Magic Eraser and they will look like new.  By the way, sometimes I also use a plastic microwave cover as a lid (which does not touch the food).  I found it at Walmart about twelve years ago.  So as you see, there are practical ways of getting around the plastic/microwave issue.

Discovering Bonus Space Right in Your Home

by Lois Breneman - Copyright 2004 - Revised 2012 - Heart to Heart

All of us have probably thought how we need more storage space in our homes.  First of all, getting rid of all those things we really don't need will cut way down on the needed storage space.  I'm working on that, but it's easier said than done.  Then how about investigating every available space in your home and putting it to good use if you are still in need of more storage space?  Look around your home for items that serve as a decoration, but allow for hidden storage as well.  In many cases extra storage is available and just waiting to be found!  Here are some clues as to where you can discover extra bonus space right in your own home!  Think vertical! 

Hang a clear vinyl pocket organizer (shoe bag) inside the linen closet to hold Band-aids, bandages, tape, small tubes of medications, a thermometer, ball syringes, etc. Everything will be easy to see and locate quickly when needed.

A clear vinyl pocket organizer is effective when hung inside a broom closet to store Goo Gone, window cleaner, all purpose cleaner, rubbing alcohol, and other cleaning supplies.  Be sure to tuck in plenty of microfiber cloths or terry cloth squares, which I prefer.  An old bath towel (with no holes) can be cut into eighths to make the same number of wonderful cleaning cloths.  After rounding the corners, simply sew around each one using the zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine to prevent unraveling and lint.  These work great for numerous cleaning jobs and are virtually free!


Hang another clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the coat closet for sunglasses, gloves, scarves, fold up umbrellas, a lint brush, and other things you might need to grab before you go out the door.

Hang more clear vinyl pocket organizers inside your children's closet doors, unless the doors are louvered. I'm sure you will agree that small things stored in these pockets are so much better than scattered all around their rooms! And everything will be visible through the clear vinyl!

Store often-used information, taped inside kitchen cabinet doors.  A chart of family illnesses, giving each name, date, illness, and remedy, is a valuable chart to have at your fingertips.  Food substitutions are another handy piece of information, and I know we can all think of more information we'd like to keep handy.


If you are in the process of building or remodeling your home, you may want to consider adding one built-in locker for each family member - near the door, all in a row. I have seen this plan carried out in the home of a friend and the mother raved how they all loved the convenience of keeping each person's coat, boots, gloves, school books, backpack, etc. right by the door. The mother also loved how each person was responsible for his or her own personal locker!  A great idea!

If you have a deep closet or pantry where things seem to get lost, store items on trays that can be pulled out, so you have full access to everything and are able to find what you need.

Small round wooden tables, purchased for as little as $5 (on sale), can provide lovely hidden storage! With a round tablecloth draped down to the floor, no one will ever know what you have hidden there and it provides a nice decorative touch to a bedroom, living room, family room, great room, dining room or sun room. A round piece of glass can be purchased to set on top of the tablecloth for protection from spills. A large round lace doily or a smaller square piece of contrasting fabric placed over the tablecloth can change the whole appearance.

Use empty decorative ceramic containers for storage, as well as decoration. Examples: Pretty ginger jars, canisters, covered ceramic dishes, vases or teapots.  Large painted milk cans can hold umbrellas.

In the bathroom install shelves to set on top of or above the tank of the commode for additional space. Every bathroom can use more storage and this is an excellent vertical space to use.

Use a hanging shelf that slips over the shower head to hold shampoo, conditioner, and razors.  Racks are also available to hang on the side of a shower, when using an adhesive hook on the tile.

A shallow overhead shelf or two situated up high at the end of the bathtub is another possibility.

Slide under-the-bed boxes -- where else but under the beds!  I'm sure you can think of something to store in those (gifts, out-of-season shoes or clothing, etc.).  If a bed doesn't allow enough height for a box to fit under the mattress, the feet of the bed could be raised up a little on four blocks of wood (about 4" wide with a hollowed out area to hold the feet of the bed).  My husband rounded the corners as well, in order to prevent sore toes that might kick into the wood by accident.

Have you thought of storing things under sofas and chairs with skirts? Yes, even there!  Sofas with skirts are perfect for this, but not so easily found these days.

A shallow cabinet (about one or two inches deep) would be sufficient to hold necklaces and bracelets with cup hooks or even push pins to hold them. Hang it behind a bedroom door where it would be protected by a rubber door stop. A beautiful painting could even be attached to the front. Or use the space in the back of your bedroom closet to hang necklaces and bracelets.

Many closets have wooden strips around the wall for the shelves. Insert push pins into the wood to hang necklaces and bracelets. This works great and keeps them out of sight.

Hang bookshelves along the wall above a desk or computer to make good use of that unused space.

In many homes it would work to enclose the area under the stairs for storage, with a door. It's amazing how much can be stored there.

Inside a closet door, attach lightweight plastic-covered wire shelves designed to slip over the back of a door or fasten onto the inside of the door. This will hold so much and keep all the contents right at your fingertips.

If a closet has too much empty space between the shelves, add another shelf or two for more organized storage and better use of the space.

Look carefully at each closet and find a way to use all the available space. By using baskets, square plastic tubs or plastic shoe boxes (with lids) on closet shelves, they can be stacked to maximize the available space. Be sure to label all containers to make it easy to locate various items.

Under-the-shelf storage can be purchased in plastic-coated wire to be slipped on a shelf to make use of that unused space under the shelf.

Building shelves directly above your washer and dryer is a great idea, because that is normally wasted space. Use either open shelves or enclosed cabinets for laundry supplies and many other items.

Stacking makes use of extra space. At least three six drawer organizers (without the wheels attached, of course) can be stacked to provide organized storage for papers, CD's, DVD's, office supplies, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamping supplies, sewing supplies, crafts, etc.

Add an extra make-shift shelf to the floor of a closet, simply by raising the shelf up with two bricks on each end. This will provide extra storage space for shoes. Use a board that you stained or painted to match the room.  You could even cover it with fabric or matching contact paper.

In a child's room, stuffed animals could be stored and displayed in mesh, hanging from the ceiling in a corner of the room. You can find fish netting in stores for this purpose.

Shelves built around one or more walls about 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling of a child or teen's room provide not only storage, but decoration as well. The personality and interests of your child can be displayed for your enjoyment and theirs.  This is a good place for trophies as well.

Continue looking for unused space in your home. Hopefully these ideas of finding extra bonus storage space in the home will help us all to be more organized.

How to Cook Easily Digestible Beans

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart
 
You will be amazed at what apple cider vinegar will do for all of your bean recipes!  (The addition of apple cider vinegar for digestion and the omission of salt for tenderness)

Rinse a bag of dried beans in a colander, removing any stones.  My favorites are Great Northern Beans.

Cover with twice as much pure water as beans (4 cups beans to 8 cups water).

For every cup of beans, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.  Stir.  Allow to soak overnight or at least 8 hours.

Drain liquid, rinse well, and replace the water with fresh pure water in a two to one ratio.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. 

It's very important NOT to add any salt until the beans fully cooked.  Salt will prevent them from getting soft.

Cook until soft (about 45 - 60 minutes), checking the tenderness.

Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Serve some of the beans and freeze the remaining beans for later (a time-saving method of cooking).
 
Great Northern Beans may be substituted for chick peas when making hummus.
Use a few beans in tossed salads, in quesadillas, soups, casseroles, taco dip, and in beans and rice dishes.

All grains and seeds will be more digestible when soaked, using this soaking method.
 

For bean recipes, please go to http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com /recipes
.

Favorite Devotionals

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart

This is a short list of devotionals I’ve used at one time or another. If you’re searching for something new to encourage and guide your life this year, you might try a couple of these.


Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowan

His Utmost for My Highest by Oswald Chambers
Experiencing GOD Day-by-Day by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler
Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn
Jesus CallingEnjoying the Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
Dear Jesus by Sarah Young
His Princess – Love Letters from Your King by Sherri Rose Shepherd
Our Daily Bread (Free)
   RBC Ministries, PO Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2222  or  www.odb.org 


Personally sometimes I enjoy using a hymnbook during my devotional time.


I have also used Beth Moore's book, Praying God's Word, in my quiet time.
But let's not forget that the Bible should always be the main part of our quiet times.

Creative "Build-A-Snowman" Kit

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart

In some parts of the country this winter, warmer than usual temperatures have kept away the snow.  Are your children or grandchildren praying and begging for the white fluffy ice crystals?  If so, this activity might help!  Encourage and help them prepare now for a future snowy day by gathering everything they will need so their snowman or snowlady can stand in your front yard in style!   But who said a snowman can't be sitting in a chair?  Be original.  Have your children draw out their ideal snowman or snowlady on paper, and plan what they will need to dress their snowy masterpiece as soon as enough snow arrives. 


If you need inspiration or more ideas, check out the 25 cent bin at Goodwill or a thrift store for fun accessories.


For the hat, you could decide on a stocking cap, black felt hat for a man or a straw hat with flowers for a snowlady.


A colorful scarf could be an actual scarf or simply a piece of fabric you already have with raw edges.


A carrot nose could be kept in the refrigerator until needed, of course, but for the eyes and nose you will need coal, large dark stones or large buttons (toothpicks might help to hold them in place).  Dark colored Tootsie Pops would work even better (possibly grape flavored).
 
For the mouth, a red or pink ribbon would work.  If you have wire ribbon, you can shape it into a mouth even better.  Or use several radishes or red pepper slices to form a mouth.  Even red buttons could be held in place with toothpicks to form a smile.

For arms and hands, if you want an easy way out, gather twigs.  But you could also easily form arms around the front of your snow person's body.  One year our snowlady held a bouquet of flowers, which meant we didn't need to worry about forming her hands, since the flowers hid them.  Your snowperson could also be warming his hands with a muff (a piece of fabric or fake fur wrapped around where the hands would be).  Gloves could be placed over the hands as well.


You may want to be even more creative by dressing your snow person in a coat, but keep the size in mind when making the snow body.


For a snowman with shoes or boots, fabric could be wrapped to look the part, or you could use a pair of real shoes or boots, if you don't mind a puddle inside them or taking a chance that they'll be carried away by a stray dog.


If you want to get a message across to those who pass by your home, give him a sign to hold. 


Snow animals are lots of creative fun as well!  A bear, lion, turtle, dog, cat, or whatever your heart desires.
 
Teaching your children and grandchildren to plan ahead in something as mundane as building a snowman, will help them learn the importance of planning ahead for more important things.

Precious Gems

Jan., 2012

I love the things that Ethan (7) finds to do to keep himself busy in his free time.  His current project is recopying the Declaration of Independence into one of his notebooks. ~ Liz in Washington
 
Kylie (5) and I pulled into the parking lot at Longwood Park.  "Oh, look, Grandma, the park's closed for cleaning."  I couldn't figure out why she would say that until I saw an elderly gentleman sweeping a metal detector back and forth over the mulch. ~ Eileen in Virginia  (This quote is excerpted from the upcoming release, Wit & Wisdom from the Wee Ones by Eileen Rife, www.eileenrife.com)

Savannah (4): "Mom, Brookie (1) took my toy!"  Mom: "Choose to be a peacemaker and just let her have it."  Savannah: "Fine but in the middle of the night when I wanna sleep in your bed you don't let me 'cause you aren't a very good peacemaker, now are you?" ~ Lauren in Virginia

You know you have a toddler when you find your husband's deodorant in the kitchen utensil drawer. ~ Lori in Virginia

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

What If ... by Maria Hartman

Used by permission

What if this Christmas our focus was on
Praising the Lord for the gift of His Son?

What if instead of songs about snowmen
Our hearts bowed in wonder at the presence of God-Man?

What if instead of the rush to buy more,
We sought out the Giver who holds eternity sure?

What if we lived like we knew He was real
And not joined with the throngs who just want to feel?

What if this King was our reason for being
Would others take notice that it’s Him they are seeing?

What if we wept with repentance and sorrow
That though He is here many wait till ‘tomorrow’?

What if we purposed, committed, and vowed
That this Jesus the Christ would be spoken out loud?

What if His children with passion anew
Chose not to compromise on what is Holy and True?

What if we wanted, more than all else on earth
To know of His suffering and not just His birth?

What if instead of just empty traditions
We treasured the Word above all other ambitions?

What if we died to the old man each day?
And cried “Holy Spirit, please have Your way!”

‘What if’s’ a question with an answer that’s clear
The world would have Hope and no reason to fear.

Our Savior HAS come, He’s LORD of all nations
Praise God Almighty, this IS the Christmas celebration.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

by Beverly Suhr - 2011 - Used by permission

Mary—a young, virgin girl, from a poor family of oppressed Jews, engaged to Joseph, a common, Jewish carpenter.

No Cinderella story here
No debutante wedding a CEO
No movie star marrying a prince

No—just an ordinary girl, engaged to an ordinary man --but chosen by God to accomplish an extraordinary event—the Birth of the Savior of the world.

They both yielded to this turn of events even though it meant ridicule and rejection

Then you have an ordinary leader, legislating an ordinary law that would help him gather more ordinary taxes,
But God used this common decree to get a very pregnant Mary and a very concerned Joseph to take an extraordinary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem so the scriptures of old would be fulfilled.

Next on the scene you have a less-than-ordinary birthing room for the couple’s baby to be born. Oh, it was ordinary enough for cows and sheep but for a human baby?

Yet the Lord of all Creation humbled Himself to be born in a stable with no running water, no white sheeted bed, no mid-wife or nurse----just smelly animals, prickly straw, and an empty manger.

Indeed, the amazing humility and condescension of our Lord so He could identify with the lowest and poorest of humanity is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ordinary shepherds come next. Theirs was considered the lowest of jobs. They even worked at night. But this night became extraordinary as the sky filled with angels singing of the birth of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Once they found and worshipped Him, these ordinary men became extraordinary messengers of the Good News---Jesus , God’s Son has been born. The Promised Messiah is here!!!!

But now in 2011 we have even more extraordinary news. This same Jesus grew up to be a sinless man, who performed many miracles and taught countless lessons on how to live a godly life. He never hurt anyone by His word or deeds but He was rejected by the jealous religious leaders of His day. They handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified on an ordinary cruel cross. Yet today that cross has become an extraordinary symbol of His victory over sin—our sin. He died there in our place, to secure our salvation from sin, death and Hell. Then , after laying in an ordinary tomb, He made an extraordinary resurrection!!!!   Our Savior LIVES!!!!
He Lives!!!

Presently Heaven is His home but one day soon He is coming again and this time nothing will be ordinary about it. It will be completely extraordinary!!!!

Will we be ready? No one was the first time

Tell me, is there room in your heart for Jesus? Has He been accepted as your own personal Savior? If not, Pleas, please ask one of us how you can know Him as your personal Lord and Savior.

If He already is, then let us each be like the ordinary shepherds who became conveyors of this extraordinary Good News.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Where's the Line to See JESUS?

This is a one-of-a-kind story and video!
Please take the time to see this very meaningful, high quality video!  You will never forget the message it conveys!   

Thanks to my cousin, Elaine, for sharing this with me!

About the Song
by Becky Kelley

While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus.  Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is a holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "Where's the line to see Jesus?"

My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes.  After putting music to the words and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends.  He sent the recording off to Nashville without much response, except from a christian song writer, who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus.  My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it.  I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios.

It was at the studio where, Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the second verse and part of the chorus... with goosebumps and emotions high, we were hopeful and felt like we had something special.  The demo was recorded in just under two hours and sent off again to Nashville ... still no response.

Then two weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins, Greg and Robbie, decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube.  The first day we had 3,000 hit and it soared from there.  We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages for people from all over, asking for the music - CD's, iTunes, anything... we had nothing.  After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious.  We headed back into the studio this past spring... this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs... the real deal... and here we are today.

Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands of Christians have come together... remembering the true meaning of Christmas.  Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand.  Hopefully Spencer's observation will cause people all ofer to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him.  We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you.  Merry Christmas everyone.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Salts: The Wise (Wo) Man's Gifts

Make a batch of these and nestle the package in a gold basket for a beautiful presentation that mimics the Wise Men's gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh.  These make great bathtime luxuries for yourself and wonderful holiday gifts.  What a sweet way to share the message of Christmas.  The recipe below makes enough for ten baths.

6 cups sea salt (Dead Sea salt is preferable; or use coarse sea salt)
3 cups Epsom salt
1 cup baking soda

Combine the sea salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda.  Add 5 drops each of frankincense and myrrh essential oil*, or until the mixture is richly scented.  (You can also add a sweet scent like lavender or orange to soften the smoky, spicy tones.)

Combine well and scoop one cup each into ten containers.  (You can use cellophane baggies, colored plastic wrap tied with a ribbon, ceramic jars.  Use your imagination!)  Nestle the salts inside a gold basket with a Christmas card from you.

*Essential oils are simply highly concentrated versions of natural oils extracted from plants and plant matter such as fruit, bark, and leaves.  Because the oils are concentrated, one tiny bottle will last for a very long time.  It is important to buy these oils at a store where you can test the scent before you buy.  Inferior oils of frankincense and myrrh will have a bad paint thinner odor.  High quality oils will smell rich and warm.

Note: Essential oils can be found at health food stores.

Thanks to Paula Archer who shared this recipe from:
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/12/frankincense-and-myrrh-bath-salts-the-wise-womans-gifts/

Monday, December 5, 2011

Lots of Christmas Ideas

It's so easy for us women to become overwhelmed at this time of the year, convincing ourselves that we have to do it all!  You may want to step back and take a minute to observe the big picture of Christmastime in your home.   Please realize that by my giving you lots of Christmas ideas, I am not saying you should do everything - nor a fourth of these ideas.  These are simply ideas from which to chose the best possibilities for your family, as we all remember the "Reason for the Season" - Jesus, and sharing His love with family, friends and strangers.  These are all more important than a perfectly decorated home with lots of gifts under the tree! 

You will find Christ-centered ideas  for celebrating Jesus' birthday, as well as many gift ideas to make and give on a budget.

Rather than sending the eight Christmas newsletters from the past again this year, or taking extra space in this newsletter, I'm passing on these Heart to Heart links (below), now that the two Heart to Heart blogs have been in operation for almost a year.  How well I remember last year at this time, working feverishly as I learned how to do a blog with the help from friends, and posted so much information to the two  blogs!  The links are always shown below the heading of this newsletter, by the way.  I hope you will all check them out and give me your feedback.
http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com/p/desserts.html   Christmas recipes are included in this link.


More great Christmas ideas from Real Simple:

Geeting over Sickness Naturally

by Meagan DeLong - Used by permission

This informative article was included a year ago, but hopefully more of you will be saved from the misery of colds, flu, sinus infections and more by following this advice! ~ Lois

I know I posted about this last year when Karlie had strep throat and I chose to not give her antibiotics, but I have found several more effective natural remedies since then and wanted to list them all in the same place. These natural solutions really work!!!! If you can only do the first one, you will still lessen the duration and intensity of your sickness. If you do multiple ones, your ailments simply don't have a chance!! There is really no reason to buy all those over the counter cold and flu medicines filled with chemicals!!

1. Oregano oil -- Personally, I think this is THE MOST EFFECTIVE natural remedy available! If you don't do anything else, please stock up on oregano oil. It is simple and effective. If I start taking it at first notice of a scratchy throat, I can pretty much avoid a bad cold because most symptoms are gone within 24 hours. If I don't start it right away, it might not go away as quickly, but it will still help a ton! I put a few drops in an empty pill capsule and take about 3 times a day. For children, just rub it on the bottom of their feet. Oregano oil is a hot herb and protects against outside threats, promoting a healthy immune system without harmful chemicals.
 Make sure you read the label, though, and buy some that is not watered down with olive oil.

2. A tsp. of raw honey with 1/4 tsp. of good quality cinnamon. Both of these have great anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. If I'm feeling sick, I will mix up a bowl full of honey and cinnamon and take a spoonful about 3 times a day. It soothes a sore throat tremendously, helps fight your sickness, and tastes great, too! For even stronger honey for medicinal purposes, purchase raw Manuka Honey.

3. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide or put drops in your kids ear.

4. Garlic -- If you google garlic you will be amazed at how effective this anti-bacterial natural remedy is. You can simply cut it up into pill-sized bites, or (if you are like me and don't like swallowing those pointy edges :) chop up finely and put in an empty pill capsule. For my girls, I slice it and just rub it on their feet. Their feet are very porous and absorb it very well. I also try to make meals that contain large a mounts of garlic when we are sick. For instance, I will make a pot of our favorite cheesy potato cheddar chowder and add a whole bulb of chopped garlic to the recipe. Or you can generously spread Donielle's "Cold Kicking Garlic Herb Spread" on your favorite bread or crackers :)

5. Probiotics -- These are so important for replenishing your good bacteria! You want to take them on an empty stomach if at all possible.

6. Collodial Silver -- Another super effective way to fight bacteria and viruses. You have to make sure you have a good source, but it really works! I take a mouthful about 4 times a day when I am sick.

7. Unpasturized Apple Cider Vinegar -- If you can, taking a mixture of 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with honey and plenty of cayenne pepper really works well. Take it 3-4 times a day. I can't do the pepper, but I just pour a little ACV in my water or tea and drink it throughout the day.

8. Steam Pot for chest/broncial/mucus issues. -- boil water on the stove in a glass pot – if you don't have a glass pot, boil the water in a tea pot and then pour into a glass bowl. When the water is boiling hard, remove from heat and add three shakes of Euchalyptus, lavendar, and pine oils into the hot water. The oil effectiveness lasts about 15-20 seconds so move quickly to get yourself over the steam. Breathe in through your nose, turn your head to the side and breathe out through your mouth. Continue this process until the scents aren't as strong. Be sure to close your eyes. With children, place a washcloth over their eyes as it can burn. You could also make a tent over the top with a towel for really young infants, but if they can get the concept of breathing through their nose, then it will get deeper into their lungs. You're doing it right if it just about takes your breath away or make you cough!

9. Grapefruit Seed Extract -- I add it to my smoothies, tea, or juice all year long just to boost our immune system. When I am sick, I take it in a capsule with my oregano oil.

10. Elderberries -- anti-viral, contains high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants, has cell-protecting components, soothes sore throats, and supports the immune system and respiratory system. I add some dried ones to my morning tea or make a simple elderberry syrup for the girls when they are sick. Lindsey gives a great little video of how to make your own on THIS post.

11. Kombucha -- it cleanses the body from toxins and aids in digestion and metabolism. Click HERE to see my review of it and some links explaining why I love this drink and how to make it yourself. My toddler and I drink this regularly (I'm still working on my husband :), and I was amazed that mybaby would even take sips of it when she was sick! When I make it, I usually try to leave a small jar of it fermenting for several weeks so that it will be even more potent for killing off illness.

12. Mullein for chest/cold issues -- Take mullein capsules – The amount taken depends on the size of the capsule. The larger 0 sizes can be 1-2 capsules 3x per day. The small 000 capsules can be 3 capsules 3x per day. This is not a hard science, can take larger doses if the lung infection is bad or persistent. Mullein is a safe herb. You can also make a tea for kids who can not swallow pills. Or add a small amount to applesauce or yoghurt and have them take it that way. I add it to bone broth through out the winter.

13. Home-made Chicken Stock -- Your grandma was right to tell you to eat chicken soup when you are sick because it is chock full of immune-boosting nutrients! But don't buy the store-bought kind full of chemicals, bad salt, and MSG. It is so simple to make your own with nourishing sea salt and immune-building herbs. Everytime I cook a chicken, I make stock for soups. Any time a soup recipe calls for water, I use my stock instead and it adds tons of flavor and nutrients! And anytime we are sick, I reach for my chicken stock!

14. Home-made ear drops -- these are helpful even if the sickness is not an ear infection, because it helps to get garlic and GSE into the body which fight infection. Click HERE for 2 different home-made ear drops, one that you can use right away and one that you can make ahead of time and store.

15. Cod liver oil -- Vitamin D is so important for your immune system and I prefer to take real food rather than just a vitamin D supplement that my body might have a hard time digesting and utilizing. I take it every day but take extra when I am fighting an illness. Don't be deterred by the gross-sounding name -- it comes in pill form so you don't have to taste it :)

16. Herbal Teas -- so healing! Click HERE for a list of which herbs help different ailments.

17. Stay away from sugar and white flour!!! This is so important, because they inhibit the natural workings of your immune system.

18. Let the fever run its course -- (That means NO Tylenol!) This is probably the hardest, yet most important thing for me to do when my girls are sick. God made our bodies to have a fever because the high temp. kills the virus or bacteria. Using Tylenol ruins this natural process and makes the body unable to fight the disease. It can also cause a fever convulsion by bringing the fever down too quickly. Without Tylenol, your fever will naturally break when it gets too high, then climbs back up and breaks again, etc, until it has killed the infection. So I just try to make my girls as comfortable as possible and if utterly miserable, I give THIS special bath for helping with the fever. The main thing you have to watch out for with a high fever is dehydration, but I will write about that soon...

19. Coconut water -- This is truly nature's Gatorade or Pedialyte without all the added flavorings and sugar! I get in the organic section at Kroger or buy when on sale at Amazon and always keep it on hand for any time we are sick. Coconut Water is rich in many vital minerals, vitamins, and proteins, not just the basic "electrolyte essentials" found in a lab-formulated drink. And believe it or not, the natural electrolyte & pH balance of coconut water even make it suitable for a rehydrating IV solution! And my girls love it! Smart Water/ Trinity Mineral Water is also a good option for dehydration because it has a lot of electrolytes, but my favorite is coconut water.

20. Lemons -- high in vitamin C, which is important when sick. Once again, I'd rather take real food than a processed pill, so I add a ridiculous amount of fresh lemons to my tea or water all day long when I am sick.

21. Chiropractor! The relief a chiropractor can bring during illness is simply amazing. I can see immediate relief in my girls' eyes once the chiro has finished. And the amount of drainage that immediately is released is even more proof :) A chiro is particularly useful if you think your child has an ear infection and can bring immediate relief to the pain. Our family chiro has a lot of medical training and gave me much encouragement and more advice on beating sickness naturally. If you live in my area, I can recommend a fabulous Christian chiro who charges a reasonable rate and doesn't even deal with insurance. I just love her! I take my girls to a chiropractor before I even think about taking them to a doctor.

22. Coconut oil -- Filled with anti-viral and anti-biotic properties -- I eat a few spoonfuls or spread it on toast or mix in my tea. But make sure you buy the raw, cold-pressed kind.

23. Smoothies with coconut milk, coconut oil, frozen fruit, raw honey, and grapefruit seed extract --The best tasting medicine ever! It is really the only thing I can get my girls to eat when they are absolutely miserable. It is dairy-free so it won't add to drainage, has tons of vitamin C from the fruit, contains bacteria fighting GSE and coconut oil, all the nutrients of coconut milk, and the honey is soothing and has many other benefits. We actually eat these all the time to try to boost our immune system. My husband likes them so much that he was willing to give up his nightly ice cream treat for them (and if you know my husband, that is saying A LOT!)

24. "Remedies" from my Christian Holistic Doctor -- I know not everyone has this resource available but I wanted to include it because if you live in my area, I can refer you to the BEST natural doctor ever. She can pinpoint any illnesses/ allergies without invasive treatment and makes remedies based on your body's particular needs. She has such a heart for helping others and I just love her!

25. Homeopathic remedies -- I've recently started trying out Homeopathic options like teething tablets and allergy tablets. I've used the Hyland's and Boiron brand and they both seem to work well. I plan to try out the cold remedy next time any of us get sick and I have the flu remedy in my medicine cabinet just in case! Homeopathy seems to be very safe and effective. It treats the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. The idea is that by giving a small dose of the very thing that could trigger the types of symptoms that a person is experiencing, you can actually bring about a natural healing response that will help to relieve those symptoms! Pretty neat!

Precious Gems

I appreciate the following ladies giving me permission to include these gems in Heart to Heart!  Everyone is welcome to send quotes to be considered for posting.

Savannah (4) said, "Mommy, I love you because you can always find my tag on my blankie even when it's dark.  and you are warm.  You are the bestest mommy in the whole wide world."~ Lauren in Virginia

Today on the way home from dance class Eva asked me, " Mommy, if God is the father, then who is the mommy when we get to heaven?"  ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Alex (5) was just sitting on my back while I lay in the floor.  Logan (3) walked over, pushed him off, and said, "Hey!  That's MY momma! ~ Amanda in Virginia

Abbi recently learned to pull up and will use anything she sees to get her where she wants to be.  Today I was in the kitchen and I heard Karlie (2) scream, "Mamma, she's trying to pull down my underwear!" ~ Meagan in North Carolina

I had forgotten Sam brought books home from school to read, and when looking for some, he says, "Mommy, you're so forgettable!" ~ Beth in Virginia

After a long day of hearing Halle (5) say over and over and over "Henri" (to the dog they were sitting for a week) and repeatedly getting in his face, which he did not like at all, I said, "Halle, if he bites your face I am NOT taking you to the hospital!"  She looked up at me and said, "Well, will you put a Bandaid on it?" ~ Becky in Georgia

I overheard one of my little girls in class today saying, "I want to be a cowgirl when I grow up.  I don't want to live on a farm--that would be too messy.  I just want to be a cowgirl."  Oh, to be 7 years old again!! ~ Cindy, a teacher in Georgia

Joshua (11) was talking to one of his friends and telling him about why he shouldn't buy a particular game station.  He says, "My dad is into social security and stuff like that."  I had to come upstairs to laugh out loud because his (young) dad is in Information security--not Social Security.  So funny! ~ Penny in Virginia

Tips and Tidbits

Make Ahead Recipes are definitely a great time saving tip for Christmas, just as they were for Thanksgiving!  I was able to spend more time with our family last week when they were all here because of this time-saving tip!   
Push Pins Help in Painting ~ While painting a stool for the smaller grandchildren to stand on while washing their hands, my husband stuck a push pin in the bottom of each of the four feet of the stool.  That enabled him to neatly paint all the way down to the bottom of each foot without making a mess.
 
A Great Mathematics Link ~ Mathematics ~ Thanks to Diana Bishop for sending this!

Winterize Your Home by making sure you have enough insulation.  Having insulation blown into your attic will pay off in not only your heating bills but also during the summer when your air conditioner is running.  Even if you don't have air conditioning, your home will stay cooler.  Check all your windows, and if you have storm windows, make sure they are secure.  Do an internet search for many more ideas on winterizing your home that could save you much more.  This is only a start!
·         
Natural Immune Supporters - Oil of oregano capsules, echinacea, goldenseal root in capsule form and goldenseal tea.  The tea flavor is not bad after adding stevia, a natural sweetener, and it beats getting on an antibiotic from the drug store.

A Lesson on Forgiveness


Thanks to Stacy Miller for this!
We had a fantastic lesson today on forgiveness.  Since that is an issue we all have to face at one time or another in our lives, I posted the lesson on my blog, along with adding my own story of dealing with a bitter root.  I hope it helps some of you who may be currently dealing with this issue.
 

Of Puzzles and Life



Thursday, November 3, 2011

An Overview of the "Heart to Heart" Blog

The following features are included in this blog:
http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com


Categories Are Listed in the Side Bar - easy to locate various topics from past newsletters

Search Bar - (at top left) - Find specific topics of interest

Music - You can let the music play while you go back to e-mail, or work on other computer programs.  You can choose which song you want to hear at any time or simply turn off the music.

Photography
- More than 400 photos can be found on the main blog, plus others on the recipe blog, and yes, I snapped them all, except for the beautiful bleeding hearts banner.  That very appropriate photograph was offered to me by Nina Graff in Wisconsin, who was the person who got me started with this blog in the first place, back in the fall of 2010.  We've become kindred spirits, both having the Lord, family, sewing and photography in common.  Take a look at Nina's website!  www.back40fotos.com

Pages or Tabs at the Top of this Blog Include:
    1. Home
    2. Subscribe
    3. Welcome
    4. Favorites
           175 Things to Do with Your Family
           Unique Photography Ideas
           Picture Book of Proverbs
           Squeezing the Most out of Your Dollar
           Organizational Tips
    5. Christmas
    6. Archives
    7. About Me
    8. Recipes
    9. Monthly Newsletter
   10.Contact

Recipes - From the main blog, by clicking on the photo of the fruits and vegetables, you can be instantly transported to a whole separate blog of only recipes with 10 tabs from which to choose:

1.  Appetizers/Snacks
2.  Babies/Children
3.  Breads
4.  Breakfasts
5.  Desserts/Holidays
6.  Fruits/Vegetables
7.  Main Dishes
8.  Meats/Poultry/Fish
9.  Mixes/Miscellaneous/Freezer
10.Soups/Salads

Please let me know if you have suggestions and/or comments.  Just send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is on the "Contact" page, but you can always reply to any newsletter as well.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Archives of Thanksgiving and Christmas Ideas

Rather than repeat a lot of holiday ideas and information from past newsletters, please feel free to take a look at recipes, how to cook ahead for the holidays, gift ideas, crafts, the real reason for the holidays, and much more.  All these have been included in newsletters since 1999.  You will find Christmas photos as well.  I hope you enjoy it.

Precious Gems


Ladies, your Precious Gems are welcome any time!  We all need to laugh and this is a great source to bring a smile to our faces!  Aren't children such precious treasures given by the Lord?


When my grandson, Justin, was 3 years old, one evening his daddy noticed that some important checks from the top of the office desk were missing. The next morning Justin's parents asked him if he had seen the checks.  Justin gleefully replied with excitement, "That's my pirate money!"  Then he showed them where had had hidden the treasure! ~ Lois

My daughter said they have been talking about "grace" at church - getting something you don't deserve.  Our grandson, Justin (now 8), told their dog, Bailey (after he was acting up), "This is an example of grace because you so don't deserve this dog biscuit!" ~ Lois


Overheard: Annabelle (6) said to her baby sister, "Charlotte, sometimes I think you're cooler than a puppy." ~ Promise in Virginia


(To my girls, getting married means holding hands, singing, and dancing around in a circle)

Karis (4): Please marry me, Karlie!

Karlie (2): Ok, but just for a minute.

Karis: And then we can have babies! ~ Meagan in North Carolina

"I recently spent time with our daughter and her family in another state. I stayed with our two year old  granddaughter while the family went to their church family camp. The first night Samara had a difficult time going to sleep. She didn't want to go to bed! When she finally went to sleep, I thought she would be down for the night. But, she woke up crying around 11!  Evidently she was having a bad dream and calling out for her mommy. I was on her parents' bed and she wanted to lie down with me. Finally, I yielded to her wishes and she snuggled under the cover and put her head on her Daddy's pillow. As a 2-year-old does, she wiggled around, occasionally lifting her head off the pillow to look at me. Twice she scooted her little body closer to me and gave me a kiss. She also put her hand on my arm and gently stroked. She was so restless and just couldn't stay still! Then this precious little girl turned to me, folded her hands, and said "pay"!   So we did...we prayed for Mommy and Daddy and that she would have a good night, too. Shortly after our prayer, she wanted to go into her crib where she soon was sleeping soundly for the rest of the night!" ~ Nancy in PA

My granddaughter (Sarah's daughter), Halle (5), said, "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her courage away!" ~ Becky in Georgia

Wisdom from a 4 year old: "I hate it when you go through the ATM. It doesn't give out lollipops." ~ Lauren in Virginia


I told my granddaughter, Halle (5), that we were going to go wading in the creek and she said, "Who are we 'waiting' for?" ~ Becky in Georgia 


Gracie (9) says to Joel this evening: "Daddy, you have a lot of white hairs on your head.  Does that mean you're becoming a blonde?" ~ Penny in Virginia

Me: Karlie, you have scratches on your arm!  Why did kitty scratch you?

Karlie (2): I tried to put a ponytail on his tail! ~ Meagan in North Carolina


One night my grandson, Justin (8) thought he was too tired to brush his teeth before going to bed.  He pleaded with his mom, saying that he'd use twice as much toothpaste in the morning!  Didn't work!  His Paw Paw tells him to only brush the ones he wants to keep! ~ Lois


Daddy: "I brought you a surprise. These flowers are for you."

Savannah (4): "Wow! For me? I love them! Thank you!"

Momma: "You need to give Daddy a big hug and put your flowers in water."

Savannah: "I don't want to put them in water! I want to be able to carry them in my wedding."

Momma: "Well, they won't last that long, Sweetie."

Savannah: "Daddy, will you buy me more flowers for my wedding?"

Daddy: "Sure I will."

Savannah: "Okay, and make sure they are pink. Thank you, thank you!" ~ Lauren in Virginia

While watching "The Great Pumpkin" with Annabelle (6), so far I've answered - "What's a blockhead? "Why is that little boy so dirty?" "What is World War 1?" And my favorite: "Why doesn't that dog know that his house can't fly?" ~ Promise in Virginia 


I just had to share this exchange between my daughter-in-law, Kristin, and grandson, Joseph (almost 4 yrs old).  Kristin gave me permission to share it with you and for you to publish it in Heart-to-Heart if you’d like. Joseph’s brother, Samuel, recently turned 2 and baby sister, Anna, is 4 ½ months old. ~ Miranda in Hawaii
           First off, let me say that this is not a pregnancy announcement. If God wants to give us another child He can, but we're not asking quite yet--well, at least, I haven't been asking very urgently. =) This morning, though, I sat down on the couch to feed Anna, bringing with me a book I received in a birthday package yesterday, A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family, and opened to the first chapter--"Growing a Family: Are We Crazy to Want Another Baby?" As I started reading, Joseph climbed up next to me and asked, "Can you get some more children please, Mommy?" "Why do you ask that?" I replied, startled that he should say something so pertinent to what I was reading when I hadn't said anything about it--and he certainly can't read yet. "Because we only have only three [yes, there were two only's], so I want some more children, Mommy." When questioned further he first said he wanted four children. "Four more or just four--one more?" I asked as I sat at the computer typing this out. He thought a short moment, then said, "I would like five, please. Are you asking God to give us five, Mommy?" "Umm, not yet." "Why not yet?"

Pumpkin Seed Fall Craft


Pumpkin Seed Pumpkin Fall Craft   www.allkidsnetwork.com    Thanks to Leslie Lobdell in Arkansas for this link!
 
Fall themed pumpkin seed craft for toddlers. Kids will enjoying making this pumpkin craft out of pumpkin seeds. They will enjoy painting the pumpkin seeds and then putting this craft together.

Life Lessons: Tailor-Making An Older Child's Education

Written by Julie A. Druck of York, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. - Used by permission
To subscribe to her free e-mail newsletter, A Heart for Home, send a blank e-mail to:
aheartforhome-subscribe@welovegod.org

Personal e-mail: thedrucks@netzero.com    
Julie's blog:  www.lifeinskunkhollow.blogspot.com

Note from Lois
: Julie has been homeschooling her three sons and sharing her experiences in an e-mail newsletter through the years.  Whether homeschooling or not, we can all learn from Julie.  I certainly have!  It's interesting how we "met."  My Aunt Marian was her mentor in MOPS years ago, and told Julie about the Heart to Heart Newsletter that I send.  Julie subscribed, and we have been communicating through e-mail for quite some time.  A year receiving the Heart to Heart Newsletter, Julie decided to send her own newsletter, and I've been so blessed by each edition!
 
In the last issue of “Life Lessons,” I wrote about how our family developed its philo-sophy of education – determining what objectives and goals we desired for our children regarding their futures. I shared that in their early years, we gave the boys a broad overview of lots of different subjects to whet their appetites for learning. (You’ll find specific examples of how we did that in “The Learning Journal”) As they grew, and their talents, gifts, and interests began to emerge, we began designing their course of study to meet their individual needs. I thought that this month it might be helpful to share how we set out to tailor Ben’s homeschooling in relation to Ben and his needs. And his needs being, to develop his gifts, abilities, interests, future career path, character, and personality – all that Ben is and will be.

Benjamin is our oldest son – he will be 18 in January. This is his last year of homeschooling, and he plans to attend Thaddeus Stevens’ College of Technology. He’ll be taking their two-year Electronics course for an Associates Degree.
      
Ben has always been a thinker – logical, analytical, always trying to figure everything out. When he was a little boy, he was constantly asking how things worked and taking things apart. He was his daddy’s shadow and watched as Marty fixed various things around the house. It wasn’t long before we began encouraging him to do simple repair jobs on his own. From yard sales I would often bring home inexpensive items for Ben to take apart and see how they worked – computers, VCRs, an old recording machine, tape players, etc.
      
Benjamin was especially fascinated by electronics equipment, and as Marty works in the field, he would teach him simple things such as the names of electronics parts and their purpose. To foster his electronics fascination, one year for Christmas we gave Ben a kit called Electronic Snap Circuits with 60 basic electronics parts and directions to assemble them in various applications.
      
Ben also became interested in computers early on as well. And so, to foster that, I would often bring home from used book sales various computer manuals for him to read (like novels!) and mess with on an old computer in his room. We also purchased a computer science curriculum for him when he was 12. He still works on that from time to time even now – adding to and updating projects he did when he was younger. Ben quickly became the “go-to guy” in our family whenever a computer issue came up.
      
Not a surprise, Benjamin has always gravitated towards the maths and sciences. And so, that’s where he’s camped out in his high school years. Along with having him learn communication skills, a large chunk of history and Creation science, and a solid foundation of economics principles, most of his time has been spent in the math and science arenas. Marty gave him several of the textbooks he had in tech school – and so Ben has learned physics, electronics concepts and higher math. Actually, he’s taken math farther than we required – he felt that learning trigonometry and calculus might be helpful in the electronics world and so has been tackling them this year.
      
Enjoying sports as he does, Ben began joining in on the once-a-month softball games that Marty’s company has for fun. From the various managers getting to know Ben through this activity, a summer job opportunity opened up for him at the company this past summer. That opportunity expanded into a part-time job through the school year – working two days a week, doing school three days a week. This, of course, has been an incredibly practical, hands-on way for Ben to be introduced to the electronics world and to see if it is the field in which he wants to spend his working days.
      
My purpose in sharing a bit about Ben’s interests and talents is to show that Ben’s future career path grew out of his hobbies and pastimes – he didn’t decide to go into the electronics field when he was 5. We simply watched where his interests and talents were and chose to foster them through providing resources and opportunities in the area of his interests. By providing these things, as well as time to pursue them, it gave Ben opportunity to experience a possible career path and decide if such a career would be of continued interest.
      
Equally important, we wanted to allow Ben the opportunity to decide if such a career was not of interest. Though we made provisions for his focus and encouraged him in those interests, we also made sure not to tie Ben down to eating, sleeping and breathing any one thing. We desired him to be a well-rounded individual – with time and opportunity to pursue other directions. Our ultimate goal for Ben is to encourage and help him to become the man whom God has designed him to be.
      
Whether you have younger or older children, I would encourage you to be a student of your child. Watch what they gravitate to, what grabs their interest – and provide them with books, resources, etc., to foster those interests. Be looking (and teach them to look) for opportunities, mentoring relationships and ways in which they can enhance their bent in life. And then watch as God uses those things to lead and guide their future.

Tips and Tidbits

Make Your Own Mixes ~ Rather than purchasing mixes like pumpkin or banana bread, why not make your own mixes?  When making a batch, line up several Ziplock bags.  Then as you put each dry ingredient into your bowl, add the same dry ingredient to each bag.  Label the bags and store them in the freezer until you need them.  The next time you want to make banana bread or another "mix," grab one and simply add the wet ingredients!  Recipes for various mixes: http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com/p/mixesmiscellaneous.html

"Do Not Call" Phone Registry
~ If you no longer want calls from telemarketers, the number to call is (888) 382-1222, the Federal "Do Not Call" registry.  You must be calling from the number you want removed from the list.  I had called years ago, but for some reason we are getting bombarded with unwanted calls again.  It's possible that it only last for ten years or so, so I called again to be sure we are on the list.
 
Practical, Fun and Affordable Birthday Gifts for Kids ~ If your children get invited to lots of birthday parties, and you can't find a nice inexpensive gift, here's a creative idea that the child's parents will also love.  Make an invitation for the birthday child, inviting him or her to a birthday dinner in your home or to go on a hike with your family.  Coordinate the time with the parents so they can take advantage of that time, planning a date or a special time with another child.  This can be a fun and special time for your own children as well.
 
Have Your Children Help Pack Lunches and they will be more apt to eat them.  If they help, they can get to choose from various healthy foods you have on hand and even add others to a shopping list. For lots of creative ideas, go to http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Lunch%20Packing%20Ideas
 
Sneak in Vegetables and Beans ~ Freeze pureed carrots, beets and beans in ice cube trays.  Then when you're making spaghetti sauce, throw in some extras.  The beets and carrots will disappear among the tomato sauce, and the flavor will not be distorted. When making meatloaf, do the same.  They'll never know they are getting extra goodness!  For more ideas: http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Children%20-%20Food
 
Repelling Critters ~ Spray a mixture of vinegar and water in and around your garbage cans to repel raccoons and squirrels.
 
Removing Odor and Stains from Plastic Containers ~ Baking soda and vinegar (together) works even better than just baking soda.  Just be sure not to put on a lid and shake it up. Here's why:  If you put these two ingredients into a soda bottle, and quickly put a balloon over the opening, the gas from these two ingredients will blow up the balloon.  This is a fun project to do with kids!

Shine Copper with Ketchup
~ Simply rub some ketchup on copper and give it a few minutes to begin working.

Double Duty Kitty Litter
~ Add baking soda to kitty litter for a more effective job of removing odors.

Other Uses for Freezer Paper
~ Tracing, finger painting, shelf paper, chopping board, wrapping paper, and forming a pastry bag.
 
When My Shampoo, Conditioner, or Body Wash Gets Low, I go ahead and swap it out for full ones (I *hate* getting in the shower only to find the conditioner got all used up by the last person [read *Kids* :)] ). I have a couple sets of travel size bottles and use the last few squeezes out of the big bottle to fill them up little by little. Works great and I have bottles of my regular products ready to go when we travel. ~ Thanks to Tracy Coupe in Ecuador, South America, for this tip!
 
Painting over Paneling, Cabinets, Walls, etc. without Sanding ~ I've seen this amazing paint demonstrated!  It even works on paneling without any sanding!  They said it will work on any surface, even painting pumpkins.  My sister-in-law painted cabinets for a friend with this product and said they turned out great.  Caromal Colours, 507 N York St., Mechanicsburg, PA  17055, 866-620-0015, www.CaromalColours.com