Craft: Do-It-Yourself Framed Fabric

by Bethany Suhr in California - Used by permission
Tutorial in Photos: http://garrettandbeth.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-it-yourself-framed-fabric.html

Embroidery hoops + Pretty fabric = cheap, quick and round!

I can't recall where I originally saw this idea, but I've wanted to try it for a while.

Here's the quick how to:

Pick out some pretty fabrics. I just grabbed a couple of the small fabric quarters at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I think they were something like 99 cents a piece.

 

Then I picked up some embroidery hoops at a thrift store, ranging from 50 cents to a dollar a piece.

I laid each hoop on the selected fabric, and then cut a generous square out. Then I placed the fabric in the hoop, stretched it taut, and tightened the hoop down.

I then flipped the hoop over, and cut the excess fabric off with a sharp pair of fabric scissors. Flip it over.  Done!

This whole process took about 15 minutes. Tops. Cheap. Quick. Effective.

For more ideas on what you can do with embroidery hoops and fabric (like use it as a pinboard!), check out some of these creative crafts on Etsy!

Chicory & Lace

by Nina Graff in Wisconsin - www.back40fotos.com - Used by permission

        Growing up in a typical suburb, creative gardens were not part of the daily landscapes.  Square lawns were the norm, with perhaps a few bushes and flowers next to the front stoop.  My parents were no exception.  My Dad had not inherited the love of gardening that Grampa had practiced.
         We had a lawn dappled with dandelions, two trees, a rose bush and some four-o’clocks.  My love of gardens must have filtered down from Grampa, and also from the hours I spent wandering in the woods beyond the neighborhood.  I loved the things growing wild out there…carpets of violets, spring trilliums, and the red-sapped bloodroot. A few fields around us had yet to be developed, so they grew like mini-prairies among the ravages of the bulldozers.
          Our own backyard was L-shaped, and the corner behind the garage was ignored.  The birds and the wind decided to plant it for us, and it wasn’t long before it bloomed with chicory and Queen Anne’s lace.  Volunteers of sky blue petals and creamy white snowflakes.  I thought it was wonderful!  Unfortunately, our neighbors didn’t share this vision of wildflowers, and a letter soon arrived from the city stating a complaint about “noxious weeds” and an order to remove them.
          I was a young teen at the time.  Melancholy, moody, and very upset when my Dad headed out with a sickle.  How could a neighbor have the power to say what was and wasn’t acceptable when it came to flowers growing?
          I stewed about it in the kitchen, not wanting to see the demise of nature’s efforts to cover the bare ground.  When Dad came in I must have looked as if a friend had died.  I asked him if he had cut them all down.  He said, “Go out and look.”   
          I reluctantly walked back to the corner.  My heart smiled when I saw a small clump of plants remaining, nestled up against the redwood fence.  I don’t know if I was more happy to see the blue and white blossoms, or for the realization that my Dad understood the beauty that I saw, and was willing to rebel against neighborhood protocol for my sake.
         Now I live in the country with fields behind me that offer clouds of wildflowers every summer to enjoy.  And each year a bouquet of Queen Anne’s lace and others find their way to the dining room table as beautiful flowers, not as noxious weeds.

Note from Lois: Nina Graff in Wisconsin, a long-time subscriber of this newsletter, is the very special lady who encouraged me to start a blog for Heart to Heart, and actually pitched in and helped me!  The header on the blog is her photo - the beautiful pink bleeding hearts!  I encourage you to check out her photography business website:  www.back40fotos.com    Her work is amazing!

The Ninety and Nine

by Phyllis V. Brokaw - 02-2010 - Used by permission

There were ninety and nine but that wasn't enough
for one of them was missing.

I won't come home as one is still lost and
continues to need my assisting.

Then I saw him astray, in the briars he lay,
on the brink of disaster I saw him,

At the edge of the cliff and about to drift,
into the abyss of sheer desolation.

I couldn't be heard o'er the tumult of life and
the sea of earth's utter distractions

So I quickly strode and firmly took hold and
gave him my total protection.

On My shoulders I carried him back to the fold and
oiled his wounds that lay open.

I then laid him down in my pastures green and
never a word was spoken.

But when he awoke and saw on My face
the depth of My love and compassion,

He cried in relief to Jehovah above and
pledged Him his total devotion.

He was saved by Grace through Faith in God's Son
And I think I heard angels rejoicing,

For once he was lost and now he is found!
What abundant and multiple blessings!

Come stand with My bride over here on My right
in the Lamb's Book of Life your name's written.

I've prepared you a room in My mansion above
and together you'll dwell with all nations.

You'll then reign with Me for eternity
in the House of the Lord forever!

Note from Lois:  Phyllis Brokaw Is a Titus 2 woman for sure!  She had opened up her home for many years, teaching younger women how to love their husbands, teach their children and be keepers at home.  I was one of those very blessed women, being under her teaching for thirteen years, as we learned from her Bible teaching, prayer time together and a pot luck lunch around her dining room table every Tuesday.  By her godly example the Lord led me to start sending the Heart to Heart Newsletter to younger women in 1999, but it reaches women of all ages now.  To God be the glory!

Lost and Found

by Mary Lynn Barrett - Used by permission

I have a special treasure given to me by a faithful missionary that represents the love of our Lord and her love. It is a set of nesting dolls from the Ukraine with different scenes of the life of Christ exquisitely hand-painted on each one. The largest one is His birth, and the descending sizes show His baptism, His prayer in the garden, and His crucifixion. The smallest one is only about 1 1/2 inches tall and is a solid piece of wood with Christ ascending into heaven delicately painted on it. When my grandson, Noah, was four years old, it was always a special joy for him to be able to gently hold the wooden "dolls" as we talked about the paintings on each one.

One day Noah wanted to keep the tiniest Jesus with him to play. That day Jesus did everything... He sat with Noah as they watched TV, rode around in Noah's pocket as he scampered through the house, and even was asked by Noah to say the blessing at lunch!!!! (Jesus prayed silently so Noah prayed out loud!!!) There was only one problem. Somewhere in the course of the day, Jesus got misplaced. When it was time for Noah to head home, the precious carved Jesus was nowhere to be found. We looked high and low, to no avail. As I headed out to Noah's car to help load his toys and bag, Noah came running out the door excitedly hollering..."I found Jesus! I found Jesus!"

As pleased as I was that my special treasure once again had all its parts, I was even more pleased as I envisioned the day when Noah would personally know and exclaim with a different kind of excitement... "I found Jesus! I found Jesus!" I pray for the day when all six of my grandchildren will personally ask Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. I thank the Lord for the privilege of sharing Jesus with my grandchildren.... whether through big hugs, Bible lessons, memory verses, prayer time, or "lost and found" treasures! 

(Mary Lynn Barrett, a retired oncology and hospice nurse, resides in Elliston, VA, and is married to Dave. They have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. She is presently serving as the International Auxiliary Chaplain for Gideons International.)

When You Need a Little Extra Strength

by Holley Garth - Heart to Heart with Holley - http://www.holleygerth.com/heart-to-heart-with-holley/

Used by permission

 

The sky blazes blue above us. The road whirs beneath the wheels of my bike. It's early morning and the heat is just beginning to nip at our heels. We race it. 

 

My husband says, "Get behind me and you can draft."

I've heard this term when the Tour de France comes around each year but I'm not really sure what it means. 

I pull in snug to his back tire.

 

And suddenly everything is better. I'm going faster with less effort. 

When we come to a smooth stretch, I slip in beside him.

"Why did it get so much easier?" I ask. 

"I took the wind for you. I faced the resistance so you didn't have to."

 

I smile in recognition--I may not have done this on a bike before but my heart knows the feeling. Oh, yes.

When a friend stands in front of me with uplifting words as the enemy tries to breathe down my neck. 

When someone helps me with a hard task--one that seems too much for me in the moment. 

When a one of you leaves a comment with the four words that perhaps break the opposition most effectively, "I'm praying for you."

 

When a biking team is racing, they take turns drafting off each other. Each rider gets to be the one who benefits and then at some point its their time to stand in the gap for someone else. 

Isn't that what we're called to do as well?

 

Encouragement is a lot like "drafting" for the heart. 

Who stands in front of you and takes the resistance sometimes? Tell them thank you.

And who are you letting come behind you so that you can help them along? Keep it up--you're making a difference even more than you know. 

 

We pull into home. 

My legs are tired but I feel good. 

I look at the one who helped me make it and I smile. 

Yes, we really are better together.

You, me, all of us.  

Getting stronger as we go.

 

Note from Lois:  Prayer works like this, doesn't it? 

High Protein Breakfasts

by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart

A friend asked me for ideas on high protein breakfasts, so I thought I'd share this in Heart to Heart, in case others might be looking for ideas.  Keep some of these in mind for your children during the summer months as well as after they start school. Protein builds and repairs muscles.  Some of these ideas are quick and easy, and we're all looking for those!

I think one of the best high protein breakfasts would be two eggs with whole wheat toast.  That's my favorite standby.  Often I spray a non-stick pan with oil, and cook two eggs on one side until they are set, flip over each one using two rubber spatulas, and add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan to cook them a little more, without a "crust" forming on the bottom.  They are almost poached when cooking them in this way, depending on how long you cook them.

Having eggs and spreading the toast with almond butter would add even more protein, or almond butter toast could be a complete breakfast in itself.

Sometimes I have two slices of whole wheat toast with almond butter and All Fruit jelly (no sugar is added to the fruit). 

Millet is the highest protein grain, which you can buy it at a health food store or natural foods co-op.  It takes at least 20-30 minutes to cook, but it makes a delicious breakfast when adding butter, stevia (or honey), and milk.  Cinnamon too.  You could cook a double batch one day and have the rest a second day, but it tends to get a little lumpy after being in the fridge.  It still works, especially if you stir it up real well using a whisk after microwaving.

Baking a breakfast casserole in a casserole dish (with eggs and hash browns, etc) and putting it in the refrigerator will provide ready-to-heat-and-eat breakfasts for several days.  Just heat in the microwave, and have whole wheat toast with it.  Sliced tomatoes on the top are good and add color.

Make an omelet and add herbs, grated carrots, minced peppers, thin slices of tomatoes and a little cheese.  You could grate and mince the carrots and peppers ahead of time to keep in the fridge and use for several days to make breakfast preparation go more quickly.

Hard cook a dozen or so eggs for a "Grab and Go" breakfast.  You could also mash two eggs with a fork and add a little mayonnaise and salt for an open faced egg salad sandwich.  Toasted bread would be even better.

A high protein powder could be added to the blender with frozen bananas for thickening, an egg (if you don't mind it being raw), and fresh or frozen fruit.  Just be sure not to use soy, which can feed cancer cells, according to research.

In doing an online search for "High Protein Breakfasts," of course, not all of the ideas are desirable or healthy.  You have to be the judge.  It would be to our advantage to stay away from sugar, nitrates in ham, bacon, and sausage, as well as too much fat.   

If you stick mostly to whole foods like eggs, lean meat, vegetables, some fruits, and nuts, that would be best.  Almond butter is a good choice.  If you live near a Trader Joe's or get near one once in a while, you might want to stock up on almond butter there at $4.99 a jar - a great buy! 

Encouragement to Those in Any Ministry

A Encouraging Message from a Long-time Subscriber South Africa - Used by permission 

 

Thanks again for writing, Amanda!  Others are also most welcome to drop me a few lines.

 

Hi Lois,

 

I originally signed up for this newsletter years ago because of the lack of “older women” to teach us “younger women.” Well, a few years have passed and I am now teaching some younger women.

 

Just to encourage the missionary folk or those thinking of missionary work:

I am a South African, born and bred for 13 generations on this soil.  And though my skin isn’t black, I am as African as my roots.

 

If it wasn’t for God’s grace and for American missionaries that came to my country, I might never have been saved. Or my husband, or my 3 children, or my parents, or my siblings. Or the (I don’t know how many) people we have reached out to in 25 years of doing evangelism, children’s work, preaching (my husband), teaching at Bible colleges (dh again), personal discipleship… the list goes on.

 

This is because there were ordinary folk that left their families, friends, churches, homes, jobs, and country they love. They were willing to give many, many years of themselves.  Not always did every disciple turn out strong. Not always did they see the fruit of their labours.

 

But just to let you know: “… your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

I, for one, am the fruit of your labour, and my family, and the thousands of people we have reached through the years. Without being clichéd, I can truly pray, God bless you!

 

Amanda from South Africa

 

 

Dirty Laundry / Laundry Tips

DIRTY LAUNDRY

Author unknown - Story sent by Barbara Campbell in Mississippi, including her comment below

 

A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside.

 

"That laundry is not very clean," she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."

 

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

 

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

 

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband, "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?"

 

The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows."

 

Barbara:
     Funny, but as I read and chuckled at this, it brought to mind this verse... "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Luke 6:31.  

     I wonder how often I look at someone else and see their dirty laundry without realizing what I am really seeing are my dirty windows?

 

 

LAUNDRY TIPS

Oxiclean is still my favorite remedy for removing stains by soaking stained clothes or linens.  This works great for removing baby food stains and countless other stains.  You can read more on the container.  It even removes many old stains that have gone through the dryer.  It's a good alternative to using bleach, because it can be used on colored clothes as well as whites.  Another good reason is that bleach no longer splashes onto the clothes I am wearing, causing white marks!  Look for manufacturer's coupons before buying, and combine with a store sale for the best savings.

 

Separating Clothes Hangers while they are hanging on a rack isn't always so easy, especially when using just one hand, while the other hand is holding a shirt that needs hung.  The hangers are usually overlapping, making it hard to get them apart. I've found that putting several hangers on the washer lid or any flat surface makes it so much easier to grab just one at a time.  They separate automatically!  Try it!  

 

Hanging Knit Shirts on Plastic Hangers rather than on metal hangers seems to prevent poking out the fabric at the shoulder.

Diluted Fabric Softener in a Spray Bottle saves so much time!  I like to spray shirts and other wrinkled garments with this solution while on the hanger. The wrinkles instantly fall out with a shake of the hanger or by swatting the dampened garment with your hand. I know most women no longer iron much or at all, and this tip may be helpful, plus the fragrance is a nice bonus. I always buy liquid fabric softener on sale and also use a coupon to save.  Also Kroger doubles coupons of 50 cents and under.  Many times a garment can be worn more than once, but it is wrinkled, it's a good idea to keep a spray bottle of diluted fabric softener in your bedroom closet to give an outfit a spray after it's worn.

 

Homemade Laundry Soap ~ If you have trouble finding Fels Naptha bars of soap, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda or Borax at your grocery store, try Walmart.  Even after I asked our Kroger manager and staff several times to please stock the shelves with two of these products, they are never on the shelves. This week I found both at Walmart for less the cost.  The Fels Naptha was 30 cents a bar less at Walmart.  For the homemade laundry soap recipe go to http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Laundry%20Soap%20-%20Homemade   You can make a dry version or a gel, both of which will save you money. The gel costs only 3 pennies per load, and that's with using more soap than the recommended amount!  These recipes both work well in high efficiency washers as well (very low suds).

 

Free Online Sewing Classes

 

If you already sew or would like to learn how, these links show step-by-step instructions.  For the first link, just click on the picture of the project you're interested in.  Happy Sewing! 

www.sewingrepublic.com

Sew Fundamental Classes

Project - Hanging Fabric Organizer 

 

Couponing

At my request Stacy Harris in Virginia supplied this valuable information for all of us!  Thanks so much, Stacy!

 

There are several couponing sites that have lots of great information.  One of my favorites is www.moneysavingmom.com.  She is not just great at couponing but has great tips on being frugal and making wise choices with your money and resources.  She has a tab on her site at the top to search for coupons.  She tells you if it is one you can print or if it is available through a magazine or newspaper source.  

 

Another one that I really love is www.couponingtodisney.com.  She is great about matching up the sales at certain stores and recent coupons.  She also lists printable coupons.  She also has a great feature called "5 a day."  This is where she posts a link to 5 retailers' websites for you to contact.  If it is a product your family uses you can email them and let them know what you enjoy about their products and often they will mail you coupons to be used for future purchases.  I've been using this a lot lately and have gotten some really great coupons.  I've found that the companies really enjoy hearing from consumers and finding out what they like or don't like about the products they make.  It also helps me to find coupons for products my family really does use on a regular basis.  I try to not use a coupon on a product we don't regularly buy just to use a coupon unless its something we've been wanting to try. 

 

Another good one is www.mymilitarymommy.com.  This one is run by my cousin and she posts coupon match-ups with current coupons and sales. 

 

One I'm sure all your readers know about is www.southernsavers.com. 

 

Notes from Lois:  My daughter recently told me how their church organizes couponing for members as they work together to fill food pantries in the area, using coupon websites such as these!  The person in charge coordinates everything so manufacturer's coupons plus store sales double the savings for the church members purchasing food and supplies for the needy.

 

You may also find this article interesting!

Extreme Couponing: Student Saves $300 a Month 

A Computer Tip on Print Size

Did you know you can adjust the print size on e-mails or even on the internet so it's easier to read the fine print? 

To enlarge print size: Click on the space you want to change, press the Control Key (Ctrl) and the plus sign (+).

To shrink the print size: Click on the space you want to change, press the Control Key and Minus sign (-).

More Timely Tips

from The Dollar Stretcher - www.stretcher.com - Used by permission from Gary Foreman

 

Generating Extra Cash ~ Do not throw out your used printer ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and cell phones. You can easily sell them. Google "used ink cartridges" and/or "sell used cell phone," and you'll find multiple companies that buy them. Compare prices because they vary. Some offer free shipping if you send enough at once. For cell phones, be sure to remove any personal information, deactivate the phone, and remove SIM card (if any). If you are associated with a large organization or know someone who is, this method of generating some income can be more than an occasional thing. ~ Joe 

 

Back to School Savings ~ Around the middle of September, the big box stores will have their school supplies on clearance. Watch for it, and you can stock up for the middle of the year and possibly next year. And watch for your regional library's surplus sale. I went this year and couldn't believe what I found. I stocked up on binders for a dime, file folders for a penny each, index cards, and report covers. It was amazing! I'm looking forward to next year. ~ Melissa

editor's note: With the start of school just around the corner, be sure to check out our special Back to School Section for some great time- and money-saving ideas.

Band Instruments ~ Reducing the Cost of band instruments

Changing Bath and Kitchen Countertop Colors ~ I remodeled my bathroom not long ago, and we had yucky brown swirl countertops. I started by sanding them lightly and then applied three coats of enamel paint. I used high gloss for a good, deep shine. Depending on the color that you are covering up and the color you are using, you may only need two coats, but I was covering brown with white. I decided to add some decorative touches as well, and I cut out portions of my wall border and placed them onto the dry counter. I then covered the cutouts and the countertop with three layers of clear polyurethane. It has lasted for several months with no scratches or marks at all in a highly used bathroom. I am thrilled with how it turned out. ~ Christy

Additional Dollar Stretcher Resource: More on changing color on countertops

Fun Crafts for Kids

2-Liter Bottle Fish - http://www.ehow.com/how_6733688_make-fish-out-plastic-bottle.html

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/Files/fish.htm 

Elinor Wright in Virginia helped with Bible school where the children made these.  She said they glued tissue paper scraps on the bottle to look like scales and then attached plastic eyes.  Very cute!

50 Summer Crafts for Kids - http://thelongthread.com/?p=4054