15 Efficient Ways to Meal Prep or Cook for a Crowd!

 Smart Tips to Save Time!

Cooking and Food Hacks by Blossom

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Time-Saving Kitchen Tip - Garlic

by Lois Breneman

This tip will save so much time and you will have freshly minced garlic readily available to measure out for your meals when you are tired and busy.

I stumbled upon this bag of fresh peeled garlic at Walmart and grabbed it, knowing how I hate to peel garlic.  Even using the garlic press for each recipe is time consuming and can be messy. 

So today I got the idea to put all the peeled garlic into the food processor with a sharp blade and let her rip!  Instantly the garlic was minced! 

I store freshly minced garlic in a glass jar with olive oil in the refrigerator.  It has never gone bad for me.  Then when a recipe calls for minced garlic, there is no need to go through all the motions of peeling the garlic, using a garlic press, and cleaning it.  Just spoon out what you need!

Clever, Easy Solutions to get your Kids to do Chores

This post is by Contributing Writer Lori Hernandez of Three Acre Farm .

https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/kid-friendly-kitchen/?inf_contact_key=ae7b12b811a3ddf68e6c89d1a68f63acbe ab32f89ea78e676a5a900ea429d3bf

Note from Lois:  Teaching children how to work around the home is so important.  Not only is it a great help to the entire family in helping to operate a home more smoothly, but it lays a foundation for each child before they leave home.  Having responsibility gives them more confidence as well.

Tips to Save Time and Money

Used with Permission by Jonni McCoy at Miserly Moms http://www.miserlymoms.com/miserlytips_updated.html
"These tips have been saving us both money and time:

We use a combined shampoo/conditioner. We save money because only one bottle needs to be purchased instead of two separate bottles. The conditioning step is eliminated, thus saving time. Wholesale clubs (i.e., Costcos, BJ's) often sell economy size bottles of a selection of combined shampoo/conditioner brands.

I use a combined powder/foundation makeup instead of separate liquid or creme foundation plus powder. I save money by buying only one cosmetic item instead of two. Time is saved because the liquid or creme foundation application step is eliminated. I have found that the combined powder/foundation goes on thick enough to cover what the liquid or creme would have.

My husband uses 100% aloe vera gel in place of men's aftershave. We purchase a large container of aloe vera gel towards the end of the summer when the sun care products are on clearance. A large enough container could last through the following year. Additional benefits of aloe gel are the mild scent, it doesn't burn, it's soothing to sensitive skin. Women can also use it after shaving legs.

Many different brands of makeup are manufactured by the same limited number of subcontractors. Keep this in mind when selecting cosmetics. A considerable amount of money can be saved without sacrificing quality when selecting cosmetics from brands offered in the supermarket or WalMart versus the brands sold at expensive department store counters. Time is saved picking up cosmetic items at the supermarket when grocery shopping (look for those coupons!).

Ten Tips to Save Time, Money and Energy

Down to the Last Drop!  When you think you have squeezed out all the contents of plastic tubes, you can be sure that there is still more in there - more than you imagine!  Try cutting plastic tubes of hand cream, makeup, etc. across the middle with scissors and be surprised!   I often find more than a dozen days' worth of makeup inside a tube, or lots more hand cream or toothpaste that was unable to be squeezed out. Usually there's lots more product on one end of the tube. The empty end will slip right over the end with more contents (with just a tiny overlap) so the leftover contents won't dry out before getting used up. For chapstick, when you can no longer get anymore out, dig out the remaining half inch or so with a sharp, narrow knife and insert it into another tube!  There's no use in tossing out before the contents are all used up!

Ginger Paste ~ Save lots of money and make your meals tastier and healthier with your own homemade ginger paste!  It builds up your immune system.  Peel and chop ginger, then drop it into a powerful blender.  Add enough oil and/or water to make it easier to blend up, and process until smooth and creamy.  Store it in small amounts in the freezer, but keep some in your fridge for adding to meat dishes, salad dressings, and many other dishes.  I store mine in Tupperware midget cups.  You could even freeze and use it as tomato paste in the next tip!

Tomato Paste Savvy ~ Many recipes call for a small amount of tomato paste, and what remains invariably turns moldy in the fridge, right?  Try this instead!  Open both ends of the can with a can opener.  Remove and discard one end of the can, but leave the other end in place.  Wrap the entire can in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.  When frozen, use the remaining metal end of the can to push out the frozen tomato paste.  Discard the can, and tightly wrap the tomato paste in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer.  Slice off only as much as you need for recipes.

Clean Tough Areas of Refrigerator or Microwave Overnight ~ Saturate a terry cloth dishcloth with hot water.  Pour about a tablespoon of liquid castile soap such as Dr. Bronner's onto the cloth.  Rub together and lay over a tough, gooey spot in your fridge.  Let set for an hour or overnight.  The goo will wipe off with little effort.    

Boredom on the Treadmill or Stair Climber ~ At gyms everyone watches TV while they use the exercise machines, so if you have one at home, why not do the same? You can make a firm "table" across your treadmill to hold your Kindle or laptop computer.  During this time I enjoy reading or listening to the Bible, praying through my prayer list, memorizing scripture verses, or watching sewing and quilting videos.  It takes my mind off of this necessary activity.

Make Your Own Birdhouses  (Recommended Diameters for Birdhouse Entrance Holes):
Wrens - 1 1/8"
Nuthatches, Chickadees and Tufted Titmice - 1 1/4"Bluebirds - 1 1/2"

Make Your Own Peanut Butter Suet to Attract all the Birds Listed Above (and More)!  These are the birds I've seen eating our tasty homemade suet: Bluebirds, Carolina wrens, nuthatches, chickadees, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, yellow-bellied woodpeckers, mockingbirds, house finches, goldfinches, white-throated sparrows, and more!   Mix together inexpensive peanut butter and shortening with a mixer until creamy.  Add flour and/or cornmeal (a great use for even buggy flour or cornmeal).  Mix with electric mixer until it is the consistency of play dough.  Form it into suet cakes and wrap in plastic wrap and store in waxed cereal liners to keep the grease from seeping through. If you have night predators like raccoons or bears, I'd advise bring it inside at night, unless they are unable to get into it at night.  http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Birds%20-%20Suet

Frame Your Own Nature Photography ~ My husband built a shelf on our sundeck, directly in front of our kitchen window.  By setting a custard cup full of peanut butter suet in front of our kitchen window (raised up), I've been able to get lots of closeup pictures of our beautiful birds!   An adorable Carolina wren is feasting there right now!  Off he goes, and now a bluebird!  There is so much beauty in God's creation to photograph and frame for your home.

Spring Flower Arrangement ~ For a beautiful spring floral arrangement, make a bird's nest vase by wrapping grapevines around a basket!  Insert a real vase  inside the nest if using fresh flowers.  If using silk flowers, use floral foam inside the basket and insert the stems in a symmetrical manner. This was seen on Martha Stewart's website.  For a picture and more ideas, go to http://shout.lt/rnTp.

Now That You've Saved All that Time, Money and Energy  ~ Take a break and enjoy some delicious tasting tea that I recently discovered at the grocery store!  Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Tea with no caffeine!

Phone Calls: How to Get a Real Person with a Shorter Wait Time

Thanks to Joyce Quam in North Carolina for this tip! She suggests adding this useful resource to add to our contact listings. Joyce says: I have used this over the past months for State Farm, Home Depot, Best Buy when the wait times were long or "I could not reach a person" and have found it very useful.

If you need to reach the best number (in most cases) with the shortest wait time, type this into the search field: Example: Best Buy: Type "Get a human Best Buy" and the link below will appear with a telephone number that works and in most cases with a short wait time.
http://gethuman.com/phone-number/Best-Buy/

 

 

Practical Household Tips

Reusable Shopping Bags ~ Machine wash occasionally to keep them clean and free from Salmonella bacteria, E.coli, and more.  Use grocery bags for that purpose only.  Have raw meat bagged in disposable bags before putting into your reusable bags to prevent contamination. Store bags in house, not in a hot car trunk where germs will breed.  Spray bags inside of bags with diluted essential oils. (See tip below)  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/05/keeping-your-reusable-shopping-bags-clean.html

Anti-Bacterial Essential Oils ~ Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme

Separate Toothpaste Tube for Each Family Member ~ This tip could even save marriages, when I hear stories of how husbands and wives have differences in putting on the cap or leaving it off, how they squeeze the tube, etc.  This is an easy solution.  It also helps prevent spreading germs throughout the family.  Give each child his own tube as well!

Toothpaste Tube Troubles (Wrinkled tubes) can be alleviated by laying the toothpaste tube on a flat surface, pushing toothpaste upward to the top of the tube with your toothbrush handle, then tightly rolling up the end of the tube and securing with a medium to large spring clip.  A rubberband works as well.

When Two Children Share a Closet use two different colored hangers for clothing, so there's no problem finding outfits.

Avoid Matching Socks ~ To avoid having to match socks, when buying everyday socks for a child (or adult), get plenty of the same style and color (white to match everything).  When folding clothes, each person's socks (if short) only need to be stacked.  Stand socks on their sides when storing in bedroom drawers for neater drawers.

Preventing Mold in Berries ~ We all know how quickly store bought strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and other fruit can grow mold, even when refrigerated.  Vinegar can help tremendously.  I keep a spray bottle of straight white vinegar for spraying produce.  As soon as I bring home my berries and other produce, I saturate the dry produce with vinegar, let set a few minutes, then soak in water, and rinse.  This prolongs the freshness of berries and other produce.

The Use of Trays can save steps, spills, and time. When transporting food to a freezer downstairs, using trays, bags or a box, rather than stacking them in your arms could prevent a catastrophe.

Reusing Ziplock Bags ~ Most people won't go along with this tip, but bags that did not store meat or gooey substances could be washed in hot water and dishwashing liquid, then hung to dry for a second life.  You could keep used bags in a certain place to be washed all at once.Saves money.

Soap Chips ~ If you have soap chips and slivers that you weren't able to melt onto a new bar of soap, try this.  Use an old washcloth to fold in half, insert the soap chips and sew shut.  Use long stitches, so you can pull out the thread and refill later.  This can be used to suds up while showering or bathing. You might want to make one for each family member.  Kids love them and it might even make taking a bath more fun.

From a Tablecloth to Kitchen Towels ~ Certain tablecloths (cotton or linen), if found for a good price at a yard sale, can be cut and hemmed for very nice kitchen towels.  If you have an embroidery machine, you can make them even more special and fun to use.

Nice White Doilies and Towels ~ Every now and then put all of your doilies in an Oxiclean solution to whiten them.  Avoid bleach which will deteriorate the fibers. Do the same with kitchen towels, dishcloths, towels, and washcloths.  I have a batch soaking right now.  Oxiclean works wonders on stubborn clothing stains as well.

Custom Window Shades ~ When window shades become worn, save the roller and slat.  Buy oil cloth at the fabric store (with or without a design) and cut it to the size of the shade.  Sew the bottom to fit the wooden slat and glue or staple to the top of the roller.

 

 

 

25 Ways to Discover Lost Time

by Jamie Novak - Used by permission

1. When making an appointment, try to get the first one of the day or the first one after lunch. There is a better chance you will be taken on time.

 

2. Finally get rid of your stacks of magazines. Go through them at one sitting by skimming the table of contents and ripping out any articles of interest. Staple the articles together and place in a file labeled ‘to read’. Carry the folder with you when you may end up with spare time, like at a doctor’s appointment.

 

3. Change all of your bill due dates to the same day so you can pay bills one time a month. Call your creditors and ask them to change your due date. You might also try online bill paying or automatic bill paying to a credit card.

 

4. Run all your errands at one time. Start with the one farthest away from your house and finish up with the one closest to your house. Make a list before you go and gather all the things you need in one spot to ensure you have them with you while you are out.

 

5. Wear a watch and have clocks in all rooms. Use a timer when doing specific projects to keep you aware of how long it is taking you.

 

6. Remember that just because the phone rings does not mean you have to answer it. Allow your answering machine to screen your calls; you will avoid sales calls.

 

7. When you cook make a double portion and freeze the extra to have on a night when you are running late.

 

8. Call ahead before going. Call to confirm appointments. Call ahead for restaurant seating. Call to make sure the store has what you are going for.

 

9. Finish what you start. If you are in the middle of a project and remember something else you have to do jot it down do not interrupt your current project.

 

10. Buy a large variety of greeting cards. Keep in a file separated by category. That way when you need to send one out you do not have to stop at the store. Also keep a few generic gifts and gift-wrap or gift bags on hand.

 

11. Separate your to-do list from your ‘I wish I had time to do this list.’ Your to-do list is made up of the 5-10 tasks you actually plan to accomplish during the day. Create a separate list for all the tasks you would like to get to someday.

 

12. Create some sort of permanent desk space instead of using the dining room table. If space is a challenge consider a fold away desk or a simple slim table with chair.

 

13. Go through your mail one time a day. Open it near the garbage can (shredder and/or recycling can). Have your calendar and to-do list handy to jot down dates and tasks.

 

14. Type a grocery list of your most used items. Make 52 copies. Place one on the refrigerator a week to check off what you need instead of writing out the list.

 

15. Prepare for your morning the night before. Gather everything you will need, like purse, keys, and briefcase. Choose your cloths and set the table for breakfast.

 

16. Create caddies for commonly done projects. Like a bill paying caddy that has stamps and return address labels. A cleaning caddy with multipurpose cleaner and rags. A sandwich caddy that has all the items needed to make a sandwich so you do not have to search the refrigerator.

 

17. Try not to buy items that require extra care, like silver to polish and knickknacks to dust around.

 

18. Remember that emergencies cost more then planned maintenance. Take you car in for regular servicing and make doctors appointments for yourself and family.

 

19. Before you start a project make sure you have all the tools you will need to finish.

 

20. When you need to make a call to someone that you know can be chatty start the call off with “I only have a minute but I wanted to call to…”

 

21. Turn on the TV only when your show is scheduled to begin and turn it off when your show ends. Turning the TV off 1 hour a week gives you 52 extra hours.

 

22. The single most effective time management tool is ‘no’. Before you say yes ask yourself what will you be saying no to?

 

23. Return phone calls right before lunch or at the end of the day. There is a better chance you will catch the person and they will not be so chatty.

 

24. Adopt a ‘do it now’ mentality. Some projects take more time to write down on a to-do list than they actually take to do the task.

 

25. Consider delegating tasks to someone who capable of doing them. Or hire out projects. Is it worth the few dollars it will cost to hire a neighborhood child to mow you lawn, then the time it will take you to do it yourself?

Jamie Novak is a dynamic speaker, television personality, and best-selling author who inspires people to calm the chaos of clutter and live a life based on their priorities in a humorous and heartwarming way. Novak provides real solutions for those living in the real world, she promises never to suggest impractical solutions. http://www.jamienovak.com

Christmas Timetable, Photo Ideas, Tips, Saving Time

IN THIS ISSUE:

• MARILYN MOLL'S HOLIDAY TIMETABLE
• CHRISTMAS PHOTO IDEAS
• CHRISTMAS ROMANCE - A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
• IDEAS FOR DECORATING YOUR HOME AT CHRISTMAS
• HIDING CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
• GRANDMA'S GIFT
• DOORBELL GIFTS
• PRAYING FOR YOUR WAITER OR WAITRESS
• AWANA CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
• FELT MANGER SCENE ORNAMENT OR WALL HANGING
• GLASS BALLS, DRIZZLED ON THE INSIDE WITH ACRYLIC PAINT
• GLASS BALLS WITH TINSEL OR SHREDDED PAPER
• DOUGH ORNAMENTS
• ORANGE AND LEMON POMANDERS THAT LAST FOR YEARS
• SCENTED PINECONES
• A BRIEF GREEK LESSON ON CHRISTMAS / XMAS
• TIME SAVING TIPS FOR THIS BUSY TIME OF YEAR
• MAILING HOLIDAY PACKAGES: ON TIME AND IN ONE PIECE
• LEARNING VS. TESTING
• GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE IN EXTRAORDINARY WAYS
• A NATIVITY SCENE STORY - OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

MARILYN MOLL'S HOLIDAY TIMETABLE

By Marilyn Moll - http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?sAWTpO3ijgQvCMSWz2zI.A - Used by permission

Note from Lois: You can use this as a guide for spacing out the many things needing done in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Actually I learned that the individual links below are unable to be accessed, because the detailed information in those links is for sale. Hopefully this rough outline alone will be of help to you. You are welcome to purchase the details from Marilyn Moll, of course.

Remember, the timetable is merely a suggestion; rearrange, add, or delete activities from the schedule to meet the needs of your family. The timetable is below.

Week #1 - List Week Oct 3- 8
Make your lists of gift recipients, Christmas cards, menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, goodies to share or to give, favorite meals to prepare ahead, decorations needed, gifts to make.

Week #2 - Browse Week Oct 10-16
Develop and record ideas for gifts, decorations. Ask yourself the following questions:

* What would our ideal Christmas be like?
* What activities are particularly important to our family at Christmas?
* How much emphasis do our Christmas activities place on the spiritual side of Christmas?

Week #3 - Supplies Week Oct 17-23
After inventorying supplies on hand, purchase non-perishables needed for holiday baking, and supplies needed for gift making,, gift wrapping, etc.

Week #4 - Baking Week: Oct 24-30
Set aside the time needed to complete holiday goodie making. Make lists of toys, books, and clothes that children would enjoy. More...

Week #5 - Gift Making Week Oct 31 - Nov 6
Focus your energies on completing gifts to be made. More...

Week #6 - Shopping Week #1 Nov 7-13
Decorate your home for Thanksgiving and focus on gift buying for prepared list. Wrap and label packages as you go.

Week #7 -Shopping Week #2 Nov 14-20
Complete as much shopping as possible. Take advantage of many items that are on sale before Thanksgiving!

Week #8 - Thanksgiving Week Nov 21-27
Use this week to prepare Thanksgiving dishes, pies, homemade rolls, and enjoy the holiday with your family. Marilyn's Traditional Thanksgiving Stress Free Plans and Easy Recipes for Busy Moms are at this link.  Start the Jesse Tree Devotional readings by Ann Voskamp. The Jesse Tree Devotional is different than advent as it tells the whole story of the coming of the Savior starting in the book of Genesis. The devotional includes 30 readings culminating with the birth of Christ. If you purchase the Planner you will get all the devotionals plus the beautiful, colored ornaments designed to be hung on a branch or a tree. The ornaments are a terrific, hands-on way for the children to remember each bible story leading up t o the birth of Christ.

Week #9 - Mailing Week Nov 28-Dec 4 Complete package wrapping for gifts to be shipped.

Week #10 - Meal Making and Decorating Week

Dec 5 -11 Prepare some favorite meals and other baked goods for the hectic days ahead. Decorate. Involve children in memory making! My recipes for Beef Burgundy and Honey Glazed Chicken and other reliable family favorites can be downloaded at this link.

Week #11 - Final Shopping/Wrapping Week Dec 12-18Complete last minute details and enjoy holiday parties, concerts, and family activities. For quick and easy cookie recipes Click Here.

Week #12 - Enjoy Your Christmas Celebration Week Dec 19 
- 25

Enjoy the Holidays with Family and Friends! Take time to drive the neighborhoods to enjoy holiday lighting displays. Enjoy family traditions and special meals. A complete holiday menu with delicious recipes is found at this link.

We, at The Urban Homemaker, don't advocate complicated or expensive holiday celebrations, and wish to encourage your family to focus on the true meaning of the holiday season.

However, this twelve-week simplified timetable could be used as a checklist and is designed to be flexible in order to assist you in focusing in on your family's priorities for Thanksgiving, Christmas. We believe holiday planning promotes order and harmony, offering you time to evaluate what is really important to your family.

The Urban Homemaker is a family run business dedicated to teaching and promoting "old fashioned skills for contemporary people". We offer back-to-basics products for physical and spiritual family health. We believe the products and skills that we offer promote a more healthful diet, the virtues of thrift and self-sufficiency, and enable homemakers to fulfill the biblical mandate to be keepers of the home in the spirit of Titus 2.

CHRISTMAS PHOTO IDEAS
by Lois Breneman, Copyright 2006

Have fun trying some unique and creative Christmas poses on your own this year, rather than using a professional photographer. These special photos could be used to create your Christmas card, include with a card, frame to hang as a decoration each Christmas, give to grandparents, or include in a Christmas scrapbook for lots of warm memories. Here are a few creative ideas to consider trying.

Last year we received a priceless Christmas card photo from our nephew and his wife of their three young daughters. The youngest one in the center was crying her little heart out, with her eyes shut and one hand in her mouth, while one sister tried to console her and the other sister was ignoring the crying and smiling like a little princess. The caption read, "Wishing you a Christmas as peaceful as ours!" Later we learned how they dressed up all three daughters in their Christmas dresses three nights in a row, and this was the scene each night. At the end of the third photo shoot, their worn out mother said, "That's it! This is the picture we are sending!" We loved it!! It's been on our refrigerator all year and will be until we have a replacement!

Another nephew and his wife took a picture of their very young son on the floor among a string of colorful lights all lit up. So cute!

Wrap each child with a string of Christmas lights and tinsel on their heads for a fun picture!

Take a picture of your children dressed as Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. If you have enough children to dress as the three wisemen, or shepherds, that would be a very special Christmas photo! We have pictures like this of our two older children, with a bread dough bread basket as the manger in front of them, holding a doll.

If you have only 2-3 children, dress them in outdoor Christmas or winter attire. Have one child pull one or two siblings on a sled with fake Christmas gifts on the back of the sled. Or use a wagon instead. Another idea would be to pull two or three little ones in a wagon, each holding a gift. If you have four children, have the oldest child pull the other three in a wagon.

Take pictures of your children in their pajamas, lying on their tummies, each with his head propped up on his hands in front of the fireplace.

How about a photo of your children decorating cookies or a birthday cake for Jesus!

If children are old enough try taking a picture of them in a pyramid, wearing their pajamas.

Dress the kids up in Christmas outfits or simply Christmas colors and have them pose in front of the Christmas display at your local mall.

Line up all the kids or the entire family, lying on the floor on their tummies, with face propped in their hands and looking up. Use a tripod and timer if you don't have a photographer. I found a picture like this among my "antique" photos of all the cousins from years ago, lying in the grass.

Take a picture of the children decorating the Christmas tree or adding the finishing touches to a snowman you helped them build (adding coal for the eyes, a carrot for the nose, a smile, branches for the arms, and a scarf and hat).

Use a tripod and the timer on your camera to snap a family photo, unless you have another person to take pictures of everyone. Any of these ideas above would be great with all of the family included.

Even if you don't use these pictures as a Christmas card or to include with a card, they would be very special photos to frame and include with your Christmas decorations each year!

If you have other unique ways of taking family pictures at Christmas, please send them to me.

CHRISTMAS ROMANCE - A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

In 2004 in Tacoma, Washington, the young man who portrayed Joseph in a live Nativity, had things all planned out ahead of time. Dan Larson, 25, and Amanda Thaut, 26, had dated for two or three years before he portrayed Joseph and his sweetheart Amanda portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a Nativity performance at the Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma (Washington) in 2004. Shortly after a performance, Dan got down on one knee and asked Amanda, "Will you marry me?" Amanda quietly gasped, "Yes."

The audience was stunned. One of the wise men pumped his fist in the air, while the shepherds and angels could barely contain their enthusiasm.

Dan said later, "I wanted to make it something very special. Every part of my life is better because of her."

I knew you ladies would enjoy this one!  A Hallmark movie should be made from this story!

IDEAS FOR DECORATING YOUR HOME AT CHRISTMAS
by Lois Breneman, Copyright 2005

Gift Wrapped Pictures on the Wall

Take a few large framed pictures down from your walls and wrap them in lovely gift wrap with beautiful ribbon and a bow for a big splash of Christmas. Blend the gift wrap with the colors in your room, of course.

Many Hues of Christmas Colors

If you use bright Christmas reds and greens in decorating for Christmas, go with that. Many like to use burgundy in place of red to go with their year round color scheme. In our living room I use mostly pinks, mauves, and peaches with green, so the colors will go with our sofa and chairs.

A Victorian Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is decorated Victorian style in various pinks, mauves, peaches, greens, with white, gold and silver. After the tiny white lights are stung around the tree by my helpful husband, a long string of pearls is draped in scallops from top to bottom. Ornaments of lace, pink and green ice cream cones, salt ceramics, marble painted glass balls, angels, small cross stitch ornaments of crosses or the word, "Joy," molded glittered paper ornaments of hearts and train cars and small Victorian dolls load down the branches. To fill in any empty spots, lots of pink poinsettias, colorful picks of roses and other decorations are simply laid on the branches, as well as fabric-covered peaches and green grapes that are used in an arrangement during the rest of the year. Last year I arranged several Victorian dolls and Teddy bears with lace around the base of the tree on a tree skirt, made in the Dresden Plate design - solid pink with a Victorian roses in a print of pinks and greens.

One or Several Christmas Themes

Of course, the main Christmas theme in your home should be Jesus, with Nativity Scenesspread all around your home. Another theme of "Toyland" or "Christmases Long Ago," grouped together around the Christmas tree, in a corner of a room or on a table is fun too. Several layers of Christmasy fabrics and wide ribbons can help to brighten up this spot. If you have antique toys, definitely use them in your display. Items in the center can be raised up by draping a cloth over a box or old popcorn tin. Using several boxes or tins of varying heights would be even better. It doesn't have to cost anything, if you use items you already have. Add Teddy bears, dolls, a sled, a rocking horse, a cradle, an old quilt, books, cookie cutters, a rolling pin - the list goes on! Let your children and grandchildren join in the fun. Then add a special Nativity Scene in the center of your display!

Some decorators say to use only one theme throughout your home, but if you like to decorate, I think it's more interesting and fun to have a different theme in different rooms or on different levels. Other themes could be "Christmas around the World," or use collections of Teddy bears, snowmen, angels, but do include a Nativity Scene in the center. Why? Because "Jesus is the reason for the season!" Without Jesus, we never would have had Christmas!

HIDING CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS ~ The kids always enjoyed opening Christmas stockings, but to make it a little more interesting, we would hide the stockings and give clues. Each clue would lead to the next, and the last clue would lead them to their stockings. One year the stockings were in the dryer, another year, the freezer, one year in the kitchen cupboard, etc. When we lived in a two-story house, one clue would be upstairs, and the next downstairs. This gave the kids exercise while they tried to find their stockings. ~ From Nancy Minton in Maryland

GRANDMA'S GIFT

From The Dollar Stretcher - www-stretcher.com - Used by permission from the Editor

Grandma always gets gifts for the grands. Well, she is elderly, does not like to shop, and the prices just drag her down. For about five years, I did this shopping and always with the worry that it was not something the kids wanted and such. Then we did the gift card thing and Grandma hated that.

Last year, I came up with an idea that was a hit and it will be repeated as long as she wants to give the kids a gift. She gives me the money ($25 each) and I in turn hand the kids their money. Then they go get what they want. Here is where the fun begins! They bring it home, they wrap it, and when we have our Christmas celebration, they hand the gift to Grandma. She unwraps it to find out what she gave them for Christmas. This has been a lifesaver all around, and one of my daughters said she had mentally spent Grandma's money many times over before she really decided what to receive. Last year we did not tell Grandma what was going on ahead of time. This year she said, "Can we do the thing with the kids getting their gifts and giving them to me to unwrap?" So, this was a big success. I am pretty sure that some of the grandchildren even waited until something went on sale to get their gift. ~ Reader's Tips from Susan

DOORBELL GIFTS

I heard on the radio how a family keeps a basket of small wrapped gifts by the door, and whoever comes to the door receives a gift - that includes the postman, U.S.P.S. or Fed-X delivery, pizza delivery, friends, a neighbor borrowing sugar, etc. It also fun to have small gifts for sales clerks, along with a Christmas message in the form of a tract. I enjoy making lined tissue holders when I get a chance and love giving them out to friends and strangers who don't expect a gift. It's amazing how appreciative store clerks, waiters and waitresses are when you hand them one and say, "Here's a little something for you for being so helpful!" or "Merry Christmas!" A folded tract fits inside nicely and may be what the Lord uses to bring that person to Christ.

PRAYING FOR YOUR WAITER OR WAITRESS

Our pastor mentioned something he and his wife do when they eat out. When the waiter or waitress comes to take their order, one of them says, "We will be thanking the Lord for our food in a little while. When we do, is there something that you would like us to pray about for you?" What a witness and impact that would make on so many lonely and hurting people any time of the year!

AWANA CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

A Heart to Heart friend wrote a few years ago that she was working with AWANA girls, and would like to find a neat craft for Christmas (an ornament maybe) that includes the AWANA colors (red, yellow, blue and green) or some of the colors - something that will remind the girls of the things they learned in AWANA as they get out their decorations each year. I'm sharing these next four ideas with you, in case others might be able to incorporate these ideas for AWANA, another group or as a gift to an AWANA leader.

FELT MANGER SCENE ORNAMENT OR WALL HANGING

Draw out a very simple outline of a manger with straw and a baby inside. An ornament could be made with felt in several colors. Manger - brown or reddish-brown; Swaddling clothes - white; Jesus' face - light pink, Straw - yellow. Those pieces could be glued to a circle of black with a yellow star in the sky (a star jewel could be used for the star). The same parts could be made larger and used as a wall hanging. For a stiffer form, glue onto posterboard. Glue on a ribbon to hang either an ornament or wall hanging.

GLASS BALLS, DRIZZLED ON THE INSIDE WITH ACRYLIC PAINT in 2-3 colors. They are so much fun to do! Craft stores have the glass balls, paints and directions. Basically you remove the top of the glass ball and slowly drizzle acrylic paint into the ball, allowing it to run down the sides or wherever you want. Drizzle another color, until the inside of the ball is painted. Set the painted ball upside down on a small bathroom paper cup, to allow the unused paint to drizzle out. Let dry for several days. Put top back on. A bow tied around the top adds a special touch.

GLASS BALLS WITH TINSEL OR SHREDDED PAPER

Barb Campbell also suggests tinsel in the glass balls. She said they look super. Or using a paper shredder, shred colored paper and insert into the glass balls.

DOUGH ORNAMENTS

Contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi
Mix together:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Knead together. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Brush with beaten egg. Use a toothpick to make a hole at the top of each ornament before baking.

Bake for 10-15 minutes. After baking and cooling, push red and green yarn or ribbon through the hole and make a tie for each ornament. Leave the ornaments natural or paint them with acrylic paints. Spray with varnish for a long-lasting finish.

(Note from Lois: Way back in 1978, I was asked to teach a six week adult education course at a local high school on this topic, as part of the home economics evening classes. Teaching is not my "cup of tea," so the only reason I did it was to earn what was needed to do my part for my parents' 40th anniversary, a wonderful "This Is Your Life" celebration, organized by my sister. In the six weeks of classes everyone made several different projects, including a woven bread basket, a dough wreath, jar lid covers and Christmas ornaments, so the ideas are endless. Books on many different projects are in the library.)

ORANGE AND LEMON POMANDERS THAT LAST FOR YEARS

Instructions were given to me by my sister-in-law, Linda Walker, in Pennsylvania 
(Note added in 2011: My daughter-in-law and I made these together two years ago.  They make a lovely accent and will last and last for years.  They get so light in weight as the moisture evaporates.)

Linda still has clove-studded oranges and lemons that she made years ago. Last Thanksgiving she invited her daughter, daughter-in-law and their friends to her home for a fun time of crafting together as they made about a dozen of these fragrant and natural Christmas decorations. I had done this project myself before, but because I didn't use orris root powder, the orange soon molded. That step is very important. If you have a natural foods co-op nearby, you can find these spices for much less than at the grocery store. Linda said to use the less expensive smaller oranges, rather than the larger ones with the tougher peel.

1) Poke holes in an orange or lemon with a wooden skewer. Do only one row at a time and fill each hole with a whole clove. The fruit will keep longer, without molding, if you cover the entire piece of fruit, rather than doing a decorative design, leaving parts of the fruit without cloves.

2) When the orange or lemon is covered with cloves, run water on the stuffed fruit to wet it.

3) Into a gallon sized Ziplock bag put a large container of cinnamon (18 ounces), with smaller amounts of ground nutmeg and allspice. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of orris root powder, which helps to preserve the fruit for a longer period of time.

4) Coat one piece of clove-studded fruit at a time with all the mixed spices.

5) Remove fruit from the bag and place on a tea towel to dry completely.

6) Turn the fruit a little each day until dry. The process may take at least two weeks.

7) Keep stuffed fruit out in the air for months, displaying them on a piece of fabric in a wooden, brass, or decorative bowl or basket. You may choose to arrange the cinnamon and clove oranges and lemons with a candle, fresh pineapple or small silk flowers.

8) Store in a Ziploc bag only after completely dry, but keep them out to enjoy all winter long. The fragrance will remain for years when stored in a plastic bag, but if the cinnamon fragrance lessens, a few dabs of cinnamon oil will perk it up again.

SCENTED PINECONES

Let the children gather pinecones and bake them at 250 degrees for 30 minutes to kill all the insects. Paint the tips with white acrylic paint, rub with cinnamon oil and sprinkle with white diamond glitter. Dry and use in decorating your home. Fill a copper bowl or a basket with them.

A BRIEF GREEK LESSON ON CHRISTMAS / XMAS

I thought you might be interested to know where Xmas originated, so I asked.

Dr. Greg Huffman explains:

The complete word for Christ is Transliterated “Christos,” which is spelled with an “X” as the first letter, and comes from the Greek work “Chrio” which means anointed, speaking of his Messiahship.

I believe the real effort in “Xmas” is really to do all they can do to eliminate the word, "Christ." Since none of us reads Greek, why try to spell the word for Christmas with half Greek (one letter) and the rest English (mass)?

"Don't wish me Merry X-Mas, nor Happy Holidays! Put Christ back into Christmas on this blessed holy day!"

TIME SAVING TIPS FOR THIS BUSY TIME OF YEAR
by Lois Breneman, Copyright 2005

A "Grabber," which can be found in a drug store or Walmart for about $10, works great for smoothing out the Christmas tree skirt!. We used to have the kids crawl under the tree to help with this, but now that they're not here, a "grabber" works great! (Sorry kids! You've been replaced by a "Grabber!") It also helps to reach things up high without getting out a step stool, then falling and breaking your neck - or to reach things down low without stooping. Young mothers, a grabber saves your back in bending over to pick up toys if your children are too young to do it themselves.

Fill a sugar shaker with whole wheat or spelt flour for shaking onto meat before frying, rather than dipping into a bowl of flour. A shaker makes much less mess and wastes no flour. Saves time too. I cover my shaker with a baggie secured with a rubber band.

Fill a plastic honey bear squeeze bottle or any kind of squeeze bottle (used for food) with olive or canola oil, and store (without a lid) in a cabinet near the stove. Then when you need oil, it will take only one hand to grab and squeeze out a little for cooking.

Use a lamb's wool duster for quick dusting! Having several will allow you to fill them all with dust and shake the dust off outside all at one time. They come with long and short handles.

Have you seen the Swivel Sweeper with no cord? The battery is rechargeable. It cleans hard surface floors, as well as surface dirt on carpets. A vacuum with good suction would be needed in between, of course, but this is great for surface dirt, for times when you need to clean your house in a jiffy. The swivel sweeper fits into small spaces, under beds, picks up on all four sides - even sweeps up sand, rice or nuts and bolts! It's very light and zips through the house in minutes without causing back pain. I love mine and so does our two year old grandson! So we gave his family one, knowing it would be a help to our daughter for quick cleanups without dragging out the vacuum - and knowing she'd have a ready and willing helper! Justin refers to it as "Grammy's vacuum" since he's used ours so much. He ran it through our entire beach house when he was only two years old, picking up sand and dirt for us! It's a great time saver and even little ones can help give your house the "once over!"

MAILING HOLIDAY PACKAGES: ON TIME AND IN ONE PIECEBy Cheryl Gochnauer - http://webmailab.juno.com/webmail/new/21?folder=CHRISTMAS&msgNum=00001Tk0:001AnxfC00000izU&count=1289427992&attachId=0&isUnDisplayableMail=yes&blockImages=0# - Copyright 2005 - Used by permission

Although Cheryl no longer sends out her newsletter, we can learn from her past articles.


Before you mail that present to Aunt Betty, you might want to check with Uncle Sam. With 203 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages under its belt - and that's just this year - the U.S. Postal Service has a pretty good idea of how to get your package across the country or overseas, intact. Here are some suggestions gleaned from their website at http://www.usps.com/.

BOX IT UP:
* Pick a strong box that's big enough to hold not only your present, but also cushioning to protect it.
* Be creative with your cushioning. Bubble wrap and Styrofoam popcorn work well, but using current newspapers adds the perk of providing news from home.
* Remove glass from frames and wrap separately. Stuff hollow gifts like vases with newspaper or packing material to avoid shock damage.
* Take batteries out of gifts, then wrap separately. You don't want that toy switching on during shipment.

SEAL IT UP:
* Before you seal the box, close the lid and shake it. If it rattles, add more cushioning.
* Slip a card inside that describes the contents, plus lists the sender's and recipient's addresses. This will help postal workers if your box is damaged and contents spill out during processing.
* Skip string, cord or twine, which can get tangled in sorting equipment at the post office. Instead, seal the opening and all box seams with two-inch wide clear or brown packaging tape,
reinforced packing tape or paper tape.

MOVE IT OUT:
* If you're reusing a box, cover all previous labels or scratch out old addresses using a heavy black marker.
* Clearly print both the sender's and recipient's addresses, using ink or permanent marker.
* Double-check addresses and use the official two-letter state abbreviations.
* Don't know the zip code? You can find it online at http://www.usps.com/zip4/.
* Many families are sending care packages to military friends and relatives overseas this Christmas. To have your mail delivered by Dec. 25 to most APO/FPO locations, check the deadline dates at the website.
For more tips for sending this season, visit www.usps.com/holiday.

LEARNING VS. TESTING

by Kayla Fay - www.goaskmom.com - http://webmailab.juno.com/webmail/new/21?folder=CHRISTMAS&msgNum=00001Tk0:001AnxfC00000izU&count=1289427992&attachId=0&isUnDisplayableMail=yes&blockImages=0# - Used by permission

Many of you are familiar with Pat Wyman from www.howtolearn.com. Pat has wonderful resources about learning styles, and I refer to her quite a bit. One of Pat's books is called Learning vs. Testing, Strategies that Bridge the Gap. I'm sure you all have helped your child study for a test until they really knew the material, only to have them make a low grade on the test the next day. There's nothing so disheartening.

A lot of the problem arises because our kids' tests are written for the kind of learner that they aren't! In Learning vs. Testing, Strategies that Bridge the Gap, Pat shows you some really great ways to bridge this gap, teaching ways to learn math facts in half the time, improve spelling tests scores, and remember vocabulary words. You'll also find how to help your child remember key concepts after reading a chapter. It's a great resource that needs to be on your reading list.

Note: Please keep in mind that getting off sugar has been known to lessen symptoms of hyperactivity or make them go away completely. You can use other sweeteners in place of refined sugar, such as Sweet Leaf Stevia, NuNaturals NuStevia, brown rice syrup, sucanat and other products. These can all be found in a health food store or in the natural foods department of your grocery store. It's worth a try to feel better. ~ Lois

GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE IN EXTRAORDINARY WAYSBy Martha Matthews, Editor of The Wives of Excellence Newsletter http://www.christian-homemaking.com/ - Used by permission 1 Corinthians 1:25-27 "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Just Ordinary Shepherds Luke 2: 8-10 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." It started out like any other night for some shepherds sitting on a hillside tending their flocks. Like cowboys out on the range, their days were spent caring for their sheep. They rarely saw anyone else except the other shepherds they were with. The nights were cold and the terrain was rugged. Who would have thought an angel of the Lord would appear to these men like these? They were just ordinary shepherds who lead ordinary lives. Unlikely Candidates Luke 2:10-12 "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' " You can probably imagine what thoughts were going through their heads as the angel made his proclamation. They must have wondered, "Why us? We're shepherds. We hold one of the lowest positions in society. Shouldn't he be telling this to the High Priest or the Elders?" But it was no mistake, because they could plainly see the angel standing right there in front of them. Why did God choose to announce the birth of His son to these shepherds? Why not tell it to someone with more visibility and clout like the Sanhedrin or the Pharisees, someone with access to a podium? When the Lord chooses to use someone He doesn't choose the predictable candidates. He chooses ordinary people, flaws and all, who are willing to be used for His glory. He chooses the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to shame the wise and the humble to shame the proud. These shepherds were not considered important by human standards yet the Lord chose them because they had a quality He was looking for--a humble heart. These ordinary guys, whose names we do not know, are remembered in the account of Christ's birth because they possessed hearts that were willing to be used by God. These shepherds were perfect for the job. One Amazing Testimony Luke 2:17-18 "And when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." When you are told about something as monumental this, you don't hang around contemplating what it all means. You go check it out! And that's exactly what the shepherds did. They immediately left their flocks to go find the child. And when they found him they told everyone what the angel had said about him. Their testimony was so powerful that everyone was amazed. Today, God is still looking to use ordinary people with humble hearts to give their testimony to about Christ. No matter what your status in life is God can use you. You don't need to be the CEO of a big corporation, a famous movie star or the President of the United States. All you need to be is willing. Whether you are a working mom, a stay at home mom, an empty-nester or a grandma, He wants to use you to spread the news about Christ. This Christmas season share the incredible story of Christ's birth. Let God use you to spread the word about His amazing son. After all, it is the "good news of great joy for all people."

Martha is a wife, mother, home manager and the Executive Director of Christian-Homemaking.com, a web site with resources dedicated to helping Christian homemakers succeed. She also has a popular free monthly newsletter for Christian wives called The Wives of Excellence Newsletter. To subscribe visit her web site at http://www.christian-homemaking.com/newsletter.html

A NATIVITY SCENE STORY - OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES

Thanks to Terrie Futrell in Virginia for this great story of her son, now an English professor at Cedarville University. Ryan also gave his permission for this to be included in Heart to Heart.

I was reminded of a little "story" about my son, Ryan, regarding a Nativity Scene. When he was about three years old, we made a Plaster of Paris nativity scene and he painted most of the pieces himself. His father built a little stable, etc. to go with it. Ryan chose to paint the sheep some pretty strange colors, but I allowed him to do "whatever"......one was bright red, one was white with black polka dots, one was completely black, and one was orange! He was quite proud of that set and loved playing with it and looking at it.

One day I came by and noticed that all the pieces were turned over and scattered everywhere on the table and quite a mess had been made. I called Ryan in and said, "What happened here, Ryan?" He frowned for a moment (guess he thought he was in trouble) and then said, "Oh, I don't know ... but I think Baby Jesus did it!" I just laughed and laughed and we still get a chuckle out of that story each Christmas. Even today, if something is all messed up and Ryan is around, I'll say, "Um-m-m-m-m ... Baby Jesus must have done it." I don't mean it in a sacrilegious way, just a sweet memory of my grown up son who is now passing those traditions on to his own children.

Please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.

God bless you and your family in a special way!

Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Your Heart to Heart friend,

Lois