I found this neat list of household tips, wish I had known about some of these a long time ago!For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works
every time!
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Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don’t wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3
hours prior to burning.
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To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt
and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
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To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains. I do this all the time and it works great!!
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your
forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying ammonia on the area
and you will experience instant relief.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to
Tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and
then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer…Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
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Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water, and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
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Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and
immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
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Clean a thermos bottle.. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka
Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (Or longer, if necessary).
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Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer
tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.
Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.
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Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn’t it?
I’ve had some friends ask me to tell my story that I shared last night at the Sanctity of Human Life prayer service…so here you go!
Every time I think about it, it amazes me how even when I didn’t know God, He still knew me! He was working in my life and through circumstances to bring me into a personal relationship with Him.
When I was 20 years old, I went to the dermatologist for acne. I had tried everything to get rid of it… from creams to pill, you name it I used it! He suggested as a last resort, Accutane. Now, if you don’t know what Accutane is, it’s a class X drug which means its highly unsafe and very potent. Well because of that, he made me promise to be on birth control while using it because there is a 99.9% chance of birth defects while using it. So after hearing what he had to say and promising that I would go on birth control, I started taking one pill a month for the next 6 months.
So, here I am taking Accutane for my acne and birth control due to the birth defects. Five months into it, I was gaining weight, my hormones were out of whack, and I was depressed, so I stopped taking the birth control. As a 20 year old, in my mind I’m not thinking about anything but me!
Then it happens…I’m pregnant. Is this good…bad…I’m kind of excited..but not sure if I should be excited since I’m not married…and so on. Then comes the fear, what a minute…pregnant means birth defects! Whoa…it’s not just about me anymore!
So, I tell my mom and we go to my dermatologist. Talk about one of the hardest things I had to do (and there are many) having to face my doctor and tell him that I let him down and basically lied to him. Remember, I had promised that I would be on birth control during the treatment with Accutane and here I still had one month to go. Knowing that I had disappointed him, it led to him saying that the baby would have birth defects so “you need to abort!”
On our way home, my mom then suggested to me “maybe we should abort.” She was listing all the “what if’s” and negatives that would go along with me keeping the pregnancy. Not really going through the list of “positives”. We met up with my boyfriend Jason (now husband) to tell him that the dermatologist as well as my mom thinks we should abort. I tell you what, it was by the grace of God that I was going through this with Jason and not someone else because the outcome could have very well been different! I praise the Lord for bringing Jason into my life because he said “No, that is not an option!” That would go against God, don’t say things like that!” Alright, him and I are in this together!
Jason and I head to my OB and inform her of everything that is going on. She is aware of the drug Accutane and the risk of birth defects, but tells us the same thing…”you need to abort!” After insisting that is no longer an option, she gets in touch with a doctor that has researched and studied the drug for years. She contacted him to see what we were looking at for birth defects that is if we didn’t lose the baby to miscarriage. So, to see what we are looking at, they need to know what date the baby was conceived. Okay, remember…I am a 20 year old and I have no clue! I didn’t mark things like that on the calendar. We had only a rough guess – totally up in the air! The doctor sent back the paperwork and said that there is a 2 week window that if you really conveived at that time (remember for whatever reason I didn’t take that last dose of Accutane) then we would have a better chance at it not affecting the baby as bad.
Now we are at a lower risk, no longer 99.9% but still were uncertain of dates, so there was no absolute! That all happened in Nov/Dec ’98, Jason proposed to me at the end of Dec, many prayers by Jason’s family that I would be saved before we were married were answered in Jan ’99 when God saved me!, Feb we were married, and on July 26th gave birth to a perfectly, healthy baby girl, Cailey!!
If we would have listened to the doctors and what the statistics said (remember they were certain) then our precious would not be here today. God is good! Everything He makes is good! Cailey was made by God! Every baby placed in a woman has a purpose and was put there by God! Who was I to think that I could handle that kind of decision, power! The doctors got it wrong, my mom got it wrong, and for a moment, I got it wrong! Often times we don’t see the big picture like God does! We think…I’m not married, what will people think or say, how will I support this baby, or this wasn’t part of MY plan! I didn’t know God at the time, but I sure met Him soon after my husband and I made the decision not to abort!
I’m so thankful that God is bigger than us and He used those circumstances in my life to bring me into a relationship with Him! I realized He created this baby and it wasn’t my job to stop it or get in the way of that! I just had to trust Him to take care of everything in my life and no matter what the outcome, He would be there with me to get me through.
So, if you are ever faced with the decision like abortion, remember you don’t have to listen to what the majority says or what the statistics might say! Listen to the One who really knows what is going on and has your best interest in mind. Who ultimately has the power and authority to give life and take it away…God!
Ugh…those words are uttered all the time at my house! We are blessed with three fun, lively girls. Yet with kids, come challenges!! I know every mom and dad out there knows what I am talking about.
Last night, went through it again with our girls…”girls, what are you going to do right away in the morning when you get up?”…”yeah, yeah, we know mom!” I say, “I know you know it, but do you do it!” So, as you can see it has been a challenge in our house most mornings to get our three girls to take care of the “basics”.
The “basics” that I am talking about are:
#1 showering (this is optional it can be done in the morning or before bed) We have told our girls over and over, time after time…you don’t shower – you start to stink! Pretty sure my mom told that to me…wise words to pass on.
#2 getting dressed – that is pretty self explanatory right? I know, I would love to lounge in my comfy pants too all day! Okay, maybe if we met halfway…comfy pants, but throw on a clean shirt?
#3 brushing hair and teeth – usually I don’t know that they haven’t brushed their teeth until we are in public…and then they smile…oooooh! I know exactly how it is…I used to PRETEND to brush my teeth when I was kid…but at least I attempted!
Update: I called the girls this morning to see how it was going. Let’s just say if you combine all their efforts together…well…one got dressed, one ate breakfast, and the oldest was “holding down the dog!” I’d say all in all, that was a productive morning!!!
WOW! So many levels that come with giving and receiving gifts this time of year. It’s so easy for us to focus on tangible things and things that are going to bring us temporary happiness. Sure you might receive a gift that you necessarily didn’t ask for and pack away somewhere. Maybe you receive something like goodies or yummy chocolate, but that doesn’t last but a week or two…in my house 5 minutes tops!
Now on the flip side, giving gifts has the same effect…there’s great anticipation, drum roll…then, wait for it….done! The moment has come and gone…sure its appreciated and maybe your thanked with a smile, but that’s about it. There’s no reward from receiving it.
You might have put a lot of time and effort into searching for the perfect gift and you can’t wait to see the look on their face. That is usually the case each year…I want them to open up their present early, just so I can see their reaction!
God is like that with us! I can just picture Him sitting there, waiting in anticipation with a huge smile on His face for each one of us to open up His gift that He has given freely to us! Only, His gift of Jesus is the Perfect gift and the only One we will ever need and will last forever! The gift of Jesus will change your life now and forever! Now, that’s a gift! The peace and joy that comes from Christ is indescribable and cannot be matched, the reward is truly great! If you are presented with the gracious gift of Jesus from God, would you receive it, open it, and share it with someone today!
I love driving around and looking at Christmas lights, especially with fluffy, white snow coming down! Erk! Wait a minute, where’s the snow! Okay, so it’ll still be fun to check out lights around the Sioux Falls area.
A few ideas for you if you are in the mood to check out Christmas lights as well! So grab a cup of joe or some hot chocolate and head out!
If you want to stay warm while watching a Christmas light show, check out the Western Mall. After my daughter gets done with Tae kwon do, we head find one night to head down the hall to check out the amazing display of lights and music! That will be going on nightly from 5:30-9:30 through New Years Day! Love that the proceeds go to helping Make A Wish!
Winter Wonderland going on at Falls Park nightly through Jan 8th! Since we don’t have to deal with freezing temps and blowing snow so far, you can actually get out of your car and get a close up view of the falls! And men…maybe a great opportunity to take a stroll with your wife along the lit up path for a romantic walk…just sayin’ 
Hop in your car and head to Brandon to help the Banquet here in Sioux Falls…check out www.christmasinbrandon.com. The lights turn a glow each night at 5:30PM. When you get there, make sure you are able to view the display from both the front and west side, otherwise, you will miss half the show!
I love gathering around the tv after dinner with my hubby and girls to watch Christmas favorites! I was bummed that I kept missing all the must watch Christmas shows lately that I used to watch growing up! Gotta love Rudolph and Frosty! If you were like me and missed those too, I am here to let US not miss the rest
Here’s a little list I put together!
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” airs on TONIGHT at 7p on ABC
“I Want a Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown” airs Thursday, Dec 22 at 8p on ABC
“Shrek the Halls” airs Friday, Dec 23 at 7p on ABC followed by “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation” at 7:30p – I realize this is not a classic, but threw it in there for the kids anyway!
Christmas Eve:
“The Sound of Music” at 6p on ABC”
“It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7p on NBC
“Miracle on 34th St” at 7p on TCM
The 24-hour marathon of “A Christmas Story” at 7p on TBS
Christmas Night:
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 1966 version at 7p on ABC
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Jim Carrey) at 7:30p on ABC
Have a Blessed time with your family!
CARAMEL CORN IS A MUST AT MY HOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND SUPER EASY! I GIVE IT AWAY TO NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY…YEP, PRETTY SURE THEY EXPECT IT TOO! PUTTING IT IN BAGS TO GIVE AWAY SOUNDS LIKE THIS: “ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU, ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU…”
Ingredients
| 1 Bag of Old Dutch Puffcorn |
| 1 Cup of Butter (Not Margarine) |
| 1 1/4 Cups of Brown Sugar |
| 2/3 Cup of Light Corn Syrup |
| 1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda |
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup in a 2 quart sauce pan.
- Cook on medium heat until mixture has melted.
- Once mixture has melted add the baking soda. (Note: This will cause the mixture to foam)
- In a large roaster pan pour Old Dutch Puffcorn and pour caramel mixture over the Old Dutch Puffcorn and stir until mixed.
- Place in oven for 45 minutes, stirring at least every 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, pour on wax paper and break apart.
- Let cool and ENJOY
Ever since my friend a few years back introduced me to these little pieces of heaven…they have become a staple on my holiday “to-make” list!
It’s one of the easiest things to make…but not responsible if they happen to take the place of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Warning – may wake up in the middle of the night craving one…but, watch out…you can’t just eat one!!
Here ya go…
Mix 8 oz softened cream cheese with 16 oz pkg of Oreo cookies (crushed)
Roll into balls – about the size of walnuts (bite size)
Set them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and put into freezer for an hour
Heat up choc almond bark in the microwave (Every 30 sec stir and then keep doing 30 sec increments until melted)
Drop Oreo balls into the chocolate, move them around to cover them with chocolate, then scoop them out with a spoon and set them on the cookie sheet to dry. You can use a spoon or your fingers, doesn’t matter- whatever works to get them covered with chocolate!
After all the balls are covered with choc and dried, melt some white almond bark and place in a Ziploc bag, snip off the corner and drizzle white choc over the balls to make it look professional! Mix it up a bit and coat the Oreo balls in white choc and drizzle choc almond bark over them, sprinkle choc sprinkles on them, or sprinkle with some leftover crushed Oreo cookies…oh, I can’t wait anymore…I am So going home and making these today!!!
ENJOY!!!
Exodus 23:30 ~ Matthew 22:37 ~ Romans 12:1 ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- How do you keep God first?
- First Approach:
- Second Approach:
- Family Culture: Most powerful tool to putting God first in the Family
- Bedtime rituals
- Family Devotions
- Regular Church Attendance
- Youth Group
- Christian Schools
- Christian Summer Camps
- Christian Music
- Opening Your Home
- Tithe
- Saying Grace
- Baptism Day’s
- God first is not optional. God’s priority is a core value of every Christian family. (Colossians 2:16-17)
- Falling Short. (Romans 7:24)
- You are not responsible for your children’s faith. But you are accountable to God for your example to them in putting God first in your family culture.
- Romans 8:32
This morning Dave and I talked about sugar and it’s downsides that maybe you didn’t know. It’s extremely additive and research shows that the very sight of it triggers a reaction similiar to what’s stimulated to drug use. Here’s the article if you want more information.
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/05/addicted-to-sugar-how-to-kick-habit/
