Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin

I totally love watching this movie each year with my family. It always seems like when they have it on TV we always had something going on and we couldn't watch it. Why not buy it and then you can watch it anytime you would like!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love fall and all of the fun spices that seem to be so abundant in fall food. Today I decided to make some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. They were so tasty! I just used a recipe out of my Better Homes and Gardens Recipe book. The recipe calls for optional cinnamon and cloves, which I totally love and totally remind me of the fall season! Can you tell I love fall just a little bit :)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
3/4 c Butter, softened
1 c Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 c Granulated Sugar
1 t Baking powder
1/4 t Baking Soda
1/2 t Ground Cinnamon (optional)
1/4 t Ground Cloves (optional)
1/4 t Salt (optional)
2 Eggs
1 t Vanilla
1 1/2 c All purpose flour
2 c Rolled oats
1c Chocolate Chips

Method:
Preheat oven to 375. In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and if desired (salt, cloves and cinnamon). Beat until combine. Then beat in eggs and vanilla. Then beat in your flour, then oats, then chocolate chips. Drop dough by the teaspoon on to an ungreased cookie sheet and Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minutes. and then cool on wire rack.

Bliss Boutique

Bliss boutique is one of the cutest shops ever! My cousin and aunt run this fantastic shop located in Pleasant Grove Utah . They have clothes for mom, baby, jewelry and also great photography! They were featured on Good Things Utah today. Here is there clip you can take a look at all of the cute things that they have at their shop.






Visit it their site by going to www.blissphotographyandboutique.com/

Fixing those Cracked Heels

I was talking with my sister-in-law about how gross our heels can be and she had a wonderful suggestion. She said that she heard of a home remedy for softening those heels. She said you just use Stridex pads (the kind for controlling facial blemishes) with salicylic acid in them and Vaseline or thick creamy lotion.

What you do is just take stridex pad and wipe it one the rough heel then cover the heel in the lotion or Vaseline. Then cover it with a sock and wear it overnight or for a few hours.

Another suggestion that my mom-in-law had was to cover you feet with Vaseline or lotion and then cover you feet with bread sacks. (I totally laughed at the thought of my mom walking around with wonder bread sacks on her feet :P, but it is a great idea to hold in that moisture.) You could even put socks over the top of the sacks to keep them on.

How to Host a Murder Dinners

I love parties and with halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be a great idea to through a Murder Mystery Dinner. The kids always get to have fun at Halloween time so why not the adults.  The way that most murder mystery dinners usually work is that the host of the party purchases a kit. Kits typically includes a story about a murder that occurs either during the course of the dinner or before the party even begins. There are a specific number of characters in the story to match the size of your group, with background information, costume instructions and a package of clues for each one. You can assign characters to guests before they arrive, or you can assign them when they arrive. However, if you assign characters prior to the party guests can dress more outrageously, the greater the potential for an entertaining evening. You will also want to make sure that guest RSVP because you wouldn't want the murderer not to show up :) These type of parties typically can last 2-3 hours or all night if you want.  Kits can be purchased online typically for about $25-50 or possibly at your local board game store.

www.host-party.com has some good ones or you can even find the on Amazon.com

Season Blocks

My church is having a Super Saturday coming up and they have some totally cute ideas. One of the crafts that they will be making  is Season or Name blocks. I thought they were so cute! I am not 100% sure how they do them, so when we make them I will have to let you know.  I thought it would be so cute to make some with letters to spell out each season. Then you could just change them for each season! Or you could use them in your kids rooms to spell out their name.  So Cute!

Turkey Pot Pie

I know it seems like its too early to think about left overs, but those left overs are coming to a fridge near you. Especially with the upcoming holidays. Here is a great recipe for all that left over turkey.

TURKEY POT PIE

6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 cups turkey or chicken broth
1 cup milk or heavy cream
salt, to taste
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups cubed cooked turkey or chicken
1 lb. frozen peas, carrots and onion mixture
2 Pillsbury pie crusts or 9" home-made

Preheat oven to 425°F.In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat with the pressed garlic cloves. Whisk in the flour and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually stir in the broth until absorbed. Add the milk or cream slowly, stirring constantly so that lumps don't form. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat (low simmer) until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes (may be made a day ahead).
Thaw the frozen peas, carrots and onions for 15 minutes. (Note: If you're unable to find peas, carrots and onion combination, use 12 oz peas and carrots with 1 whole fresh onion, chopped).
Lightly butter or spray with non-stick spray a deep dish pie pan or shallow casserole. Line the bottom of the pie plate or dish with one of the pie crusts. Add cooked cubed turkey and the vegetables. Pour in the gravy mixture. Cover with the upper pie crust and flute or crimp the edges, if desired.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe found on cooks.com

Game Day Dips

Alright it is Saturday and I don't know about you but Saturday for me means my husband will be watching at least one game of football. So why not make it fun and make some tasty treats for the game!I saw these tasty recipes on studio 5 yesterday and the looks so good. The recipes were submitted by Becky Low of the Dairy Farmers of Utah, and she always has delicious recipes!

Hot 7-layer Bean Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can (16 oz) fat-free refried beans
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 package (1.25 oz) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 can (6 oz) olives, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• Tortilla chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Brown ground beef with chopped onion until beef is no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Place beef in 9x13x2 pan. Spread refried beans over beef; sprinkle with 1/2 the cheese; scatter chopped tomatoes and 1/2 the sliced olives over cheese. Spread with sour cream; sprinkle with remaining olives and cheese. Bake 20-30 minutes or until heated through (don't over cook). Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Notes:
I like this variation of the classic dip. It makes a great dip, but is frequently served in Connie Clements' extended family as a quick supper casserole. Try it both ways. Serves 8

Chipotle Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Chipotle pepper sauce (more or less to taste)
• 2 cups fat-free sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup thick and chunky salsa
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Assorted vegetables or corn chips

Method:

Blend together chipotle pepper sauce, sour cream (or yogurt), salsa and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours to blend flavors. Place in serving bowl, sprinkle with shredded cheese. Serve with fresh vegetables or corn chips.
Notes:
This recipe is adapted from "Chipotle Pepper Dip" created by 3-A-Day of Dairy. For more dairy recipes go to www.3aday.org Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups, serves 5-6

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 package (3 1/2 oz) instant coconut pudding mix
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, un-drained
• Assorted cut fruit for dipping

Method:

Blend together milk, sour cream, pudding mix, and un-drained crushed pineapple. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with cut assorted fresh fruit. Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups dip, serves 5
Notes:
Recipe is from Valene Ferguson in the Stewart Family Favorites cookbook

For more recipes from Becky Low of the Dairy Farmers of Utah got to Studio 5 recipes

Love and Logic: If kids can hear promises, they can hear requests

I just started my Love and Logic class, and I am so excited to learn more about it. On the loveandlogic.com website I found this great article by the founder Jim Fay. In the article he discusses great ways to use love and logic to get your child to listen to you the first time. Doesn't everyone want that? Here it is, it may seem kind of long but it is a must read, I am definitely going to use this to train my little guy :)





If kids can hear promises, They can hear requests
Getting your child to listen to you is easier than it sounds
Jim Fay

You can train your child to hear you the first time you say something. Or, you can train them to ignore you. Raising a child who listens to adults is a source of joy. Raising one who doesn’t is a constant source of frustration and torment.

Our actions either train kids to listen or not to listen. Consider this situation I witnessed in an airport recently. Joshua, a five-year-old, was running out into the concourse

"Joshua. You stop that running!" called his mother. She did not follow through, so Joshua continued dashing in and out of a crowed of irritated travelers.

"Joshua. You get over here!" Once more, she barked an order, but did nothing to enforce it.

"Joshua! Get off of that!" Another order was shouted by mom and ignored by Joshua.

Suddenly, Joshua was right at my feet staring up at me.

Mother ordered again, "Joshua. You get away from that man. You come over here. Quit bothering people."

I looked down at Joshua and asked, "Joshua, what’s your mom going to do if you don’t do what she says?"

He knew the answer immediately, "Nothing."

Of course he was right. His mother had trained him to know that she would bark orders, but never enforce them. Why should he listen if he could do as he pleased — without adult interference — by not listening?

In fact, Joshua never had to walk back to his mother in the airport. She came over to him, held his hand, and apologized to me with, "I’m so sorry. You know how five-year-olds are. They won’t listen to a thing you say."

It took a lot to keep me from saying, "I’ve known a lot of five-year-olds who listen to their parents. But their parents mean what they say."

Training kids to listen is not brain surgery. It’s not complicated. Joshua’s mom could retrain him to listen by first retraining herself to do the following:

1. Make a commitment she will never repeat herself.
Kids unconsciously learn how many times each parent will repeat a request before taking action. She can give Joshua the gift of knowing she will only say something once.

2. Be prepared to act.
She needs to be dedicated to making her child’s life somewhat uncomfortable each time he fails to listen the first time she says something. This means as soon as he disobeys she goes to him, takes him back to his seat, and makes him stay with her saying, “How sad not to listen. Now you can stay with me.”

3. She should never accept, "But I didn’t hear you," as an excuse. When confronted with this excuse, she should respond with, "How sad not to be listening. Maybe your ears will get better." It is important she says this without sarcasm and follows through with the consequences of not listening.

4. Be prepared for Joshua to have a fit about not getting his way.Even though this will be uncomfortable, other adults around her will secretlyapplaud her courage and willingness to put forth the efforts to raise a well-behaved child.

5. Get ready to enjoy a more responsible and happier child

I have worked with kids and families for 47 years. During that time I have never met a child who failed to hear a parent’s promise. They always hear promises the first time. I’ve also learned their ears work the same way for requests when parents learn and follow the four steps I’ve outlined.

Training and expecting kids to listen is one of a parent’s greatest gifts. It’s the Love and Logic way.

For more articles click here

Fall Festival Crafts

I found these really cute crafts that you or your children could make on Oriental Trading.


Scarecrow Bucket:
You would just need some regular tin buckets , tan spray paint, some foam or felt in brown, yellow, orange and green, raffia and ribbon scraps for the bow.

I would just spray paint the bucket and draw the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth on with a black marker and then have the kids decorate their bucket however they would like.





Some other cute ideas were using kids hands prints to make a turkey or bat. I realized that I dont have any cute hand prints of my little guy, well minus the ones on my appliances that I am constantly wiping off :), and would love to preserve those tiny little hand prints in a cute way.

These are simple craft projects that you can do for a family home evening or just on a weekend. The best part they dont take a ton of time :) and you will be able to remember that time forever.





You could make your own or you can purchase kits from orientaltrading.com

Craft Stick Jack-o-lantern and Haunted house

Recently I was looking through the oriental trading catalog and saw some really cute things to make and do for the upcoming holidays.

One thing I saw was a Jack-o-Lantern and a Haunted house made of out popsicle sticks. I thought they would be really fun to make with kids for the holidays.





For the pumpkin you will need:
Popsicle sticks painted orange
Black foam or felt
Green foam or felt
Jute twine or colored ribbon



For the Haunted house you will need:
Popsicle sticks painted purple or you could do black
Black foam or felt
Any other color you would like to decorate the house with

Or you can just purchase the kit from oriental trading by clicking here. The kits are really inexpensive. For the pumpkin it is only 5.99 for enough stuff to make a dozen and for the Haunted house it is only 6.99 to make a dozen houses.

They also have really cute snowman ones made out of Popsicle sticks that would make adorable ornaments for Christmas!

Studio 5's Ikea Challenge

Recently Sudio 5 challenged Kristen Mckay of K Mckay designs to create something fabulous for $75 or less from Ikea. She took a 3 drawer dresser that was $39.99 and for less that $75 turned it into a fancy bathroom storage. It definetly looks like she paid a lot more than $39.99 for it :) Take a look:

This is what she did:
-She took out the bottom two drawers and put in shelves
-Used a large French damask stencil on the top
-Added glass drawer pulls to the front
-Added an antique silver towel rack to the side, with decorative towel
-Added three wicker baskets with ribbon labels that contain hand towels, handmade soaps, etc.
-The top drawer contains candles, lufas, and other bath supplies

To see more pics of what she did you can go to her site K Mckay Designs and check it out. I thought it was so clever! Also, on her site she has a ton of other really good ideas. Check it out www.kmckaydesigns.com

Family Fun in the Fall

I love fall time! There are always so  many fun activities to do as a family. I am not sure how it is in your area but in Utah where I live there are many corn mazes, haunted houses, going up the canyon to view the beautiful fall leaves.  Here are a few family fun ideas for those who do live in Utah:

CornBellys Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest: This year they have a maze in the shape of the late Jazz owner Larry H. Miller. They not only have a great maze but a bunch of other activities like pick your own pumpkin patch, the trick or treat trail, pumpkin princess carriage, spooktacular jack-o-lantern tree,and hayride. For discount coupons click here.

Nebo Loop: Start your tour of Nebo Loop Scenic Byway in the quiet community of Payson, Utah. It streches from Payson to Nephi. Its a great Sunday drive of beautiful fall foliage. Take I-15 to the Payson Main street exit. Turn left at the light, follow main st to the first light (by crest) take a left, continue to the next light (at the petetneet school) and take a right,  follow the road and you will be on the loop.

For a state by state list, click here to find a pumpkin patch or corn maze near you .

Three Common Parenting Mistakes

I have really been worried recently about how I am doing as a first time parent. I really liked what they had to say and wholeheartedly agree that Too Much Control, Frequent Nagging & Criticism, Senseless Discipline can totally are three things that can cause HUGE problems with children today. I am taking my first Parenting with Love and Logic class tomorrow and I am so excited. I will have to tell you all about it on Wednesday, so stay tuned for more parenting tips that I discover :)

For the full article "Three Common Parenting Mistakes" Click here

Catch-All Laminated Bib

One of my FAV blogs is MaKe iT aNd LoVe it. I have been trying to figure out a solution to my messy little guy. Every time he eats food is everywhere! When he was first born we had a vinyl bib that someone gave us but food just collected in the pocket and was hard to get out. And I have yet to find any thing similar to it at the store. So we have just been using the standard cloth ones and they have become all stained up.

However, I was so excited when I saw this Catch All Laminated Bib on Make it and Love it. It is so cute and easy to make. On the blog she gives step by step directions of how to make it its great!! Take a look, Click Here to go directly to the bib instructions or click the button below to just plain check out the blog.

Canning Peaches

On Friday I spent the entire day canning peaches with my mother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws. It was a LOT easier than I had thought, although we did can 19 boxes of peaches so it took forever. Here's what I learned about canning peaches:

Things you will need: Peaches, Jars, lids, rings, fruit fresh, sugar, large pot for blanching and 2 small pots to heat water and warm up lids, Slotted spoon or tongs to remove blanched peaches, knives, Water bath canner, water, Stove (with elements not glass surface)

Instructions:
1-Sterilize bottles
2-Blanch: add 6-7 peaches to water that is just about boiling for about 2 minutes.
3-Add blanched peaches to a sink full of cool wather
4-Peel peaches
5-Cut and pit peaches
6-Put cut pieces into a bowl of water and fruit fresh so they dont turn brown
7- Add 1/3c sugar to sterlized jar
8-Place peaches in jar with the pit side facing inward, (so as my mother-in-law says, it will look pretty)
9-Fill jar to the middle ring at the top of the jar with really warm water
10-Stick a knife down the side of the jar to get out the air
11-Wipe the top of the jar to remove excess sugar that may have spilled
12-Place lid that has been heated in warm water (to heat up the sticky stuff that goes around the outside of the lid)
13-Then screw on the lid
14-Place in water bath canner, wait for water to boil, the cook for 30 minutes.

Wa La you got yourself some peaches.

Singing with Children

I am not sure what it is about music but just about everyone is born with a love for some form of it. Children especially LOVE music. My little boy lately has been sneaking his hand into our entertainment center and turning on the CD player so he can listen to his primary CD, and he is only 1 year old. He loves it! He also loves when I sing to him. The best part about it is he doesn't care that mommy is not a fabulous singer and sings off key! Here are some songs I found that you can try singing to your kids:


I'm A Little Teapot

I’m a little teapot,
(Point to-self)
Short and stout,
(Round arms and touch fingertips together in front of body)
Here is my handle,
(Place L fist on hip)
Here is my spout.
(Bend R elbow, raise forearm, and lower wrist)

When I get all steamed up,
Hear me shout,
(Remain in same position and nod head)
Tip me over
And pour me out!
(Tip sideways in direction of extended arm)


Tony Chestnut
(kind of like head shoulders knees and toes:)
Tony Chestnut
actions: point to your toes, then your knee,
then your chest, then your nut (your head)
knows I love you.
Actions: point to your nose, then your I, make the love sign language, then point away from you)
Tony knows.
Actions: point to toes, then knees, then nose.
Tony knows.
Actions: point to toes, then knees, then nose.
Tony Chestnut knows I love you.
Actions: point to your toes, then your knee, then your chest, then your nut (your head)
That's what Tony knows.
Actions: point to toes, then knees, then nose

I like Bananas
I like bananas, coconuts and grapes;
I like bananas, coconuts and grapes;
I like bananas, coconuts and grapes;
That's why they call me...

TARZAN OF THE APES!!! (Beat chest)

I wish I was a Little Bar of Soap
Oh, I wish I was a little bar of soap, bar of soap
Oh, I wish I was a little bar of soap, bar of soap
I’d go slidey, slidey, slidey over every-body's hidey
Oh, I wish I was a little bar of soap, bar of soap.
Other Verses:
Slice of orange…I’d go squirty, squirty, squirty over everybody's shirty
Green pea…I’d go skatey, skatey, skatey over everybody’s platey
Foreign car…I speedy, speedy, speedy over everybody’s feety
Sip of Coke..I'd go down with a slurp, and come up with a burp
English Sparrow…I'd sit up in the steeple and spit seeds at all the people
Mosquito..I’d go nippy and I’d go bitey under everybody's nighty
Onion…I’d go burpy and go smelly down in everybody’s belly
Hunk o' Mud…I’d go ooey I'd go goey under everybody's shoe-ie
Striped skunk…I would sit up in the tree-sies, and perfume all the breezies
Radio…I’d go CLICK!

Cake Mix Cookies

One of the EASIEST ways to make cookies is to use a cake mix. You can do this with any flavor of cake mix.

Ingredient:

1 Box Cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 c oil

Method:

Mix ingredients together and then roll into teaspoon size balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 for 8 min. I usually let the cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes otherwise they get all mushed together.

Finding your Home Decor Style

There is also a quiz you can take at Click Here

FREE Sippy and Great Nutrition Booklet

I got a great booklet and FREE Sippy cup from Juicy Juice. It has a ton of valuable nutrition info. I had no idea that my baby should be drinking more milk and less juice. It is really cool it breaks down what your child should be eating at each stage. Also great ideas about eating balanced meals. You can get your own booklet and a FREE Sippy cup by going to http://www.juicyjuice.com and click learn more under the the text that says "FREE Juicy juice bottle" on the right.

Take advantage of Free community classes

I have been out of school for the last year and am kind a missing it. It has been said that continually learning and education is a great way to combat anti-aging. I know my brain had been feeling a little squishy from not continually using it to learn new things.

This past week I got a booklet of classes that are either fairly inexpensive or free that are hosted by our local school district. They have classes such as room make overs, Parenting: Love and Logic, Photography, Photoshop, Healthy Food preparation. I was so excited, I am going to take advantage of some of these classes, especially the free ones :)

Here is a link to some classes held in NEBO SCHOOL District and UVU and Salt Lake City School District Not from Utah? Google community education classes near your city. Remember a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Need a quick Curtain?...Use a shower curtain

When we first moved into our house we needed a few curtains. I was planning on getting shades for a few windows but, while I was waiting for the ones I ordered to finally be shipped (they were on back order) I decided to just get curtains for the few that people might actually see in. I didn't want to put holes in the was for curtain rods so I went and got a shower curtain and shower curtain rod. I figured we would eventually need a shower curtain for our guest bathroom so why not get that now while I was waiting to get shades and then I could use it later for what it is actually made for. It actually didn't look that bad at all. I might just need to go and get a few more so I can make it so it can open in the middle instead of one side.

The Ped Egg

I don't know about you guys but my heels are so dry and cracking pretty bad, I know TMI, so I decided to try the Ped Egg. On a scale of 1-5, 5 being awesome, I would give it a 4. It does an okay job, it really does get off a lot of the yuckies. however my heels are just so bad that it kind made them hurt. I think I will just need to use it on a regular basis before it can really uncover my real heel. So take it for what is worth, and try it for yourself :)

Kid to Kid Costume Sale

This Saturday September 12th at 10am, Kid to Kid (they sell gently used kid clothing)will be having their annual Halloween Event. The should have hundreds of new and gently used costumes at great prices, some as low as $4.99. I don't know about you but I am all about getting a costume for cheap, especially since my lil guy will probably on wear it once or twice.

Making Your Man feel Appreciated

Recently I have been trying to think of ways, other than the usual cooking and cleaning things that I do, to show my husband that I love him. I saw this on studio 5 a few weeks ago and I am so going to try it. Their relationship expert Matt Townsend said to try these 4 things for the next month:
1. Pay Attention to What He Does Assignment- Find three activities a week that you could do together that he would enjoy.

2. Focus on the Positive Assignment- Find three things a day that your partner did that were positive and thank him for them.

3. Treat him like your partner not your project Assignment- Don't critique, correct or control him for an entire month.

4. Flirt Assignment- Chase that man like you were about to lose him to another person.

Tai Pan Fall Coupon

I am so excited to go use this coupon. They have a ton of really cute fall stuff! About a month a go my mom got a really cute pumpkin that is decent sized that is wooden and says welcome for only $5 so if they still have them with the coupon it would only be $3.75 was a deal!!

De Junking before the Holidays

Okay I admit that I have too much stuff, as do millions of other Americans. I have made it a goal to do what I call de-junk before the holidays so I can make room for those holiday decorations and organize them so I can find them when it comes time to put them out. "The most important thing people can do to improve their home is to clear out, clean up and get rid of clutter," says Lisa LaPorta, designer on HGTV's Designed to Sell and owner of Lisa LaPorta Design in L.A.

My rule is if you haven't used it in a year, throw it out. Sound daunting? My mother-in-law likes to take it one room at a time. But if you don't have enough time to spend hour after hour de-cluttering. Here are some 5 minute tips I found on zenhabits.net to de-cluttering:

-Designate a spot for incoming papers. Papers often account for a lot of our clutter. This is because we put them in different spots — on the counter, on the table, on our desk, in a drawer, on top of our dresser, in our car. No wonder we can’t find anything! Designate an in-box tray or spot in your home (or at your office, for that matter) and don’t put down papers anywhere but that spot.

-Pick up 5 things, and find places for them. These should be things that you actually use, but that you just seem to put anywhere, because they don’t have good places. If you don’t know exactly where things belong, you have to designate a good spot.

-Teach your kids where things belong. This only applies to the parents among us, of course, but if you teach your kids where things go, and start teaching them the habit of putting them there, you’ll go a long way to keeping your house uncluttered.

-Set up some simple folders. Sometimes our papers pile up high because we don’t have good places to put them. Create some simple folders with labels for your major bills and similar paperwork. Put them in one spot.

For more tips got to zenhabits.net

Jack-O-Lantern Pots

I thought these were so clever! They used pots to make cute little jack-o-lanterns. I am totally going to do this for Halloween this year. For directions go to www.hgtv.com

Cheap and Easy Fall Centerpiece

I love cheap!And being that it is fall there are a TON of sunflowers in the fields by my house. So, I just went to the fields and cut some and added them to a cute vase my hubby bought me. My mom's ward actually did something similar and made centerpieces for their Mother daughter party. Its cute, cheap, and looks good! Keep in mind yours will probably look a lot better than mine, I am not so swift at flower arranging :)

Cleaning Hardwood/Laminate Floors

I have never had hardwood or laminate floors so when we first moved in this was all new to me. I started out with the ole soap and water method and found that it is a huge no no. So I asked my mom what she suggested. She said the man that put in her hardwood floor suggest using a mop type thing that looked like swiffer but used a terry cloth towel that you could wash, also some hardwood cleaner that you spray on.

You can purchase the mops at places like Home depot as well as the cleaner (I personally like the Home Depot brand). However one thing I noticed was that the additional terry cloth cleaning rags for the head where like $16 for 3 or 4. So I went to Walmart and purchase a thing of 4 terry cloth shop towels and a little elastic and made my one for like $5 or 6 bucks. I just sewed the elastic around the edge of the towel.

To Clean:
Just take the hard wood cleaner spray it on the floor and mop it with your terry cloth towel.

Also, if you find your floor is getting a sort of film on it from build up you can use a little water and white distilled vinegar on a mop to remove that film.

I kinda think its easier than lugging the mop and bucket around but I have found hardwood to be so much harder to keep clean than tile or vinyl.

When To Harvest Veggies

I just planted my first garden this year and I am still learning the in's and out's of it. I have seen what the finished product looks like but don't have a clue what to look for when I pick my own. So I found some tips of what to look for in ripe veggies on vegetablegardens.suite101.com. If you don't have a garden some of the tips might help ya know what to look for when selecting produce at the local market.


Beans

Start harvesting green beans about 2 to 3 weeks after first bloom when the pods are smooth and green. They should snap easily in half. Check them often and don’t allow them to mature on the plant.

Corn

The corn silks will dry and turn brown about 3 weeks after they appear. At this point, peel back the husk on a cob and pierce a kernel about 5 cm from the tip. If the fluid that comes out is watery, the corn is not ready. If it is milky, it is the right time to pick.


Cucumber

The ideal length at which to harvest cucumbers will depend on what you want to do with them. For sweet pickles, pick them at 7.5 cm; for dills, 15 cm; and for slicing 20 cm. Harvest cucumbers often and do not allow them to mature on the vine. Once they turn yellow, they become hard and bitter.

Pumpkins

When the rind is bright orange and the vines have begun to die back, the pumpkin is ready for harvest.

Tomatoes

When the fruit is fully red and slightly soft to the touch, twist and pull from the vine gently. Tomatoes are usually ready about 5 days after the first hint of pink shows.

Read more: http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/when_to_harvest_garden_vegetables#ixzz0Pz87TxOY

Getting Better Gas Mileage

There are a few ways to improve your gas mileage, even little changes can make a big difference. Here are some of those little tips that I found on fueleconomy.gov that can go a long way.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent (which can mean you could be saving up to $.07 a mile) by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. You can find the proper tire pressure usually on the tire itself or in your cars owners manual.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. You can find the recommended oil for your vehicle in your owners manual or online.

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. Could save you up to $0.02-$0.05/gallon

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas

Fuel in Cool temps
I have heard if you fuel your vehicle during a cooler part of the day like early morning that you can actually get more gas. When Gas is hot it expand so if you fuel when it is cooler it wont be as expanded and you will be able to get more.

Homemade Bread

I have always wanted to make bread but always thought it took too much time. However I ran into a great site that suggested thinking about it like Laundry, ya it takes time but you don't have to spend the whole time actually making it or in the case of laundry washing it. Here is a recipe I am going to try tonight.



Homemade Bread
This recipe should make two baguettes, one medium largish freeform loaf, or 2-3 pizza crusts.

Ingredients:

* 3-4 C white flour

* 3/4 C of warm water

* 1 T yeast (or one package)

* honey or sugar (OPTIONAL)

* salt (OPTIONAL)

* fat (melted butter or oil)

Now, for the instructions.

Put the water in the bowl. If you’re relying on a mug instead of a measuring cup, fill it ¾ full. Dry the cup so you can use it as you control for the flour measurements. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the water. OPTIONAL-Toss in sprinkling of sugar. If you have honey in a squirt bottle, give it a squirt. Yeast feeds on sugar, but most commercial yeast can do just fine without it. Break up the yeast granules with the fork or spoon. Wait about 10 minutes. The yeast should be foaming or beginning to foam. The effect is not dissimilar to that on a head of beer. Foaming yeast is growing yeast, and growing yeast will provide the gas that causes bread to rise.

Stir in a half cup or so of flour. Don't worry whether it's exactly half a cup or not. Continue stirring in flour a half cup at a time until the mixture beings to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Roll up your sleeves. Take off your watch and rings. Wash your hands. Liberally sprinkle about a quarter cup of flour with the dough. Work the flour in with your hands. Yes, it's sticky; cope. Continue working flour into the dough with your hands. Begin to use a kneading motion. (Fold half of the dough over itself and press it in. Turn it a quarter turn and repeat the process all over again.)

To save clean-up, you can do all your kneading in the bowl. Just remember to turn the dough and not the bowl. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You're done kneading when the dough loses its stickiness. The texture of the dough will be similar to that of soft skin. Another signal that you’ve kneaded the dough sufficiently is that it springs back after you poke it. Set the ball of dough on a clean surface. Wash the bowl. Dry it very thoroughly.

Rub the inside of the bowl with fat. (It's easiest with solid fat, such as butter or shortening. Oil will do just as well. Spray products ,like Pam, will give your dough a strange taste. Don’t use them.) Form the dough into a ball. Roll it in the bowl to coat it with fat. Coating the bowl and the dough with fat prevents the outside of the dough from drying out and getting crusty.Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap, foil, or clean cloth. Place the bowl in a nice, relatively draft free place. Try on top of your refrigerator or in your oven

Now you have at least an hour to yourself. Dough is forgiving, so you can stretch this to up to two hours. Use the time to vacuum, make that trip to the library, or change your hair color. The dough has risen enough when it’s doubled in volume. The poke test will leave an indentation in the dough. Grease your baking sheet or surface. Again, avoid non-stick sprays. If you’d rather not grease it, sprinkle it with flour or cornmeal. * Make a fist and punch your dough. Punching deflates the dough. Squeeze and work the dough with your hands. The bubbles inside it will pop.
Form the dough into a loaf or loaves. For a loaf, make the dough into a ball, and then smoosh it down onto the baking surface with your hand. For baguettes, roll the dough out into rectangles and fold the rectangles into cylinders.

Cover the dough again. Now you’ll wait again, between a half hour and forty-five minutes. Do your own thing in the meantime. After 30 minutes or so, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. OPTIONAL: Cut slashes in the tops of the dough. If you don’t, the bread might tear open while it bakes, but it will still taste good.

* Bake for about 25 minutes. The bread is done when a tap on the bottom of the loaf makes a hollow noise.

Recipe found at www.essortment.com