Friday, February 27, 2009

Healthy And Green Living..Ordinary Objects, Super Uses!!!


Here is the last of the list for ordinary objects, super uses...If you missed the first two lists then just check out Wednesday & Thursday's post...I hope everyone found something they can use to make their lives a little greener...I have something special for you tomorrow...so tune in!!!

Epsom Salt

58. Exfoliate skin by massaging handfuls of epsom salt over wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up toward the face. Have a bath to rinse.
59. Remove excess oil from hair by adding 9 tablespoons of epsom salt to ½ cup of oily-hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Next, pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for five to 10 minutes, and then rinse.
60. Remove a splinter by soaking it in epsom salt.

Grocery Bags

61. Keep paint brushes and rollers from drying out by placing them in bags and tying them or wrapping them with rubber bands to keep air out. The tools will stay moist and protected for a day or so.
62. Bulk up curtain valances by stuffing plastic grocery bags in the valances for a resilient pouf. The bags also can be used to stuff crafts or pillows.
63. Treat chapped hands by rubbing them with a thick layer of petroleum jelly and placing them in a plastic bag for 15 minutes to half an hour.

Honey

64. Soak in a milk-and-honey bath to soften skin. Add about 1⁄3 cup of honey to 2¼ cups of milk. Mix thoroughly. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to give your bath additional scent.
65. Treat minor skin abrasions and wounds with honey's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Apply a small amount twice daily to a wound or burn to speed healing.
66. Nurse a hangover by spooning a few tablespoons of honey on toast for breakfast. The fructose speeds up the metabolism of alcohol.

Ice Cube Trays

67. Organize jewelry, small nuts and bolts, and buttons in easy-to-stack trays.

Ketchup

68. Get rid of chlorine-green hair with a ketchup shampoo. Massage ketchup generously into your hair and leave it for 15 minutes, and then wash it out, using baby shampoo.

Lemon


69. To relieve a sore throat, cut a lemon in half, and skewer one half over a medium flame on a gas stove or an electric burner, set on high, and roast until the peel turns golden-brown. Let cool slightly, then mix the juice with 1 teaspoon of honey.
70. Whiten fingernails by rubbing a wedge of lemon on the surface of your nails. 71. Remove soft cheese or other sticky foods from a grater. Rub both sides of the grater with the pulp side of a cut lemon.
72. Create blond highlights by adding ¼ cup lemon juice to ¾ cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Sit in the sun until your hair dries. Lemon juice is a natural bleach.

Mayonnaise

73. Condition your hair by massaging it into your hair. Cover your head with a shower cap, wait a few minutes, and shampoo.
74 Remove bumper stickers by rubbing it over the entire sticker. Let it sit for several minutes and wipe it off.



Thursday, February 26, 2009

Rambling Thursday's Ordinary Objects, Super Uses!!..I'm The Big Loser In "Take It Off Tuesdays"


That is right....I am the big loser again in our weight loss challenge "Take It Off Tuesdays" and we have a new challenger in the group,Cricket, from "Mama's Work Shop"...Welcome to our group girl and anyone else who wants to be a big loser...Lets all give Janene over at "Primitive Lifestyle" a big pat on the back for all she does!!!
Some ordinary, unassuming household objects have hidden super powers. And most of these items cost less than a couple of bucks. There are cult followings for vinegar and duct tape. Entire tomes have been written about the virtues of baking soda.Like I promised yesterday here are more ordinary objects to use to save you money and go GREEN!!

Baking soda

25. Extinguish a grease or electrical fire. Scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.
26. Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.
27. Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots (but not aluminum) in a soda solution (3 tablespoons soda to 1 quart water).
28. Clean barbecue grills by sprinkling with soda, soaking and rinsing.
29. Clean a greasy garage floor by sprinkling with soda. Let stand, scrub and rinse.
30. Clean a badly burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: Pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle just enough water to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight, and then scrub it clean the next day.
31. Clean shower curtains in water and soda.
32. Eliminate odor from tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers by sprinkling with soda.
33. Repel rain and fog from your car windshield. Put gobs of baking soda on a dampened cloth and wipe windows inside and out.
34. Make dried beans more digestible by soaking them in a mixture of soda and water.
35. Freshen carpet and upholstered furniture by sprinkling them with baking soda. Allow them to sit undisturbed for a half-hour or so. Then vacuum.
36. Eliminate water rings on your finished wood with a paste of baking soda and toothpaste. Dip a soft cloth in the paste and rub the water spots away.
37. Get rid of ants in your house by mixing together equal parts baking soda and salt. Sprinkle the mixture wherever you see the intruders coming in.
38. Fill in nail holes in a plastered wall with a paste of white toothpaste and baking soda.

Beer

39. Use beer instead of water in your favorite batter mix, and it will have a delicious flavor.
40. Soften hair and add body with a beer shampoo. Mix a raw egg with half a can of beer and massage it into your hair. Rinse and style as usual. Beer alone also makes an excellent conditioner for hair. Massage a cup of warm beer into your hair and scalp after washing and allow it to set for half an hour or so. Rinse thoroughly.
41. Fertilize plants. Use all of those half-filled bottles and cups of beer after a party to pour on your houseplants and garden vegetables. The plants will love the nourishment that the yeast adds to the soil.
42. Get rid of slugs in your garden. Put a shallow dish of beer into your soil, buried up to the lip. The slugs will be attracted to the beer and become stuck in it. Empty the dish each day and replace with new beer, as they are attracted to the smell.

Cotton balls

43. Fight mildew in hard-to-reach spots in the bathroom. Soak a few cotton balls in bleach and place them in those difficult spots. Leave them to work their magic for a few hours. Finish by rinsing with a warm-water wash.

Dawn Dishwashing Detergent

44. Get a better manicure by soaking fingernails in the soapy solution, rinse and apply polish. The polish will adhere better to the nail and spread more smoothly.
45. Pre-treat oil-based laundry stains, such as lipstick and grease.
46. Clean oily and grimy tools by soaking them in it.
47. Kill fleas by washing pets in a soapy water bath.

Dryer sheets

48. Repel mosquitoes on your patio. Hang a sheet out there during the mosquito season.
49. Freshen the air by placing an individual sheet in a drawer, hang one in the closet, in your locker at the health club, in your locker at work or under the seat of your car or truck.
50. To prevent sewing thread from tangling, run a needle through a sheet before sewing.
51. Prevent musty odors in luggage by leaving a sheet inside baggage.
52. Eliminate static electricity from the television or computer screen.
53. Dissolve soap scum from the shower door and tile walls. Clean the surfaces with a sheet.
54. Repel bees and bugs by tucking some in your picnic basket or under lawn furniture. You also can rub a sheet directly on your bare skin.
55. Combat static on your clothes, stockings and hair by patting them with a sheet.
56. De-stink your pets: Scrub incoming dogs or cats (especially wet ones) with a dryer sheet before they enter the home.
57. Make cleaning cookware with burned or baked-on food easier by soaking them in warm water with a dryer sheet or two. It also works on cook tops and dingy cabinet doors.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

This & That Junk Drawer Wednesday!!



Bought the battery for my scales and weighed......Yea! I was down 3.5 pounds....After the stand still last week I was really pleased this week....See what happens when you don't go out and eat....Did some walking also and that helped and of course drank a lot of water......

While looking for ways to save money I came across the following and thought you might be able to use some of these....I know I am going to try some of them!

Ordinary Objects, Super Uses, Money Saving Tips!
By Aisha Sultan

Some ordinary, unassuming household objects have hidden super powers. And most of these items cost less than a couple of bucks. There are cult followings for vinegar and duct tape. Entire tomes have been written about the virtues of baking soda.

We scoured cleaning guides, magazines and the Internet, and we asked our friends, moms and grandmothers to find the best double-duty ideas.

The next time you stain a shirt, smell something funky or think about tossing an old banana peel, check these 24 extraordinary uses first. Will post more over the next two days.... Not only will you be going green, you'll be saving green.


Alka-Seltzer

1. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets, wait 20 minutes, brush and flush.
2. Attract fish. Fill a tube jig with a piece of Alka-Seltzer and cast off.
3. Remove burned food from cookware. Fill your cookware with warm water, then dissolve six tablets and allow to sit for an hour or so.
4. Soothe insect bites. Dissolve two tablets in water and saturate a cloth or cotton ball with the solution, and place on the bite for 30 minutes. Don't do this if you are allergic to aspirin, a key ingredient in Alka-Seltzer.
Aluminum foil

6. Sharpen your scissors by cutting through six to eight layers of aluminum foil.
7. Shine rusty chrome. With a bit of water on a wadded-up piece of aluminum foil, you can rub most rust spots off chrome car parts.
8. Keep birds out of your fruit trees. Hang twisted strips of aluminum foil all over your fruit trees using fishing line. The light reflections and the sound will keep birds away from your fruit.
9. Keep the bottom of your fireplace or charcoal grill from becoming encrusted with soot. Line the bottom of your fireplace or grill with aluminum foil before starting a fire, then dispose of the foil after the fire is out and the coals are completely cooled.
10. Eliminate electromagnetic interference if your TV and DVD player are stacked on top of each other. If the picture is fuzzy, place a sheet of aluminum foil between them.
11. Iron more effectively by putting a piece of aluminum foil under the ironing board cover. The foil will reflect the heat from the iron, so both sides get ironed at once.
12. Move furniture with ease. To slide big pieces of furniture over a smooth floor, place small pieces of aluminum foil under the legs. Put the dull side of the foil down — it's more slippery than the shiny side.
13. Clean starch build-up from your iron by running a hot iron over a piece of aluminum foil.


Aspirin

14. Remove perspiration stains from white fabric by dissolving two aspirin in half a cup of warm water and applying to stained fabric. Leave for a couple of hours before washing.
15. Eliminate chlorine discoloration from hair by dissolving eight tablets in a glass of water and rubbing into your hair. Leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse. Shampoo.
6. Reduce pimples by making a paste with water and crushed aspirin. Cover the pimple with this paste; rinse after a few minutes.
17. Recharge a car battery by dropping two tablets into the battery itself. The aspirin's acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery's sulfuric acid to produce one last charge. Drive to the nearest service station.
Banana peel

18. Polish leather shoes by using a de-stringed banana peel. Finish by buffing with a soft cloth or paper towel.
19. Remove warts by rubbing the inside of a little piece of banana peel on a wart every night for several weeks.
20. Deter aphids by burying dried or cut-up banana peels a few inches deep around the base of rose bushes.
21. Nourish your skin by mashing a medium-size banana and combining with ¼ cup of plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons of honey to make a facial mask. Leave on 20 minutes.
22. Tenderize a roast by adding a peeled banana to the pan.
23. Clean your houseplant leaves by wiping them down with the inside of a banana peel to remove dirt and leave a shine.
24. Promote healing by rubbing scraped knees with the inside of a banana peel.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Seven Miles Down That Road Again!!


I received this in a letter from Weight Watchers and wanted to share it with everyone..Take and use what will work for you....My scales's battery died so I have to get another one and will post my weight loss or gain tomorrow....

The surest way to succeed is making small changes. Think in terms of manageable baby steps, like swapping the half-and-half in your morning coffee for fat-free or low-fat milk. There are lots of little changes you can make—in your food plan and daily routine—that will add up to a lot of weight loss over the long haul.

Take a look at the 25 tips below for eating healthfully, fitting exercise into your busy day and revamping your daily routine. Start by picking five changes that you're sure you can tackle and practice them this week. Then try another five next week... (print this out for easy reference).

Not every idea is right for everyone, so experiment and see what works for you. Lots of little changes can yield big weight-loss results—and a healthier new you!

1. Good things come in small packages.
Here's a trick for staying satisfied without consuming large portions: Chop high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into smaller pieces. It will seem like you're getting more than you actually are.
2. Get "water-wise."
Make a habit of reaching for a glass of water instead of a high-fat snack. It will help your overall health as well as your waistline. So drink up! Add some zest to your six to eight glasses a day with a twist of lemon or lime.
3. Herb it up.
Stock up your spice rack, and start growing a small herb garden in your kitchen window. Spices and herbs add fantastic flavor to foods without adding fat or calories.
4. Slim down your soup.
Make a big batch of soup and refrigerate it before you eat it. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and can be skimmed off the surface.
5. Doggie-bag that dinner.
At restaurants that you know serve large portions, ask the waiter to put half of your main course in a take-home box before bringing it to your table. Putting the food away before you start your meal will help you practice portion control.
6. Listen to your cravings.
If you're craving something sweet, eat something sweet—just opt for a healthier nosh (like fruit) instead of a high-calorie one like ice cream. The same goes for crunchy cravings—for example, try air-popped popcorn instead of high-fat chips. It's just smart substitution!
7. Ease your way into produce.
If you're new to eating lots of fruits and vegetables, start slowly. Just add them to the foods you already enjoy. Pile salad veggies into your sandwiches, or add fruit to your cereal.
8. Look for high-fat hints.
Want an easy way to identify high-calorie meals? Keep an eye out for these words: au gratin, parmigiana, tempura, alfredo, creamy and carbonara, and enjoy them in moderation.
9. Don't multi-task while you eat.
If you're working, reading or watching TV while you eat, you won't be paying attention to what's going into your mouth—and you won't be enjoying every bite. Today, every time you have a meal, sit down. Chew slowly and pay attention to flavors and textures. You'll enjoy your food more and eat less.
10. Taste something new.
Broaden your food repertoire—you may find you like more healthy foods than you knew. Try a new fruit or vegetable (ever had plantain, pak choi, starfruit or papaya?).
11. Leave something on your plate at every meal.
One bite of bagel, half your sandwich, the bun from your burger. See if you still feel satisfied eating just a bit less.
12. Get to know your portion sizes.
It's easy to underestimate how much you're eating. Today, don't just estimate things—make sure. Ask how much is in a serving, read the fine print on labels, measure your food. And learn portion equivalents: One serving of pasta, for instance, should be around the size of a tennis ball.
13. Don't give up dips.
If you love creamy dips and sauces, don't cut them out of your food plan completely. Just use low-fat soft cheese and mayo instead of the full fat stuff.
14. Make a healthy substitution.
Learn to swap healthier foods for their less-healthy counterparts. Today, find a substitution that works for you: Use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk; try whole-wheat bread instead of white.
15. Bring lunch to work tomorrow.
Packing lunch will help you control your portion sizes. It also provides a good alternative to restaurants and takeaways, where making healthy choices every day can be challenging (not to mention expensive).
16. Have some dessert.
You don't have to deny yourself all the time. Have a treat that brings you pleasure, but this time enjoy it guilt-free be—sure you're practicing portion control, and compensate for your indulgence by exercising a little more or by skipping your afternoon snack.
17. Ask for what you need.
Tell your mother-in-law you don't want seconds. Ask your other half to stop bringing you chocolates. Speak up for the place with great salads when your co-workers are picking a restaurant for lunch. Whatever you need to do to succeed at weight loss, ask for it—make yourself a priority and assert yourself.
18. Improve your treadmill technique.
When walking on a treadmill, don't grip the rails. It's fine to touch them for balance, but you shouldn't have to hold on. If you do, that might be a signal you should lower the intensity level.
19. Simon says... get fit.
Here's an easy way to fit in exercise with your kids: Buy a set of 1 lb weights and play a round of Simon Says—you do it with the weights, they do it without. They'll love it!
20. Make the most of your walks.
If your walking routine has become too easy, increase your effort by finding hills. Just be sure to tackle them at the beginning of your walk, when you have energy to spare.
21. Shop 'til you drop...pounds!
Add a workout to your shopping sessions by walking around the mall before your start spending. And try walking up the escalator—getting to your destination faster will be an added bonus.
22. Walk an extra 100 steps at work.
Adding even a little extra exercise to your daily routine can boost your weight loss. Today, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or stroll down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of sending an email or calling.
23. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack.
This will be a signal to your mouth—and your mind—that it's time to stop eating. Brushing will also give your mouth a nice fresh taste that you'll be disinclined to ruin with a random chip. At work, keep a toothbrush with a cover and toothpaste in your desk drawer.
24. Clean your closet.
First, it's great exercise. Second, it's an important step in changing your attitude. Get rid of all the clothes that make you look or feel bad. Throw out anything that's too big—don't give yourself the option of ever fitting into those clothes again. Move the smaller clothes up to the front to help motivate you. Soon, you'll be fitting into those too-tight jeans you couldn't bear to part with.
25. Take your measurements.
You might not like your stats now, but you'll be glad you wrote them down when you see how many inches you've lost. It's also another way to measure your success, instead of just looking at the scale. Sometimes even when the numbers on the scale aren't going down, the measurements on your body are.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Chicken-Fried Steak The Skinny Way!!!!


Chicken-Fried Steak:
Serves 4.....WW Points 6

It looks like fried chicken but it's actually steak coated with seasoned flour and bread crumbs. It's pan-fried until crisp, then drizzled with a rich onion gravy.

Ingredients
12 oz lean beef round
1/4 cup(s) white all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp table salt, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper, divided
1 1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk, divided
1 large egg white(s)
1 cup(s) dried bread crumbs, coarse-variety
2 slice(s) uncooked reduced-fat bacon
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1/2 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce, optional

Instructions:
Place steak between 2 sheets of waxed paper and pound to 1/2-inch thickness; slice steak into 4 equal pieces.
Combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper on a plate. Combine 1/4 cup of milk and egg white in a shallow bowl. Place bread crumbs on another plate.
Dip a piece of steak in flour mixture; turn to coat both sides. Next, dip steak in milk mixture; turn to coat both sides. Lastly, dip steak in bread crumbs; turn to coat both sides and set aside. Repeat with remaining pieces of steak; reserve 1 tablespoon of leftover flour.
In a large nonstick skillet, over medium heat, brown bacon, flipping once, about 5 minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. Add steaks to same skillet and place over medium-high heat. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium, or longer to desired degree of doneness. Remove steaks and set aside.
Off heat, coat skillet with cooking spray and set over medium heat. When hot, add onion; cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add reserved tablespoon of flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Pour in remaining cup of milk, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low; add remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper and hot sauce. Crumble bacon; stir into skillet. Increase heat to medium and cook until gravy is thickened, stirring constantly, about 1 to 3 minutes. Spoon gravy over steaks and serve immediately. Yields about 3 ounces of steak and 1/4 cup of gravy per serving.

What is a habit? It can be anything you do automatically, mindlessly, without thinking - a sequence of events. Sometimes these habits benefit us, sometimes they do not. Now ask yourself....."If I am not hungry, I eat because I'm ___________"!
The habits which do not benefit us, and are holding us back from our goals, could be uncomfortable, but not impossible, to change.


Potato and Canadian Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder:
Serves 6......WW Points 3

This rich, chunky chowder is extremely satisfying. Lean Canadian bacon gives it great flavor without much fat

Ingredients
2 cup(s) potato(es), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large carrot(s), diced
1 cup(s) leek(s), chopped, white part only
1 medium garlic clove(s), minced
4 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup(s) uncooked barley
1 piece(s) bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 oz Canadian-style bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
2 oz fat-free half-and-half

Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, carrots, leek, garlic, broth, barley, bay leaf, thyme, pepper and bacon; cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Stir in evaporated milk and half-and-half; heat through, uncovered, about 10 minutes. Yields about 1 2/3 cups per serving


Sunday, February 22, 2009

Take My Son !!

This was sent to me by my good friend Angie at "Love The Prim Look" and this being the Sunday before lent begins thought I would share it with you'll.......

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's. Get on with the real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
'$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE


Friday, February 20, 2009

GOD'S PHARMACY!!



A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.


Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

My dear Daughter-In-Law Cheryl, sent this to me...You are welcome to use on your blog...

SUBJECT: Psalm 46:19
'Be Still and Know that I AM GOD'



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Rambling Thursday & Broccoli!!!!!


This is my 150th post...My gosh where has the time gone....Cleaned 16 fish today that my son had caught and brought to me...He didn't have time to clean them...I told him I wasn't helpless, but soon found out I had forgotten a lot about cleaning fish...Will have a couple fresh fish for supper tomorrow...nothing better than that....Took my Springer in today for her 8 weeks trim and she didn't want to go....Had to drag her into the shoppe....She looks so nice now, but when she goes outside she can hardly wait to get back in...It is 9% here right now.....
Got the prize I won over on "Love The Prim Look"...It is a string of 20 lights dipped in Easter colors, cinnamon scented silicone....They are just beautiful....Thank you Angie...
Everyone is getting ready for Easter...have really been selling the dried Easter grass..It is such nice green primitive grass and smells good....
Speaking of green here is two Broccoli Recipes for you....

Roasted Broccoli


Ingredient:
5 cup broccoli florets
2 tbsp light balsamic vinaigrette
1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
In a large resealable plastic bag; combine broccoli, vinaigrette and vinegar. Shake the bag to coat well. Arrange broccoli on lightly greased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in preheated 400 F (200 C) oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp and lightly browned

Stir-Fried Asian Style Broccoli:
A sugary glaze of garlic and soy sauce lightly coats this stir-fried broccoli.

Ingredient:
2 lbs fresh broccoli
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions
Remove and discard broccoli leaves and tough ends of stalks. Wash broccoli thoroughly, and cut off flowerets; set aside. Cut stalks into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Add chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring until smooth; set aside.
In a wok or large skillet, sautè garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
Add broccoli flowerets and stems; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cover and cook an additional 2 minutes.
Add broth mixture; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until sauce thickens.

**I want you to remember that losing weight is a journey, and the journey doesn't end. So take it slow and enjoy!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

This & That Junk Drawer Wednesday!!


Spent the day at the doctor's office....Had blood work and x-rays done, more meds prescribed and still feel lousy...My head is killing me....Well maybe in a few days it will get better....

Here are some recipes to save you money plus save the environment



Home Made Laundry Softener and Stain Remover:

You can save lots of money using these homemade softeners, I know I do!
I didn't "invent" these recipes, they were passed along to me. I have used them with much success, so I want to share them with you...

LAUNDRY SOFTENER
Recipe #1
2 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Cups Water

Combine slowly and carefully over sink. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz.
Pour into plastic bottle, cover, and shake.
*Hint - Reuse your "Downy" bottle.
Use 1/4 cup in the final rinse or in a "Downy Ball".

Recipe #2
2-3 Cups Water
1 Cup Liquid Fabric Softener
Large Sponge
Combine water and liquid softener. Cut sponge in 1/2 and keep in liquid. When drying clothes, remove sponge, squeeze out excess liquid and place in dryer with clothes. When dry, just place sponge back in liquid to be used for next load.

You can also use these products alone to soften:
Plain White Vinegar - Add 1/2 cup to final rinse.
Baking Soda - Add 1/4 cup to final rinse
Regular Fabric Softener - Dilute and use normally.

Hair Conditioner or Cream Rinse - Pour 1 tablespoon into damp washcloth and toss in with clothes.


STAIN REMOVER

Recipe #1
1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use Homemade)
2 Quarts Water
Mix well, and store in spray bottle.
*Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.

Recipe #2
1/2 Cup Ammonia
1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use Homemade)
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water
Mix well, and store in spray bottle.
*Hint - Reuse your "Spray and Wash" bottle.

Recipe #3
1/4 Cup Borax or Washing Soda
2 Cups Cold Water
Sponge on and let dry, or soak the fabric in Borax mixture before washing in soap and cold water.
Recipe #4

For Heavily Stained Clothing

NOTE: This is for use with white cotton, nylon and polyester only.
1/2 Cup Liquid Laundry Detergent (Use Homemade)
1/2 Cup Electric Dishwasher Detergent
1/2 Cup Non-Chlorinated Bleach or Ammonia, Not Both.
Soak clothes in washing machine overnight or until stains disappear. Launder as usual. You can also use these products alone to remove stains:
Plain White Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
Fels Naptha
Castile Soap


HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT:

Save hundreds of dollars per year using these recipes!
I didn't "invent" these recipes, they were passed along to me. I have used them with much success, and have saved tons of money, so I want to share them with you...
Included are 3 liquid recipes, a powdered recipe, tips, and instructions about where to find ingredients.

Liquid Laundry Detergents:

Recipe #1
3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water

Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

Recipe #2
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Tablespoons Glycerin
2 Gallons Water (NOTE: This recipe originally called for 2 Cups Water)
Mix all three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water.
Use 1/2 - 3/4 cup per load. Best when used with cold or warm water.

Recipe #3
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
5 Gallon Bucket
1 Cup Washing Soda
4 1/2 Gallons Water

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent:

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon.
For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

TIPS

Liquid detergent can also be used as a pretreater for stains.
Ivory Soap, Deodorant Soap, and Beauty Bars can be substituted for the Fels Naptha Soap.
Essential Oils can be added to soap for fragrance.


Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Six Miles Down That Road Again!!


My sixth mile wasn't so great....Didn't lose anything, (except maybe my mind) but then I didn't gain anything......Guess those two truffles and the nite out at "Dixie's" on the Grand caught up with me.....Well no looking back, just full sprint ahead....Better next week....For every pound I lose I am putting a $ in my butter crock and "God help me" if I gain anything, then a $ goes in for every ounce I put back on.....I have really been working hard at this, but like us all, I messed up....I need to remind myself that; This is it! I have one life. How do I choose to spend it? Eating whatever and whenever I want but suffering by being fat, miserable and unhappy all the time? So despite the fact that I occasionally revert to old habits that I'm working to rid myself of, or make some not so wise choices from time to time, I will never give up. Yes, there will be some bumps in traveling Down That Road Again. But I accept that. There is just no way I am going back to the old me....That's just out of the question.....I also accept the fact that this is forever....a lifestyle change......not a short term thing... It is also how I think about myself, and how important this is to me to be a healthy person again....

Pork Lo Mein:WW POINTS....7
A revamped restaurant favorite. Full of flavor and fresh ingredients; not calories and fat.
Ingredients:

8 oz lean pork tenderloin, cut in 1/4-inch-wide strips
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, divided
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp ginger root, fresh, minced
8 oz uncooked linguini
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste (for cooking pasta)
1/2 cup(s) carrot(s), thinly sliced
1 tsp canola oil
4 oz button mushrooms, or shiitake mushroom caps, sliced
1/2 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup(s) scallion(s), sliced

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss pork with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, garlic and ginger; let stand 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook linguini in a large pot of lightly salted water according to package direction; add carrots to pot 5 minutes before linguini will be done. Drain; set aside.
Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add mushrooms and pork. Increase heat to high; stir-fry until mushrooms release their liquid and become lightly browned, and pork is cooked through, about 6 minutes.
Add drained linguini and carrots, broth, remaining tablespoon of soy sauce and sesame oil to skillet; toss over low heat until combined. Remove from heat and stir in scallions; serve immediately. Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.



Monday, February 16, 2009

The One Flaw In Women!

I just received this in an email from my friend Angie over at "Love The Prim Look" and she asked me to share it with my friends....Enjoy this one..

"The One Flaw In Women"

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'
'But I won't, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'

'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'
The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.