CentralFoothillsMommies

Family Carnival - Free- Saturday May 18th

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Family Carnival

Saturday, May 18, 2013, 11am-4pm

EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station

13339 Hagers Ferry Rd., Huntersville

The Family Carnival, presented by LakeNormanMommies and the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station, is a family-friendly event featuring activities, food, games, performances, prizes, and more!

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Attractions include a magic show by Twist the Balloon Man, a live reptile show by Cold Blooded Reptile Encounters, science demonstrations by Rocket Ryan, and an opportunity to visit with characters from Carolina Renaissance Festival. DJ and MC services are provided by Little Dreamer Productions. Main stage performances by Cheer Explosion, Expression Dance Company, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, and Rock University are ongoing throughout the day.

Don’t dress to impress. Dress to move! Burn Bootcamp is hosting field activities and games on the lawn and there is a bounce house to help kids burn off extra energy. Additional carnival games and activities are provided by more than a dozen vendors, including crafts with Pre-K Birthdays, photos by SnookySmiles, face painting by Bird Nest Boutique, and much, much more!

Attendees can get up close and personal with cars and trucks in the Touch-a-Truck area, which features the Coca-Cola Discovery Truck and vehicles from the Cornelius Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, Huntersville Fire Department, and North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. Stop by the Community Outreach and Awareness area to see car seat and baby proofing demonstrations by A Safe Child; enjoy a moment in the massage chair provided by Ballas Chiropratic; and visit with representatives from Earth Fare, Habitat for Humanity, and Novant Health.

Stop by the prize tent where you can enter to win a prize from a local business. Prizes represent a wide variety of products and services ranging from photography to house cleaning, personalized artwork to Carowinds tickets, and fitness memberships to auto detailing.

Need some refreshment? Ice cream, drinks, hot dogs, and more are available for purchase at the Bruster’s Ice Cream truck!

This event is made possible thanks to additional support from Burn Bootcamp, Cooke Rentals, Little Dreamer Productions, and Sweet Dream Mattress & Furniture.

Performances, Attractions, and Activities...

Main Stage

Little Dreamer Productions - DJ & MC services
Cheer Xplosion AllStars
Expressions Dance Studio
Rock University
Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts

Activity Field

Burn Bootcamp - Field Activities for Children and Adults
Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture - Bounce House
Kandy's Chance Ranch - Pony Rides

Activity Tent

Meet the Mascot - Photo Op
Heather the Storyteller - Story Time
Cold Blooded Encounters - Reptile Show
Twist the Balloon Man - Magic Show

Touch-a-Truck

Coca-Cola Discovery Truck
Cornelius Police Department
Huntersville Police Department
Huntersville Fire Department
North Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Community Outreach & Awareness

Ballas Chiropractic
Earth Fare
Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Novant Health Women's Health Education
A Safe Child - car seat safety & baby proofing demonstrations

Carnival Games and Activities

Carnival games and other activities are provided by our vendors.

Games include duck pond, wheel spin, knock 'em down, penny toss, fishbowl ping pong toss, and more. Each winner receives a ticket to be entered into a drawing for a prize in the prize tent.

Activities include crafts, face painting, carnival themed photo booth, and more.

Vendors

Bird Nest Boutique, Innovative Speed Shop, Jamberry Nails, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Pink Zebra, Scentsy, Shaklee, SnookySmiles, Stella & Dot, Sunshine Borders, Thirty-One, Tupperstars, and WildTree

Prize Tent

Did you receive a ticket at one of the games or activities? Be sure to head to the Prize Tent to be entered into a drawing for the prize of your choosing!

Prizes

Prizes include products and services from Ballas Chiropractic, Bird Nest Boutique, Burn Bootcamp, Carolina Women's Defense, Earth Fare, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, Innovative Speed Shop, Insley Photography, Jamberry Nails, Jockey Person to Person, MM House and Office Cleaning, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Pink Zebra, SnookySmiles, Stella & Dot, Sunshine Borders, Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture, Tupperstars, Twist the Balloon Man, WildTree, and more!

Don't Get Burned!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Thanks Kate for letting us know about this website!

Time Out Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:08:00 +0000

Monday, October 3, 2011 by The Hippie Housewife

Ten alternatives to time-outs

As parents begin to seek a more gentle method of discipline, they often start by dropping the obviouspunishments, such as spanking or removal of unrelated privileges. Finding themselves without tools to enforce their instructions, they begin to rely heavily on traditional time-outs in place of their former punishments.

The traditional form of time-out involves sending a child to a particular spot (their bedroom, a "naughty chair", the corner, etc) for a particular length of time (often one minute per year of age) in order to "think about what they've done." For most children, however, the time is spent in anger, stewing over the apparent injustice of their punishment. When used arbitrarily or too often, it prevents the child from understanding the true consequences of their action and fails to get to the root of the behaviour. The overall message becomes one of rejection rather than teaching, causing the child to withdraw and damaging the parent/child relationship.

Sometimes a child does need time and space to be alone in order to cool off. In those instances, rather than setting a timer, it is preferable to allow the child to return when s/he is feeling in control once again. "You may not continue to hit/kick/speak rudely/etc. Go cool down in your room and return when you are able to treat your family kindly." This is followed with a calm discussion and reconnection. However, this method works best for an older child who has already been taught the skills needed to know how to calm themselves down, who has previously exhibited the need to be alone in order to do this, and for whom being alone is not a frightening event. Many other children and situations require a different response.

While there is no single answer to cover all circumstances, having a variety of tools will allow parents to best meet the needs of their unique child in their unique situation. Here we will explore ten alternatives to time-outs; as always, I welcome your additional gentle discipline tools in the comments below.

1. Time-In

Children must be actively parented through their intense emotions in order to learn how to process and move past them in a healthy way. A time-in is a prime opportunity for this type of teaching, providing the child with vital skills that will serve them throughout their life.

Rather than depriving children of their parents' attention, a time-in is time together to build relationship, communication, and cooperation. It places the parent and child on the same side rather than pitting them against one another.

During a time-in, the parent and child can focus on working through the situation. It is a time of connection that includes both physical touch and eye contact. The parent can teach the child a variety of calming techniques (deep breathing, drawing, physical outlets, etc) and then move on to discussing the emotions behind the behaviour. What led up to it? What are better alternatives for next time?

A time-in can also be used proactively. In this sense, the parent ensures the child receives focused attention at regular intervals, thereby strengthening the parent/child relationship and meeting the child's emotional needs. This builds cooperation while reducing negative attention-seeking behaviour.

2. Comfort Corner

A comfort corner is an opportunity for the child to regroup in a calming environment, surrounded by things that bring them comfort. A comfort corner may include pillows, blankets, books, stuffed animals, water, snacks, amind jar, a notepad and pencil, music, or any other item that brings the child comfort or helps them to refocus. It should be private but not isolated; it may be located in a corner of the main living area, in a bedroom, in a small alcove, on a comfortable chair, or even tucked away in a tote bag to be pulled out when needed.

A comfort corner is often used, particularly with young children or when first introduced, in conjunction with a time-in. Again, this is an opportunity to assist the child in dealing with their intense emotions, teaching them the skills needed to regroup and refocus. A child must be taught how to calm down and regroup before you can request that they do so. The goal of the comfort corner is for the child to learn how to do these things for themself.

Rather than a punishment, the comfort corner should be a positive experience, a place of calm and comfort. When the child is in need of a quiet break, direct them to the comfort comfort. If they protest, guide them there for some cuddling. "I can see you are having trouble controlling yourself. Let's go to the comfort corner together and I will show you how you can help yourself to feel better." The child is free to leave the comfort corner when s/he feels they are ready.

Parents can model this practice when they are feeling frustrated or angry. "I am feeling ___. I am going to go sit somewhere quiet and listen to music for a few minutes until I feel more calm." This is modelling the essential life skill of recognizing when you need to remove yourself from a situation to calm down, regain your composure, and correct your attitude.

3. Prevention

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." A parent can set the child up for success by ensuring the child's physical needs (healthy diet, adequate sleep, physical activity, sensory outlets) and emotional needs (love, attention, security) are met. Consider the child's environment as well. Excess clutter or noise can negatively impact a child's behaviour; anger and tension will have negative effects as well.

4. Look Beyond the Behaviour

Look beyond the child's behaviour to its underlying cause or driving need. Is the child hungry? tired? hurt? lonely? Is the child teething? Does the child need a physical or sensorial outlet? Does a growing child need additional responsibilities to challenge and occupy their growing minds? A traditional time-out deals with only the symptom; move beyond that to deal with the root cause.

5. Playful Parenting

Playful parenting can be an ideal way to diffuse tension and regain cooperation. Play can also be used to help a child work through their feelings. Rather than engaging in a power struggle, lighten the situation with silliness. Role-playing, task races, and exaggerated threats are some common playful parenting techniques.

6. Distraction and Redirection

Sometimes a simple distraction or redirection is sufficient to deal with the situation; not every incident requires a direct head-on approach. As with playful parenting, this is an ideal way to circumvent a power struggle, given the right circumstances. In the same vein, a change in the environment can shift everyone into a better mood: head outdoors, run a bath, go to the library, or put on some music.

7. Empathy

Sometimes a child just wants to be heard. Take a moment to empathize with the child. Listen to, reflect back, and validate their feelings. When necessary, assist the child in expressing those feelings in a healthy, appropriate, and acceptable manner. "Try again" is a useful script for a child who has already been coached on appropriate expressions of feelings and just needs the reminder to use a proper tone.

8. Put the Ball in Their Court

Empower the child to take responsibility for rectifying the situation. Depending on the age and particular circumstances, this can take a variety of forms, including (but not limited to) the following:

offer them a choice between two or three acceptable alternatives
use the "when...then..." script ("when your room is clean, then we can go to the park")
sit down and brainstorm solutions to a problem with them, allowing them to be a full participant in the process
give them the responsibility for righting the wrong (cleaning up the mess, making amends to the hurt party, following through on given instructions, etc)

The goal is to empower them to accept responsibility for their actions, think for themselves, consider the alternatives, make a decision, and follow through with solving the situation.

9. Talk and Problem-Solve

In a quiet, calm voice, talk through the situation if the child is the right frame of mind for a discussion. Seek their perspective on the matter and offer your own. If emotions are running too high in the heat of the moment, talk through the situation later after both parent and child have had time to calm down and regroup. The purpose of our parenting should be problem-solving and teaching, not behaviour-training through consequences or punishments.

10. Shift Perspective

Sometimes we allow our own feelings and frustrations to erupt on our families. We overreact to innocent childish behaviour, wanting them out of our hair so we can have a few precious moments to be still and think. Sometimes it's us who need to take a time-out of sorts.

Regardless of the situation, a parent can begin by taking a deep calming breath. Walk away from the situation if you need to calm down, regain your composure, or gain perspective on the situation. Is the situation as urgent or important as your initial reaction would suggest? Are you able to separate the child's behaviour from the child themselves? What do you want to teach your child, going forward, through the way you handle this situation?Keep in mind that the goal is to find a solution, not a consequence or punishment.

Once you have regrouped, go back to your child and request a do-over. Be willing to apologize if your initial reaction warrants it. Get down on your child's level and reconnect with a hug. Take a moment to hear their point of view, and then seek a solution together.

A special note about aggressive behaviour: Most hitting can be prevented by consistent action when the child is very small. The first time a toddler swings with the intent to hit, catch their arm mid-swing and firmly say, "no hitting; hitting hurts". Then gently stroke your cheek with the child's hand while saying "gentle". Repeat consistently. This nips most hitting in the bud, with a simple "gentle" being sufficient to remind them to use their hands gently.

However, sometimes hitting behaviour will persist, appear at later stages, or simply occur in the heat of the moment. When a child hits another child, a logical consequence is removal from play with the other children."You hit, you sit." This gives you an opportunity to comfort the child who was hit. You can then attend to the child who did the hitting, reiterating that hitting is unacceptable and allowing them the opportunity to explain the situation (if they are old enough) and/or calm down with you until they are in control of themselves and ready to resume playing with the other children. This can be used in conjunction with the techniques listed above.

When a child hits a parent, the parent can state clearly and firmly that they will not allow the child to hurt them. This is an excellent opportunity to model strong boundaries. A particularly aggressive child may need to be restrained until they have regained control. Once the child is calm, teach the child what they can do to express their anger (drawing "angry pictures", writing out their feelings, talking through the situation, doing an "angry dance", etc). Anger is acceptable; hitting is not.

Additional Resources:
Positive Time-Out by Jane Nelsen
Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

How to Compost

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

The Dirt on Composting

Composting involves mixing yard and household organic waste in a pile or bin and providing conditions that encourage decomposition. The decomposition process is fueled by millions of microscopic organisms (bacteria, fungi) that take up residence inside your compost pile, continuously devouring and recycling it to produce a rich organic fertilizer and valuable soil amendment (see Using Your Compost To Amend Soils).

Sound complicated? It's really not. All you need to know about composting is a basic understanding of a few simple principles, and a little bit of elbow grease. Nature does the rest.

Note: Decomposition, or the composting process, occurs constantly and gradually around us everyday. The dark, rich soil covering the forest floor is an excellent example of this. When we compost, all we're really doing is speeding up Mother Nature.

Location & Appearance

First you'll need to select your location for composting. Where you put it depends on function and aesthetics.

In terms of appearances and good relations with your neighbors, you probably don't want to place your bin on your front lawn next to the mail box. (Your neighbors, and not to mention your mail man, will also appreciate a more behind-the-scenes location.)

Instead, opt for the backyard, or, if you don't have one, then a compost binlocated in your basement can do the trick.

Ensure composting success with a home compost bin available at Planet Natural.

Want to build your own? Here's one simple solution: convert oldshipping pallets (which you can usually pick up for free) into a compost "repository." Use one for the bottom. Pound in metal support poles and then add pallets by slipping them over the support poles to make your bin's walls and you're all set. The University of Missouri Extension offers several other examples for building a bin.

You can also skip the bin (a structure isn't essential) and just have a compost pile or heap. In terms of appearances -- and if your homeowners association is fussy -- you may want to screen the pile from view by planting shrubs or a fence. You'll also probably not want it by your picnic table or other areas outdoors where you entertain.

From a functional standpoint, you'll need a place with good air circulation. Don't place it next to your home or other wooden buildings as the decomposing scraps and resulting compost may cause the wood to rot. Partial shade is a good idea so the compost doesn't get overheated. Also make sure the spot of land where you place your heap gets good drainage.

Close to the garden and to a water source are both good places for building your compost pile since it will be easier to move the materials to and from the garden and easier to water it. Another idea may be to place it near your kitchen to make it convenient to place table scraps on the pile or in the bin.

Size

Make your pile no smaller than 3' x 3' x 3'. In fact, this is probably the perfect size. It's sufficient enough to "cook" your waste and transform it into compost, but not so large that it will become unmanageable and hard to turn.

Moisture

The microbes that do your dirty work in the compost pile require water for survival, but it can be hard to judge how much water to add and when. Too much water means your organic waste won't decompose and you'll get a slimy and smelly pile that could well answer to the name "swamp thing." Too little water and you'll kill the bacteria and you won't get your compost (seeMonitoring Moisture).

One rule of thumb: the more green material (cut grass, weeds, leaves) you put in, the less water you'll need to add. In fact, if you need to add dry ingredients such as straw or hay, soak the material first in water so it won't dry out your compost pile. In general your compost should be moist, but not sopping wet.

If you are backyard composting and you get a lot of rain, build a roof over the pile. This can be as simple as a tarp. The reason you want to give your compost pile more shelter is because nutrients, or leachates, leak out when it rains. That's not such a problem in a place where rainfall isn't heavy, but if you get a lot of rain where you live, it can make a big difference. Too much water in the pile will slow down the process and can also make it slimy and icky.

Aeration

Oxygen is also required by many of the microorganisms responsible for successful composting. Give them adequate ventilation and they will take care of the rest (see Aerobic Decomposition). You can make sure that the bacteria in your compost gets sufficient air by turning the pile often and well. Use a pitch fork, spade or compost aerator to mix your pile. If you've got a compost tumbler, you've got it easy. Just crank that lever. Don't aerate your compost and it will break down slowly, resulting in a slimy, dense, stinky pile. It's also a good idea to turn the contents since it rearranges the decaying material. With a little care, you can move the less decomposed material on the edges to the middle of the pile to heat up.

Temperature

As they eat, the organisms responsible for composting generate large amounts of heat, which raise the temperature of the pile or compost bin and speeds up decomposition. A compost pile that is working well will produce temperatures of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures almost all weed seeds and plant diseases are killed. A "very hot" compost pile will generate temperatures of up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for up to a week or more. Use a compost thermometer to measure the exact temperature at different locations inside the pile.

Note: As organic material in a compost pile heats up it breaks down and takes up less space. A compost pile can shrink up to 70% as it "cooks."

Adding Materials

When adding organic waste to your compost, don't squash the materials down to make more space. Squashing the contents will squeeze out the air that microbes in the compost pile need to turn your garbage into gold. (Instead you'll be promoting the anaerobic microbes, which also do a good job converting carrot peels and other organic matter into compost but tend to be a lot smellier.)

Also be strategic about filling your bin. Include a mixture of brown fibrous ingredients and greens. A well-balanced "diet" will ensure that composting doesn't take too long and that you don't end up with a slimy, smelly heap. Also shred, dice or otherwise make scraps smaller, which will help the resident bacteria do a good job in converting the garbage into compost.

Finally, after you've added kitchen vegetable waste, throw some leaves or grass clippings on top of it. This will help keep things balanced, reduce smells and make your com

SOURCE

Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:38:00 +0000

Dirty Dozen Plus^™

Buy these organic

Apples

Celery

Sweet bell peppers

Peaches

Strawberries

Nectarines
– imported

Grapes

Spinach

Lettuce

Cucumbers

Blueberries
– domestic

Potatoes

Plus

Green beans

Kale/Greens

+ May contain pesticide residues of special concern

Clean 15^™

Lowest in Pesticide

Onions

Sweet Corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Cabbage

Sweet peas

Asparagus

Mangoes

Eggplant

Kiwi

Cantaloupe
- domestic

Sweet potatoes

Grapefruit

Watermelon

Mushrooms

Source A big thank you to Kate, one of our Central Foothills Mommies for telling us about this!

Planning Your First Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:44:00 +0000

Why Grow Vegetables

Starting a vegetable garden at home is an easy way to save money -- that $2 tomato plant can easily provide you with 10 pounds of fruit over the course of a season.

It also gives you the pleasure of savoring a delicious, sun-warmed tomato fresh from the garden. In almost every case, the flavor and texture of varieties you can grow far exceed the best grocery store produce.

Plus, growing vegetables can be fun. It's a great way to spend time with children or have a place to get away and spend time outdoors in the sun.

Growing vegetables is probably easier than you think. If you plan it right, you can enjoy a beautiful garden full of the fruits of your labor -- without having to spend hours and hours tending it. Vegetables and flowers are natural companions, and the combination can turn a potential eyesore into an attractive landscape feature. Read on for more!

Deciding What to Grow

It's best to start small with your first garden. Many gardeners get a little too excited at the beginning of the season and plant more than they need -- and end up wasting food and feeling overwhelmed by their garden.

So first, take a look at how much your family will eat. Keep in mind that vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash keep providing throughout the season -- so you may not need many plants to serve your needs. Other vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, and corn, produce only once. You may need to plant more of these.

Determining How Much Space You Need

Once you know what you want to plant, you can figure out how much space your garden will need.

Keep in mind that you don't need a large space to begin a vegetable garden. If you choose to grow in containers, you don't even need a yard -- a deck or balcony may provide plenty of space.

In fact, a well-tended 10x10-foot garden will usually produce more than a weed-filled or disease-ridden 25x50-foot bed.

Get ideas for growing veggies in containers.

Picking the Perfect Spot

No matter how big your vegetable garden is, there are three basic requirements for success:

1. Full sun. Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. If they don't get enough light, they won't bear as much and they'll be more susceptible to attack from insects or diseases.

Here's a hint: If you don't have a spot in full sun, you can still grow many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. And if you're in a hot-summer climate, cool-season varieties such as peas may do better in part shade.

2. Plenty of water. Because most vegetables aren't very drought tolerant, you'll need to give them a drink during dry spells. The closer your garden is to a source of water, the easier it will be for you.

3. Good soil. As with any kind of garden, success usually starts with the soil. Most vegetables do best in moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter(such as compost or peat moss).

Many gardeners like to have their vegetable gardens close to the house. This makes it easier to harvest fresh produce while you're cooking. It can also be handy to keep a few favorite potted vegetables next to your grill.

How To Build Your Own Flower/Vegetable Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The weather is warming up and gardening will start soon enough, if you haven't already started. Me, I have never planted a garden or anything other than your little mixed flower seed packets at the store. Sometimes they grow, sometimes they don't. I decided that I wanted to look into planting a garden this year. One of my all time favorite people to watch on tv and read their blog is The Pioneer Woman. I ran across this while clicking on random little links on her page. Check this out.

This is the time of year to start thinking about building a raised flower/vegetable bed. I’m planning to put some new beds in a different part of our yard this year…and in some sort of weird configuration. Maybe the shape of a star. Or a rainbow. Or a thumbs-up. I’ll stop talking now.

Here’s my flower bed tutorial from the archives. It really is a cinch.

*****

I have a great project to keep you busy this weekend: pick a good sunny spot in your yard and build a raised vegetable bed!

I have raised vegetable beds around my house, and I love them. They provide good drainage for your plants, and you have more flexibility about where to plant different things. You can get creative and stack the beds, growing herbs in the smaller top area and veggies around the bottom. Or you can create designs with your beds, using geometric shapes to create some sort of pattern.

Because I wanted to show you how to do this and because I asked nicely, my friend Brent came out yesterday with a small pile of supplies and put together a very basic raised bed while I squatted on the ground and photographed the process.

I want you to know that this is the easiest thing in the world to do. If you’re even remotely comfortable with using a drill, this entire project can take under an hour. If not, it still won’t take you very long. And it’ll bring you a great sense of satisfaction…especially when you see that first little hint of a tiny green tomato showing itself.

We’ll cover the soil and other matters later. Today it’s all about building the box.

Here are the supplies.

You’ll need a tape measure, a pencil, and a level.

A carpenter’s square.

A small sledge hammer and a drill. Any simple drill will do, and you need a 7/64 #8 counter sink bit.

Everyone should have a 7/64 #8 counter sink bit.

You need 1# 3 – 3 1/2 AND 1# 2 – 2 1/2 Exterior screws.

Exterior, so they won’t rust.

You need 1 bundle of 18″ to 24″ stakes.

And you need four 2 x 6 boards, cut to 8′…AND four 2 x 6 boards cut to 4′. Pine or cedar work well—but just make sure you do not use pressure-treated (treated) lumber. It’s treated with chemicals that would be harmful to the soil, the plants, and you.

And by the way, all you need to do is take this list to your local hardware store/lumber yard/home improvement warehouse, act really clueless, and they’ll feel sorry for you and get you everything you need. It works for me on a regular basis.

So we’re making a 4 x 8 raised vegetable bed today. But keep in mind that you can do any size you need—just follow this general procedure. Just pick the spot where you want it to go—good morning sun is important—and measure to decide on the best size. Also keep in mind that you can change things up a little bit on your bed—you can make the ends inset a bit and add a little more flair. But I live in the country and have to mow and weedeat a lot of things, so I keep it very, very plain and utilitarian.

The first thing we need to do is drill the pilot holes for the screws. You could drill the screws straight into the board, but because the screws are going close to the end, it could split the board and that would make you cry.

So first, measure in 3/4 inch from the end and side to create two “x” marks on each end of the long boards.

Then drill away!

Look! You just drilled two pilot holes.

Well, Brent did. But just pretend you did.

Pretend I did, too.

Repeat this on all the long (8′) boards until they all have two pilot holes on each end.

Now, after you’ve finished drilling the pilot holes, just swap the drill bit…

…For the Phillips screwdriver bit…and you’ve got yourself a wicked electric screwdriver!

Now it’s time to build the bottom layer. Stand two long boards and two short boards on their sides and line them up…

And insert long screws through the pilot holes of the long boards into the very end of the shorter boards. Hold the boards firmly while you drill.

Attach both screws on the end of each board before moving on to the next corner.

Just move around until all the screws are in. The purpose here is just to form the rectangle and attach the boards together.

And that’s it! A raised flower bed. Now go take on the day!

Just kidding. There’s more.

Now we need to secure the base to stakes in the ground, and we have to level the rectangle. So grab a stake and drive it into the very corner of the most level side of the box.

Leave about 4-6 inches of stake sticking up above the board.

Next, level up the two sides—one short and one long—on either side of the stake. Leveling this bottom layer of the flower bed is very important, so take your time to get it right.

Once that side is level, insert the drill bit again and drill two pilot holes through the board into the stake, and insert two of the shorter screws to secure it..

*Repeat this step: drive a stake into the other corner (on the same side) and attach the board to the stake with screws.

It helps to have a Basset Hound nearby for support.

Now, the rectangle is probably still a little caddy-wompuss, so you need to go to the other end now (the end without the stakes) and square it off. Just set the carpenter’s square inside and make it fit. You don’t want a Vegetable Trapezoid.

Once it’s square, drive stakes into both corners.

And now—very important—you need to level this side. Level, level, level.

Level.

Do you know how a level works?

This is not level. The bubble is not in the middle, and the bubble never lies.

So that’s when you need to adjust—push and pull lightly…

Until the bubble takes its rightful place in the middle. This means it’s level. Hallelujah.

Now that it’s perfectly level, we need to secure the sucker with some more stakes so it won’t ever move again for the rest of its life. So go around the inside of the box, driving one stake in the middle of each short side and two stakes into the middle of each long side.

Drill pilot holes and attach two short screws to each stake. These extra stakes will prevent the bed from expanding and bowing in the middle.

Now, once you’ve attached all the stakes to the inside of the box (there should be a total of ten stakes), you can begin setting on the boards that’ll comprise the top layer.

This part’s a piece of cake. Since you already leveled the bottom layer, you don’t have to mess with that now. All you need to do is attach the boards.

So all you do now is just drill pilot holes through the board and into the stake…

And insert the short screws to attach the board to the stake.

Then, as you add each board, attach the ends with long screws just like you did on the bottom layer.

Almost there, baby! And note that on the far end of the bed, my yard is starting to slightly slope downhill. And since the bed is perfectly level, it’s creating a gap at the bottom. This is no big deal at all; when I prepare the ground and add my dirt, it’ll fill in just fine.

Go, Brent, go!

Someone hand me my seed catalog. The time is drawing near.

Yahoo! Another vegetable bed. Just what I needed. I can now go on living.

And note: if you like, you can stop at one layer and not add the second layer of boards. I have several single-layer beds and like them fine. But my soil is very clayey and hard here, and I wanted the good drainage of a taller bed.

If you stop at one layer and have a single-layer bed, just use shorter stakes and drive them down so they’re below the level of the board.

So to sum things up…

Supplies:
4 – 2 x 6 boards @ 8 feet long. (Pine or cedar are good choices. Don’t use pressure treated lumber.)
4 – 2 x 6 boards @ 4 feet long.
1# 3 – 3 1/2 exterior screws
1# 2 – 2 1/2 exterior screws
1 bundle 18″ – 24″ stakes

Tools:
Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Small sledge hammer
Carpenter’s square
Cordless drill
7/64 #8 counter sink bit

Basic instructions:
Set the first side, attach ends with large screws. Attach ends on second side with large screws.
Square and level first side. Drive stakes in corners. Attach stakes to boards with small screws.
Square and level second side. Drive stakes in corners. Attach stakes to boards with small screws.
*Make sure the whole thing is level*
Drive more stakes all along the inside of the box, leaving about 4 inches of stake sticking above the board. Attach stakes to boards with small screws.
Attach upper layer of boards to themselves as you did on the bottom layer, then attach boards to stakes.

That’s it.

You can do it!

Love,
Pioneer Woman

Have you started planting yet? What is your favorite thing to plant?

Helpful Hints and Household Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Contributed by our lovely mom Teresa.

Having a larger than norm family requires me to get a little creative when it comes to home maintenance, cooking, shopping, etc. and I've been asked to share a few of the things that I do to help things run a little smoother. A lot of these may be things you already know but hopefully there's something here you might find useful. I don't pretend to have all the answers or be a master guru of home domestics but here goes:

Buy Bulk When Possible

Sometimes it's not always a better deal, but for the most part, it's cheaper to buy bulk and separate into smaller bags/containers and store. Along those same lines, if you buy meat, it's a time saver to go ahead and cook it and then freeze it; think, ground burger and shredded chicken that you'll use in sauces, casseroles, or recipes later on. If it's a roast or chops you can even place them in marinade before freezing. Apples can be sliced/diced and frozen for pies, cakes, and fritters. Butters and cheeses, and dairy in general, can be frozen too. Dry goods like beans, rice, and pasta can be separated into quart/gallon bags depending on the amount you use for your family.

Co Op or Garden

My husband is fond of saying, "Make all you can, and can all you make." This is in reference to gardening. Not only is it healthier food, but working the garden is exercise. If this isn't doable or there are different things you want than you can grow, a co op can be the way to go. I joined one recently with some church friends and we buy from an Amish group in Ohio. The cost is higher initially but the quality is great and the savings are worked out in the long run. The same can be done locally where you can plant specific foods and a friend plants other varieties. When the harvest comes you divide up the labor and split the bounty. Win win.

Daily Cleaning

Here's an example of making sure that you're not overwhelmed with weekend cleaning when you want to relax because you do a little every day.

Monday- Mopping and bed linens
Tuesday- Toilets/bathrooms
Wednesday- Windows, mirrors
Thursday- Appliances (wiping down)
Friday- Dusting and vacuuming

We all do dishes and wiping the kitchen up daily so I don't include it in my list. I also happen to do laundry daily but if you don't, you'd just choose the days you need to do it on and add to your list. Once a month I do a deeper clean that includes throwing out stuff in the fridge and scrubbing it down, the oven, baseboards, and the like. The idea is to not get overwhelmed with having a lot to do, and when you have those days where you feel like you didn't get anything accomplished, you have your list right there that PROVES you did.

Homemade Green (for the most part) Cleaners

All Purpose Cleaner
Take the peels from oranges, lemons, or limes that you eat and throw them into a quart jar with white vinegar. Let it steep for approximately 10 days and pour into a spray bottle. You can use it full strength or dilute with water depending on your needs and the size of the bottle. If you need to scrub, a paste with baking soda and the APC should do the trick. This even freshens/cleans the porcelain throne.

Laundry Detergent
Technically, there is a recipe but I like simple so mine is this:
1 box of Borax
1 box of Washing Soda
1 bar of finely grated Fels Naptha soap
1/2 container of Oxy Clean powder

Mix it all together and you a basic laundry powder. I use the Oxy because my boys get everything dirty. If your laundry doesn't, you can skip it. As far as scent goes, you have two options from my point-of-view. You can add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell good in the container but won't leave clothes smelling like the scent you used, or you add a bottle of the Downy balls that promise clothes smell good for 12 weeks, or something similar. I've done both and those little Downy pellets do make a difference scent wise. It's not as green when you add the extras but if you need things to smell good to feel like they're clean, this works.

Dusting
Two words: Coconut oil. A little really goes a long way. If you want a nice smell, add a few drops of almond oil along with the coconut, apply to a cloth, and voila!

Money Savers

Goodwill is my best friend. Not really, but I do love good deals. Thrift store shopping usually gives me what I need. I know that after a couple of washes brand new clothes look just like the ones that have been worn for a season so it's not practical for me to buy new unless it's on clearance and a really good buy. I also feel good about buying pre-owned because I'm not adding more to the landfill. I do buy new where it's important to me- underwear, socks, and shoes. And for the shoes, I almost always wait for the BOGO half sales or clearance.

I plan my errands and trips for the same day so I'm not spending more on gas and causing wear and tear on our vehicle.

DIY whenever possible or barter. With the internet and the DIY networks a lot of things can be done around the house with just a little initiative. And if you can't, exchanging services with someone is an excellent money saver. My husband is helping friends of ours build their house in exchange for music lessons for my older boys. The way it's going, all seven of the kids will get free music lessons.

What Can You Do With Flour?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Consider the delicious possibilities:
Caramel-Pecan Cinnamon Rolls from The Finer Things in Life
Double Decker Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from Mom’s Toolbox
Homemade Waffles — without Butter from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
English Muffins from The Happy Housewife
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls from The Gluten-Free Homemaker
Brownie Mix from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Gramma John’s Pie Crust from Life as MOM

White Chocolate-Walnut Cookies

1 cup sucanat (dehydrated sugar can juice, similar to sugar, but less processed. You can use regular sugar if you like)
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 unbleached)
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 12-ounce bag white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream together sucanat and butter. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Blend in flour, soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop batter onto cookie sheet in rounded tablespoons. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set.

One of the biggest ways that we save money around here is baking from scratch. I’ve received a fair amount of chiding for that over the years. Friends would mock my Suzie Homemaker practices. But, honestly? Baked goods made “from scratch” taste better and generally are less expensive than their manufactured counterparts. Sure, you can get some things “for free,” using coupons. But, often those items are neither the tastiest nor the cheapest.

Now, I’m not saying that I never buy store bought. Au contraire. There is a time and a place for everything. But, as a general rule, I think homebaking gives the biggest return on the investment in terms of taste, quality, and value.

Flour is one of the major building blocks of baking. Essentially, it is a powder ground from cereal grains, seeds, or roots. Wheat flour is most commonly used in the United States and therefore the most widely available. I can usually get a 5 pound bag of unbleached flour for as low as a dollar and regularly on sale for about a buck fifty. When not on sale, the prices in my neighborhood hover between three and four dollars a bag. It’s definitely worth your while to stock up when you see a sale. Personally, I would consider $2 a decent price and if I found it for less, I would buy several bags, whether I needed it or not.

There is a range of wheat flours available. Bleached and unbleached are interchangeable all-purpose flours, though I prefer unbleached. Bread flour is higher in gluten and best suited for recipes using yeast. Pastry flour is high in starch and has a softer texture, making it better for pie crusts and baked goods that call for baking soda or baking powder. Self-rising flour includes the leavening in it. As our family has attempted to incorporate more whole grains into our diet, I’ve added whole wheat and whole wheat pastry flour to my pantry. These cost a little bit more, about $2.50 for a 5# bag — on sale. Whole wheat flours can turn rancid quickly and are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Flour is also made from buckwheat, rice, corn, oats, rye, spelt, and barley. As gluten-free diets become more widespread, the variety of flours available is also increasing. More on gluten-free baking later this week.

If you have a choice between “steel-ground” and “stone-ground,” choose stone ground. Steel rollers or hammers produce heat that destroys valuable nutrients in the flour. True flour aficianados would recomend grinding your own.

When you’re measuring flour, the most accurate method is to use a scale. Flour manufacturers vary in how they grind it; 1 cup from one company may be substantially heavier than the flour of another company. To account for these differences, measuring by weight is truly the best way. If you don’t have a scale, stir the flour first to aerate it, then spoon it into the measuring cup. Scrape the top level with a knife. Don’t tap or pack the flour into the cup.

All flour should be stored airtight. Six months at room temperature is a good rule of thumb for all-purpose and bread flours. Temperatures higher than 70°F can encourage the development of mold or attract bugs.

Flour is essential to the frugal pantry. Baking from scratch tastes better than store bought and generally costs less. The fact that you can customize your baked goods means that you can also boost the nutrition of the final product as well as tailor it to your family’s preferences.

What’s your favorite thing to make with flour?

Source: Good Cheap Eats

Keeping Kids Safe~ Medication Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

We just released new findings about keeping kids safe around medicine, and the results may surprise you. Every parent knows to keep medicine up and away from children, but kids are still getting into medicine at an alarming rate. (500,000 calls to poison control centers last year!) We talked to moms to find out what’s going on and crafted new tips for you.

The Hard Facts

Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning. Every year, more than 67,000 children go to an emergency room for medicine poisoning. That’s one child every eight minutes. Almost all of these visits are because the child got into medicines while their parent or caregiver wasn’t looking.

Top Tips

Put medicines up and away and out of sight. Make sure that all medicines, including vitamins and adult medicines, are stored out of reach and out of sight of children. (In 86% of emergency room visits for medicine poisoning, the child got into medicine belonging to an adult.)

Consider places where kids get into medicine.Kids get into medication in all sorts of places, like in purses and nightstands. (In 67% of cases, the medicine was within reach of a child, such as in a purse, left on a counter or dresser or found on the ground.)

Consider products you might not think about as medicines.Most parents know to store medicine up and away – or at least the products they consider to be medicine. But they don’t always think about products such as diaper rash remedies or eye drops, which may not seem like medicine but can cause harm.

Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine.Proper dosing is important, particularly for young children. Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Kitchen spoons aren’t all the same, and a teaspoon and tablespoon used for cooking won’t measure the same amount as the dosing device.

Put the toll-free number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) into your home andcell phone.

You should also post it near your phone or on your refrigerator for the babysitter. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s nice to have just in case.

Learn More

Medication safety is especially important for children under 5, but every parent will want to learn all they can about medication safety. Here are some additional tips to help you out. Source

April FOOLS!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Let them know that you’ll be having brownies after dinner as a special treat… stump them with this awesome BROWN E’s prank! You may want to have some real brownies on hand, just in case!

Your kids won’t expect to be stared back at when they open the fridge on April Fools Day! Simply apply googly-eyes on the stuff in your fridge. I’m sure your kiddos will get a kick out of it!

KOOL-AID and CUPCAKES for dinner?! Haha… NOPE!

Check out how this mom tricked her kiddos into thinking that jello was actually Kool-Aid and that cupcake… ground beef and mashed potatoes!

How about sending them to school with this GAG LUNCH! Complete with a Can’t Un-Ziplock bag, a Wormy Apple and a Snack Swicharoo!

Prank Gift Box

Place something inside the box to give it some weight. Anything will do, 5 or 6 pennies surrounded by cotton balls will work well.

"Sponge" Cake

What's better than sharing cake with friends? The look on their faces when they discover your sponge cake is made of actual sponges!

What you'll need

MarkersNew kitchen spongesCanned frosting
SprinklesUse a marker to draw large circles on new kitchen sponges, then cut out the circles.

Stack and frost them (we used inexpensive canned frosting). Cover the sides with sprinkles, if you like.

Tell your victims that you "made a sponge cake," and invite them to cut off a piece. To help ease the prank's sting, serve real cake afterward.

Kool Aid Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

What you need to make Kool Aid Dyed Easter Eggs

env. (0.13 to 0.16 oz. each) KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any red color(try Cherry, Black Cherry, Strawberry or Tropical Punch flavor)

env. (0.14 oz. to 0.15 oz. each) KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any orange color (try Orange, Mango or Peach Mango flavor)

env. (0.13 oz. to 0.23 oz. each) KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any yellow or green color (try Lemonade, Piña or Lemon-Lime flavor)

env. (0.22 oz. each) KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any blue color(try Mixed Berry or Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade flavor)

1/2

cup water, divided

1-1/2

doz. hard-cooked eggs, cooled

make it

step 1

MIX contents of 2 (same-flavored) KOOL-AID envelopes with 2 Tbsp. water in 6- to 8-oz. container; stir to dissolve drink mixes. Repeat in 3 separate containers with remaining KOOL-AID envelopes.

step 2

PLACE eggs on cooling rack in sink; rinse eggs with tap water.

step 3

SPOON KOOL-AID mixtures, 1 at a time, over wet eggs to create tie-dye patterns. Repeat with remaining eggs.

step 4

POUR a little tap water over each egg to set colors. Use tongs to transfer eggs to paper towel-covered baking sheet to dry. Rinse sink immediately as needed.

kraft kitchens tips

HOW TO MAKE SOLID-COLORED EASTER EGGS

Pour contents of 1 envelope of each KOOL-AID color into separate 10- to-12 oz. container. Add 2/3 cup water to each; stir to dissolve drink mix. Use spoon to place 1 hard-cooked egg in each cup, keeping egg submerged until desired color is reached. Continue with remaining eggs. Let dry as directed above.

SPECIAL EXTRA

Place assorted rubber bands around hard-cooked eggs before dipping in cups of KOOL-AID mixtures; let dry completely before removing rubber bands. For a two-tone effect, dip the dry colored eggs again in a lighter-colored prepared KOOL-AID.

SUBSTITUTE

Experiment with other KOOL-AID flavors for different color patterns.

Milk Is For More Than Drinking

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Milk is a staple in most refrigerators, but we recently found some unique and handy uses for milk “outside” of the kitchen. Milk has thousands of uses in the kitchen. It is a tasty drink on its own, and gives drinks like coffee and hot chocolate a richer flavor. It is also a hit when making pastries. Cakes, cookies and other sugary goodies are simply not as good without milk. Through the number of ways it can be used as a product for cooking and baking, people tend to overlook the fact that milk’s usefulness extends well beyond the kitchen and the dining room. It is actually among the favorite items of DIY pundits.

Milk, having a rich and creamy base, is a natural moisturizer, making it a versatile household item. It contains nutrients that are known to make skin smooth and healthy, which makes it an unconventional bath item and a popular ingredient for making soap. Its thick base, when applied on furniture, can dislodge dirt and some stains. As you can see, milk is just like a toolbox when it comes to household functions.

Here are some neat milk tips you may or may not have known:

1. Facial Mask – With milk’s moisturizing properties, you can use the dairy product to create a skin-pampering facial mask. Prepare half a cup of milk powder then add a little water. Stir the mixture until a fairly thick paste is formed. Once done, spread the milk facial mask on your face and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Wash your face then rinse right after. Your skin will be softer and will have a nice healthy glow, as if you used an actual facial mask.

2. Relief for Sunburn – Sunburn, caused by the prolonged exposure to sunlight, is pretty painful. The burnt skin will sting even at the slightest hint of contact. You can relieve yourself of the discomfort by creating a milk-based sunburn solution. Mix powdered milk with water and two pinches of salt. Apply the solution on the burnt spots and after awhile, you’ll feel better. (For more sunburn relief tips, learn how to get rid of sunburn) You can cover minor burns with a washcloth soaked in whole milk. The fat in the milk calms inflammation and helps skin heal.

3. Flavor Booster for Corn – Milk is often used to enhance the flavor of coffee and pastries. Surprisingly, it also has the same effect on corn. Pour some milk on the water used to boil corn then stir. When both ingredients have been mixed, place the corn in the mixture. Leave it in the pot until the mixture boils. Now, get the corn and take a bite. You will notice a rich sweet taste that will make you crave for more.

4. Hand Soap – Overworked hands are susceptible to skin hardening and the development of calluses. Pamper your hands by applying cold milk to the calluses and hardened layers of skin. You will have a pair of soft and clean hands right after. If your skin remains hard, just apply cold milk three times a day. Eventually, you will notice the difference before the week ends. (Tips on how to make goat’s milk soap)

5. Shaving Cream Substitute – If you run out of shaving cream, you can use milk as a worthy substitute. Mix a generous amount of powdered milk with a little water. When a thick paste has been formed, apply it on your face before shaving. It may not be as smooth as shaving cream but it will produce the same results nonetheless.

6. Relief for Insect Bites – Milk, being a naturalmoisturizer, eases the itchiness of insect bites. Its enzymes also help relieve the swelling. To relieve yourself from bug bites, create a mixture from milk, water and salt, then apply it on the insect bites. After a few moments, the welts will still be there but the redness and itching will either be gone or significantly reduced.

7. Stain Pre-Treater – If you dribble some red win on a shirt or dress, submerge the stain in whole milk, squeeze out the excess immediately, then launder as usual. Milk’s thick and creamy base is a better stain remover than water. Just soak an ink stain in a milk–lemon juice mixture for the entire day and it will fade or even disappear. For ink- you can speed up the stain-removing process by scrubbing the ink blotches while soaked in the dairy product. (For more ink stain removal tips, learn how to get ink out of clothes)

8. Shine Shoes and Leather Items – Get a rag and soak it in milk. Apply it on yourleather shoes, bags and other leather-based items for a nice quick shine. (More tips on how to clean leather)

9. China Repair – Before you toss your broken cups and dishes in the wastebasket, you can try to fix them by boiling them in milk. The milk proteins, for some reason, will react to the china then turn into an adhesive. This method may not always work but what have you got to lose anyway?

10. Ingredient for Making Soap – If you want to have soap that is hard on germs but gentle on your skin, try making one using milk. Create a mixture from milk, glycerin, oatmeal, lard and natural scent oils. You can use a blender, to speed up things. Boil the mixture for a few hours then place it on the soap molds. When it dries, you will have a product that is just as good as the ones sold at health and beauty stores.

11. Makeup Remover – Blush-ons, foundations, and other female facial enhancements latch on to your face like adhesives. It usually takes a while before you can completely wash them off your face. You can make the process easier by switching water with a mixture of powdered milk and warm water. Apply the solution on the makeup and in a matter of minutes, your face will be back to its natural state.

12. Plant Cleaner – For owners of themed gardens, you can clean your plants using skimmed milk. The beverage’s thick base, when scrubbed, can dislodge dirt, sap and stains off of leaves. Just make sure that you rinse it off of your plants after cleaning. Remember, dried milk and milk residue can soil and stain your leaves. Plant Rescuer – Mix 1 part milk with 9 parts water and spray on plants dotted with powdery mildew. Repeat weekly to keep leaves fungus-free.

13. Fish Taste Enhancer – Fish and milk have pretty distinct tastes. The funny thing is, you can actually use milk to enhance the taste of fish. Get a frozen salmon or blue marlin from the freezer and thaw it in a bowl filled with milk. After cooking, the fish will have a richer flavor and a smoother texture.

14. Furniture Cleaner and Polisher – Combining milk’s creamy base with lemon juice’s acidity creates an exceptional furniture cleaner. Milk’s heavy base will have no problems pushing away dust and dirt, while lemon juice takes care of the stains and disease-causing microbes. You can add essential oil to the mix, so your cleaner will leave a refreshing scent on your furniture.

What other uses do you know for milk? We would love to hear what you've got on the matter.

Creating a Personalized Memory Book

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Making a Memory Book

Collecting art, letters and photos can help you create a personalized book for someone you love. Create your own memory book.

Memory Book as a Milestone Birthday Gift

We just gave my mother-in-law a Memory Book for her 70th Birthday. We sent emails and letters to everyone in her email, address list and phone book. We asked them to write letters remembering funny or touching stories about her and how they met her.

Most of the people we contacted included photos; some even hand wrote the letters on beautiful stationary. Then we sorted them by category: childhood friends, family, business acquaintances, cultural group members, neighbors, young parents together, etc.

For each group, we selected a border for the letter based on that group. For example, the childhood friends had a border of children holding hands. Then we printed each letter on card stock with the borders, placed each in a page protector, and added to a three ring binder.

We received over 200 letters in all and it was well worth the time, and not much money spent. Needless to say, she loved it!

Source: A family project that was given as a gift.

By elle from Columbia, MO

Create Memory Book with Child's Art

Our children live in other states, but we always get together in the summer for a reunion at one of our homes. This year, I am making each one a memory book using all the pictures/drawings from their earliest years, ones that I have been hoarding for 35 years. They are going to be so surprised. I can hardly wait to share them, as now they have children of their own who can delight in hearing of all their childhood memories.

By Anne from Green Bay, WI

Memory Book as a Easter Gift

*Past Easter baskets, hunts, activities etc...

*Yearly Family Easter Photo's

*Art pictures

*New recipes and photos for a meal/snack your child helped make for Easter

*Making their own Easter Story Book

What other things could be added to a Easter memory book?

Have a great week!

Bunny in a Jar

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Who wouldn't like to receive this cute little bunny for Easter? Peering out of the grass in his jar, he is waiting to be given to a special somebody!

Approximate Time: 10 minutes

Supplies:

1 mason jar, wide mouth
1 bag edible Easter grass (or regular Easter grass)
1 chocolate bunny
small candies (jelly beans, malted Easter eggs, etc.)

Steps:

Put some Easter grass in the bottom of the mason jar. Create a depression in the middle to put the bunny.
Place candies around the edge of the jar and down in the bottom.
Put the chocolate bunny into the jar.

By lalala...on Thriftyfun.com

Crock Pot Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

I bet you didn’t know that you can bake bread in a crock pot. It is very easy, and totally doable, and totally flexible. You could use a frozen bread dough, homemade bread dough, make rolls, or make a loaf. You are going to want to line your crockpot with parchment paper and use an amount of dough that is proportionate to your crockpot.

We are getting ready for a move, so my smaller crockpot is packed. I used my large crockpot for this recipe, and the bread turned out a little flatter than I would have liked, but still tasted amazing!

Give this a whirl, you will be surprised at how it turns out. Just remember…DON’T LIFT THE LID while it is baking! Doing so releases the moisture/heat and increases baking times by around 20 minutes each time.

Save Print

Crock Pot Bread

Author: Amanda Carlisle

Recipe type: Bread

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 2 hours

Total time: 2 hours 10 mins

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (1 packet) yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups flour
½ cup hot water (not boiling)
1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

Add yeast, sugar, salt, and flour to a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Process on low for 1 minute.
Slowly add water, then oil, and process until dough is no longer sticking to sides, and forms a ball.
Remove dough, form into ball.
Place in greased bowl and cover with a towel.
Allow dough to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Line 4 qt. crockpot with parchment paper.
Place dough on parchment paper, cover, and cook on low for 1½ – 2 hours
Each crockpot varies, so watch it through the lid.It will be pale when it is done, and the outside will be slightly stiff, not hard and crusty.
To achieve a darken/crisp crust, put the loaf on a baking sheet or stone and put in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes. (Watch carefully)
Let cool completely, and slice!

Fun Easter Basket Options!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:32:00 +0000

What can I use as a Easter basket?

*The cheap wicker baskets (the kids could paint them, put stickers on them)
*Fabric animals and colorful pails
*Colorful organizational totes at the dollar store– fun and functional for after Easter!
*Decorative bowls
*Toy containers: baby doll bath tubs, strollers or cradles, lego containers, lunch box, sand pail etc.

~Easter grass options- fabric, scraps of fabric, a new piece of clothing, a baby blanket, paper strips etc.

No Candy Easter Basket Ideas:

Sidewalk Chalk
Playdough
Goop
Bubbles
Crayons and other art supplies
$1tree grab bags
Coloring books or printed coloring pages
Babydoll
Stuffed animal
Sleeping bag
Spongeballs
Homemade sock puppets
Letters, shapes, or number sponges for bath time
Felt Food for play kitchens
Dinosaur tails for imagination play
Superhero capes
Stickers or stamps
Pencils
Fun little notebooks
Paint kits
Kites
Balls or other sports equipment
Sippy cups or drink cups
Puzzles and other games
Fun playing card packs
Hair or jewelry accessories
Dress-up items
New hair brush sets
New toothbrush and toothpaste
New clothes or shoes
Movies
Musical toys
Books, comics, kids magazines
Sand toys for the warmer weather
Kids gardening tools
Bug catching kits
Crafting supplies/kits

Candy Free Eggs:

Eggs full or small toys or accessories (plastic dinosaurs, army men, legos, squinkies, cars, hair clips etc)
Eggs full of colorful goldfish, cheerios and other healthy swap outs.

What kind of fun replacements can you think of?

21 Day Organization Challenge ~ Yeah cleaning that is....

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 02:57:00 +0000

With the weekend here and spring right around the corner, why not challenge yourself to hit some of those areas in your house that you hate to clean. You can use this list as a guide for the next 21 days or so, maybe we can do another one next month, even take photo's of your accomplishments! Come on girls, lets get organized. Check back in next Friday for some cleaning and organizing tips.

Source: holidaysparkle.blogspot.com viaMicki on Pinterest

CIRCLE TIPS

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:37:00 +0000

Via Facebook By Conscious Discipline®

Conscious Tips for Using Imposed

When it comes to safety or children doing a "poor" job with something they have been taught TO DO, imposed, logical consequences may be used. Let C.I.R.C.L.E. be your guide!

C - State there is a CHOICE to use the old skill or a new skill
I - IMPOSE a consequence for using the old skill
R - RELATE the imposed consequences to safety or logic
C - Ask the CHILD to state back what he heard
L - LISTEN and clarify if needed
E - Offer EMPATHY with consequences

Ex. Billy did not line up from recess when the teacher blew his whistle. The whistle is the signal that recess is over and it is time to line up. This School Family has been practicing this routine for a number of weeks.

C - Billy, you have a choice to line up when I blow the whistle or to keep playing.
I - If you choose to keep playing when the whistle is blown, you will play next to me during recess.
R - When you are away from the group, something may happen. We must stay together so I can do my job which is to keep you safe. Your job is to help me keep it safe.
C - Tell me what will happen if you choose not to line up when the whistle blows.
L - Billy says, "I will play next to you." The teacher says, "That is right. So I can keep you safe."
E - If Billy does not line up when the whistle is blown, impose the consequence and offer empathy. This seems hard for you. I know how much you enjoy running around. Feel free to play alone or with friends in this area next to me.

As always, we wish you well! #iheartcd

G is for Green~ Mommy School

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:17:00 +0000

G is for Green from the Mommy School Packet, so cute and educational for tots at home learning about colors and numbers, holidays and music.
Credit to http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/

Here are some of the concepts covered in this 2-week unit:
* Letter of the week: G
* Number of the week: 5
* Color of the week: Green
*Theme of the week: Green/St. Patrick's Day
* Song of the week: Five Fat Peas

You can download your own "G is for Green" packet here.

* PLEASE do not take advantage of my willingness to share. I will not customize this packet using different fonts, colors or personalized formats.

*This packet is for personal use only! You may use this for your own preschool class or in your own home. You may never sell any part of this packet.

CFM Chapter Manager/TMN Blog Editor

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole....Paula D style!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:19:00 +0000

Submitted by: Teresa35 in our Domestic Goddesses forum.....YUM!

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Makes 6 servings

2 (24-ounce) packages refrigerated
Simply Potatoes Traditional
Mashed Potatoes
1/2 (8-ounce) package Philadelphia
Cream Cheese
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
breast, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,
divided
1 cup chopped green onion, divided
1 (12-ounce) package fresh broccoli
florets, divided
6 slices Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, cooked, crumbled, and divided

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish. Peel back film at corner of each package of potatoes to vent. Microwave on high for 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, cream cheese, and pepper; beat at medium speed with a mixer until combined. Stir in 1 3/4 cups chicken, 1 cup cheese, 2/3 cup green onion, half of broccoli, and half of crumbled bacon. Spread mixture in prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 3/4 cups chicken, remaining broccoli, remaining bacon, and remaining 1 cup cheese.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes or until cheese melts and casserole is heated through. Top with remaining 1/3 cup green onion.
Make ahead tip: Casserole may be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Bake, covered, at 325º for 20 minutes; increase oven temperature to 375º, and bake for 40 minutes longer or until heated through.

Lessons From Life

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 02:24:00 +0000

Top 10 Time Killers~how to fight back

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:43:00 +0000

Source: ticsyformacion.com via Alfredo on Pinterest

Alphabet and Healthy Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:07:00 +0000

ABC's of Healthy Foods

Can you think of more? Leave a comment.

It is all about the S word!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy @Consider Me Inspired) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 03:12:00 +0000

Sleep that is! What S word did you think I was speaking of? : )

What do you think? Which one are you? Share with us and let us know if you think it is true.

Okay now, whether you are a co-sleeper or you have that little one that loves to sneak in the bed with you at night OR the ones that insist sleeping in your bed more than their own, surely you have experienced one or more if not ALL of these positions.