Mrs. T.'s Thoughts From a Titus 2 Mom

Aldi Product Review: Spaghetti Sauce

2012-02-09T17:41:00.001-05:00

Here's another product that we love at Aldi's: Spaghetti Sauce, 24 oz. bottle costs $1.19 which is a good buy. Tastes just like Ragu or Prego. No coupon needed.

For a quick meal, pour some over cooked meatballs (we usually get ours from Sam's Club but you can also make your own). I cook the meatballs the night before. Add Italian seasonings and heat.

Serve on French bread with chip, apple slices and a fruit smoothie. Voila! Lunch in about 15 minutes. This is a man/boy pleaser meal and makes plenty for company as well.

Project 52 P52 / Week 6 / Drink Up!

2012-02-09T11:59:00.003-05:00

This week's theme for Project 52 is Drink Up! [I am #33.] Since I have the creativity of a teaspoon, I had to really think hard about this one. I chose two of my favorite beverages--fresh coffee and wine. I love drinking both out of pretty cups or glasses. It makes it taste even better, don't you think? :)

A shelf in my china cabinet from a different angle...

A Valentines Day toast to you all... I used a mirror for this one. :)

I had friends over for coffee this morning and I served it in these pretty china cups.

Hope you enjoy the photos. Can't wait to see yours!

FREE Valentines Events in Winter Park This Weekend

2012-02-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do this week for fun? or to celebrate Valentines Day early? There are several FREE events in Winter Park this week. We'll be at the concert, weather permitting. Check out THIS LINK for other featured events in our lovely city.

Valentine Concert featuring Michael Andrew and Swingerhead

When: Sunday, February 12, 2012
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Central Park in downtown Winter Park
Cost: FREE
Contact: 407-644-8281

http://www.last.fm/music/Swingerhead

Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring "Sleepless in Seattle"THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2012 @ 7:00 PMCentral Park in Downtown Winter Park

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/

Project 52 P52 / Week 5 / Shadows

2012-02-03T08:10:00.003-05:00

This week's theme for Project 52 is Shadows. [I am #53.] All I could think of was sunlight--didn't even occur to me to do a hand shadow or a person's silhouette. Glad we're all so different with varying ideas. :)

Here are three photos that I took recently. Just click on a photo to enlarge it.

This first one was taken with my iPod Touch about 2 weeks ago. I was on a morning walk and the sun was just coming up. It's actually my favorite though it's not the sharpest image.

My husband and I went out for coffee last Sunday evening and I remembered this week's theme so I made sure I had my camera. On the way we passed this park and gardens. I think he almost wrecked the car when I yelled to pull over so I could take this photo. :)

This one was after we reached our destination and were walking around sipping coffee. All the shops were closed up and this breezeway had just been prepared for the next day.

Hope you enjoy the photos. Can't wait to see yours!

Leftovers: chips and crackers

2012-01-31T17:33:00.003-05:00

What do you do with the little bits of chips and crackers that no one wants to eat because they are the last in the bag(s)? I hate throwing food away, even little bits, so if I can think of a good use for them, I just save them for just the right occasion. Process these little bits and make crumbs for baked pork chops or chicken, rather than frying. This takes about 2 minutes and tastes great. I do this with leftover homemade bread as well.

By the way, these are Aldi boneless pork chops. Reasonably priced and just enough for a meal for 3-4.

Dinner: pork chops, sweet potato, sautéed peppers and onions, avocado, fruit salad

January 31 = Proverbs 31

2012-01-31T08:58:00.002-05:00

No woman is perfect but these are qualities we can all strive for. I have never met a woman who is like this ALL the time. These are not intended to be a "guilt trip", but they are God's Word of encouragement to us...

Prov. 31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him.

Prov. 31:2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

Prov. 31:3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.

Prov. 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

Prov. 31:5 Lest they drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Prov. 31:6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.

Prov. 31:7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his trouble no more.

Prov. 31:8 Open your mouth for the dumb, For the rights of all the unfortunate.

Prov. 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Prov. 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.

Prov. 31:12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.

Prov. 31:13 She looks for wool and flax, And works with her hands in delight.

Prov. 31:14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.

Prov. 31:15 She rises also while it is still night, And gives food to her household, And portions to her maidens.

Prov. 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Prov. 31:17 She girds herself with strength, And makes her arms strong.

Prov. 31:18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.

Prov. 31:19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.

Prov. 31:20 She extends her hand to the poor; And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

Prov. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Prov. 31:22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Prov. 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

Prov. 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.

Prov. 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Prov. 31:28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

Prov. 31:29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”

Prov. 31:31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

Scriptures: New American Standard Bible

Project 52 P52 / Week 4 / Self Portrait

2012-01-27T00:03:00.043-05:00

I'm sticking with the Project 52 photography "assignment" that I began the first week of January. If you want to see the other photos I have submitted, click HERE. This week's theme is Self-Portrait [I am #35]. I love the freedom Darcy gives us in using our imagination to come up with a photo that defines whatever the theme is. The following photos you could say, define me...who I am, what/whom I love the most.

One is a true self-portrait which was harder to take than it looks. Have you ever tried taking a photo of yourself with your camera, holding it level, then smiling into a MIRROR at the same time--without covering your face with the camera? :) By the way, this is the pocket camera (a Sony Cybershot, 14.1 MP) that I use to take all of my photos. It is possible to take good ones with the little guys... :) One day maybe I'll own a nice digital SLR but for now, it's not in the budget... I'm perfectly happy with this one and carry it everywhere with me. [If anyone has one that works that they no longer use [either giving away or selling very inexpensively], please let me know!]

Next, are the people and activities I spend most of my time with / on:

my sweet family--I've been married almost 25 years; two sons ages 22 and 17.
music-- I play the piano for enjoyment, weddings and other family events and teach at home. I have owned this Baldwin piano since I was 10 years old.
my other home business --My Ebay / Amazon internet stores keep me on the computer quite a bit but I am thankful for a pleasant home office from which to work (designed by my husband).

Lastly are three things I love and enjoy:

my 25-year-old Bible with notes and thoughts from my married life and motherhood...things I have studied and learned over the years
color, the more brilliant the better. This is a Murano glass perfume bottle, a gift from my husband. I love the way it reflects light. I keep it on top of my piano where I can see it often.
a good cup of coffee, preferably homemade. :) Not a huge fan of Starbucks (too strong, but I do drink it occasionally). Last year I discovered Dunkin Donuts coffee on an airplane flight and LOVE it!

NOTES: I photographed all of these with my little camera (someone else used it to take the family portrait), edited with iPhoto just a bit and "framed" the last two photos using the PicFrame app on my iPod Touch.

Facebook LIKE Button

2012-01-26T09:18:00.002-05:00

I am attempting to build up my Ebay Store and Piano Business presence on Facebook, so if you don't mind, would you please LIKE My Ebay Store on FB? The tab is located in the righthand sidebar. Thank you so much!

Orlando February 2012 ArtsFest

2012-01-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if you saw the insert in Sunday's paper [Feb. 22] about the upcoming ArtsFest during the month of February here in the Orlando area--both ticketed and non-ticketed events.. There are LOTS of venues in the various performing arts in our community and they are all FREE. Check them out and try to attend at least a couple during this special event.

Used Curriculum Books For Sale / Happy Housewife Connection

2012-01-25T09:18:00.003-05:00

Today I am linking up with The Happy Housewife in listing used homeschool books and curriculum that I have in my Ebay store under the category EDUCATION / HOMESCHOOL. Here is what is available. If you would like to purchase, go to THIS LINK.

Pilgrim's Progress Study Manual with Original Text
Pilgrim's Progress in Pictures
TruthQuest History / Ancient Egypt & Greece
TruthQuest History / Ancient Rome
Vintage Gregg Shorthand simplified for colleges
God's Gift of Language B / A Beka
Engineering Drawing & Graphic Technology, 12th Edition
Adventurous Girl's Handbook
Italic Letters Calligraphy Handwriting
Student Works Glencoe Florida Edition Mathematics CD
A Time for Anger, Franky Schaeffer
A+ Education, Choosing the Best School Option
Digital Video Tutor College Algebra 2nd ed.
Everything You Need to Know about English Homework
Lakeshore Counting Match-ups 2 Pc Puzzles
Scholastic Children's Thesaurus & Dictionary

Also, in my Amazon store, I have:

Analytical Concordance of the Greek New Testament
College English and Commmunication 8th edition, with student workbook
The Homeschooling Family, audio cassette
Math Connects, Chapter 0 Start Smart, Teacher's Edition
Math Connects, Chapter 5, Add & Subtract, Teacher's Edition

My younger son is in his senior year of high school and is also dual enrolling at a community college. My older son is about to graduate college. We have used many of these items over the years and they are in very good condition, most are like new.

Thank you for shopping with me!

Aldi Product Review: Blueberry Muffin and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mixes

2012-01-22T18:03:00.000-05:00

We tried Aldi's blueberry muffin and chocolate chip cookie mixes and they were both delicious. I believe they were each about $1.29 each as opposed to $2.79+ for Pillsbury blueberry muffin mix and $1.79+ for cookie mix. Everyone enjoyed them so much that I didn't even have a chance to take a photo of the cookies!

Project 52 / Week 3 / I Dreamed A Dream

2012-01-16T00:03:00.007-05:00

These photos are my submission for this week's Project 52 on Friday [I am photo #54] , but I thought it was appropriate to post them today since it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I took them when my sons and I were in Washington, DC in March over Spring Break last year.

I was reading the plaques in the American History Museum and studying the scene below when three young girls walked up together and stood for quite awhile in deep thought over this exhibit. It was a rather poignant moment. I can only imagine what they were thinking but I'm sure that Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been glad to know these young girls will grow up in a world so different from his own with many more rights and privileges than he had. As he dreamed a dream, perhaps they do as well.

My dream and prayer is that one day the human trafficking / slavery that still continues in our world today will be brought more into the light and abolished as well.

For the text and audio of that great speech given on August 28, 1963, go HERE.

Using Leftovers: Homemade Pot Pie

2012-01-15T15:46:00.001-05:00

I seldom clip recipes but when I do, it has to be good. This one really is and over the years I have made a few changes to this one for Quick Beef Pot Pie which is dated February 1990 from Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Here is the original.

Enlarge by clicking on the photo, but in case you still can't read it... My changes are in italics.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 recipe beef vegetable stew [or pot roast, bbq beef, cooked veggies, whatever you have]
3 tbsp. margarine or butter [butter makes everything taste better]
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. loose-pack frozen peas [1/2 bag of peas]
1 4-oz. can whole mushrooms, drained [I used fresh mushrooms and added onions and sautéed them together, layering the flavors]
1 pkg. refrigerated biscuits [flaky are my favorite, but any will do, or homemade bread dough]

DIRECTIONS

1. If frozen, thaw the beef and vegetable stew

2. Melt margarine or butter in a large saucepan / pot

3. Stir in flour and the rosemary. Stir continually until you get little lumps of flour mixed with the butter.

4. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir regularly till thickened and bubbly.

[sauté mushrooms and onions--I also added more corn-- in a different skillet]

5. Stir in the stew, peas and mushrooms. Cook til bubbly.

6. Pour into 2-quart casserole dish.

7. Halve biscuits crosswise. Arrange them in two rings around outside edge of casserole.

8. Sprinkle with rosemary, if desired. The rosemary really does add a nice flavor.

9. Bake in 450 degree oven 8-10 minutes or until biscuit crust is golden brown. [I made this up ahead of time and had it in the refrigerator for a few hours until closer to dinnertime. When ready to cook, I baked it at 300 degrees for 45 minutes and it was fine.]

This recipe made enough for one larger pot pie plus two individual pies. My family loved it. Layering the flavors by sauté-ing the veggies and having already cooked the beef in another meal makes all the difference in taste. Enjoy!

10 minute hot breakfast

2012-01-15T08:28:00.003-05:00

10 min hot whole-grain fiber breakfast: 2 cups oats (real oats, not instant), 1 apple, handful of raisins, sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a dash of honey ... Mmmm...

TIP: Don't waste your money on the "instant" oatmeals or the "quick-cooking" oatmeal. They're loaded with sugar and who knows what else and the whole grain for the most part, has been eliminated. Unfortunately, Quaker makes both. Once kids get used to the sugar cereals, it's hard to get them readjusted to unsweetened or sweetened naturally cereals.

The "quick" oatmeal takes 5 minutes instead of 10, so you're not saving much time and you're buying a LOT less for your money.

Christmas Decor: Taking It All Down

2012-01-14T00:03:00.000-05:00

Probably most of you have already done this, but if not, or if you want to streamline it for next year...

I do it in stages. The previous year as I am taking things down, I weed through and donate, give away or throw away things that we no longer use or want. Last year I tossed about 3 large boxes worth of items. This year I emptied one entire storage bin and donated a small bag of ornaments and decor. The simpler the better... less real is more.

Step 1: Have men in the household gather all the storage bins and put them in one room. I have them do this the night before I start taking everything down. [15 minutes. We did this at 9:00 p.m.]

Step 2: Empty a large flat surface. I cleared off our dining room table. Then run, don't walk, around the house and just gather up everything setting out that is Christmas related and lay it on the table where you can see it. [30 minutes. I did this at 7:00 a.m.]

Step 3: Open up all the bins and pull out boxes for ornaments, tissue paper for wrapping/packing, so that each bin is completely empty. Be sure to have a trash can nearby and a basket for putting things in that you want to donate or give to someone else but not use next year. [20 minutes. 1:00 p.m.]

Step 4: Empty Christmas dishes from kitchen cabinets and move to china cabinet. Replace with everyday dishes.

Step 5: Wash Christmas linens so they can go into the bin also. We had used Christmas dishes and linens the night before so there were still some to be washed.

Step. 6: Take all the ornaments off of the tree(s) and put in boxes. [45 minutes. 1:30 p.m.]

Step 7: Go to the dining room table and start grouping items together that go in the same box. Begin wrapping/packing to protect from breakage. Linens together, snow globes together, breakables in the same box, stockings, nativity scenes, etc. Wrap carefully and put in the boxes/bins. Put the lid on each bin when it is full. It gives you a sense of accomplishment to walk through and see closed bins. :) [1 hour]

Step 8: We have 3 small trees and one large tree. We leave the lights on the small ones as we store them and take them off the big tree. Pack the lights, wrap the small trees and box them. Wind the lights or layer them in sections so they do not get tangled. My younger son has this job. [30 minutes]

Step 9: We have an artificial 8 foot tree. My son also disassembles it (I helped) and boxes it up. [30 minutes]

Step 10: Stack all the boxes in one place to be moved into the garage when husband comes home. [5 minutes]

Step 11: Redecorate back to normal life. [1 hour]

We started early but took long breaks and had this all done basically in one afternoon. Bins were back on the shelves (my goal is to have nothing in our attic) and house redecorated for dinner. It was so much easier having streamlined and weeded through everything last year. There was less to put out but it still looked very Christmas-y and cozy.

So another year, closing the door on Christmas, but always anticipating the next one.

Project 52 / Week 2 / Made With Love Handmade Gifts from the Heart

2012-01-13T16:56:00.004-05:00

Continuing on with Week 2 of Project 52--this week's theme was "Made With Love" [I am #128 if you visit the site]. When I was a taking down the Christmas decorations I found many items in this category. I'm sure you did, too! I was amazed at how many decorations carried me back to a specific person, time or season of life. I pack these treasures carefully and lovingly put them away this week.

I found this cross-stitch pattern in a magazine. I used to do this when I was pregnant and when my children were quite young. These are two of the few things I actually kept for our house! Most have been given away.

Still in my cross-stitch phase... I made ornaments for our sons each year for several years. What makes this one and its mate extra special is that the backing is made from parts of flannel feet pajamas that they both wore when they were babies. I can still picture them wearing them. :) They get a new ornament each year through age 18, so that when they are out on their own they have "starter" set of memory ornaments for their own Christmas trees. Many families have this tradition.

These two monkeys are very special. My grandmother had them made for our two sons when they were very young while she was still living. They never knew her since she lived so far away and did not travel in her 90s when they were born. I still remember my older son sitting inside the large box with the monkey when it arrived for him!

My sister-in-law quilted this for us one year.

She sews beautifully and now does gorgeous machine embroidery.

When money was tighter, the kids and I made these ornaments from felt, glitter and favorite photos...

My older son is a graphic designer and made this 3D glass project as a birthday gift for me. I love that it is so unique but most of all because he made it just for me. :)

I had been after my husband to draw a picture of our home, but he was too busy. What a surprise one birthday when my son surprised me with this drawing that he had done. :) My neighbor and 2 piano student parents saw it and hired him to do theirs, too!

My husband drew this for me when we first dated-- 5 years before we married! LONG story... :)

Kindergarten Christmas angel from a paper plate...

I sewed new napkins for Christmas gifts one year and kept two sets + matching tablecloths for us.

A dear friend made this for me when my first son was born. When our younger son was born, I added the second baby in the cross-stitch.

I did the same thing with the 4th stocking. A friend had made the first three when my older son was born. I went to JoAnn's and found the SAME fabric to do a 4th stocking. The saleswoman could not believe they had it!

One of my last cross-stitch pieces for our home... something I hope we always remember... :)

ORGANIZATION TIP: Christmas card photos

2012-01-10T19:42:00.005-05:00

What do you do with all those Christmas card photos from cards received?

Some put them on their refrigerators, others just toss them. I trim them down and put in a special "friends" album, stacking them from year to year.

Digital photos are great but I still love looking back over the photos of friends from years gone by.

I selected this pretty red gingham because I love red and because most of the photos are from Christmas cards. It holds 200 4" x 6" photos.

This is a fun project that I generally do sometime in January. I re-read the Christmas letters and cards that were sent, often praying for the dear ones who have sent them to us. Then I remove the photos from the cards or trim the photo cards down to fit the album.

After removing the photos, I use the paper trimmer and save some of the fronts of cards to use for gift tags next year. They are especially nice to attach to gifts for unbelievers, i.e. neighbors, co-workers, etc. since most have a Christian blessing / message for this season rather than just Happy Holidays. :)

I insert the photos into the album. Some families have 8+ photos in their slot since we have been friends for many years. I purge them periodically so the clear covers do not tear from too many in one slot.

A special album for special friends...old and new.

Aldi Cereal Price Comparison

2012-01-09T15:56:00.003-05:00

I use coupons but lately due to time constraints have slacked off bit. Instead, I have been doing most of my food shopping at Aldi which is close to us and using coupons for items that Aldi does not carry at either Winn Dixie or Publix. It has been surprising to me how much $$ I am saving for our regular grocery purchases by this simple change.

Two examples of items we regularly purchase are Cheerios and UNfrosted Shredded Wheat. I was so glad to see today that the Aldi Shredded wheat is now in stock at $1.79 a box. They have had the frosted for quite awhile but just got the Unfrosted. Grocery store price is $2.99-$3.29 for a 16.4 oz box although I did see it this week at Winn Dixie BOGO $4.19 ($2.09 each). Still cheaper at Aldi. Tastes just the same as the Post brand.

The Aldi version of Cheerios tastes exactly like General Mills Cheerios (my have cereal, so I know!). $1.59 for a 14 oz. box. Grocery store price: $ 3.99+.

I'll keep posting every now and then about products that we like at Aldi. We are trying many of them systematically each time I shop there. [We don't care for the yogurt.] I just discovered the free Blogger app and how easy it is to use! :)

Project 52 Photo Challenge #1

2012-01-07T14:15:00.004-05:00

I have taken a break from regular blogging since Thanksgiving--you probably noticed--but this caught my attention on someone else's blog and thought I'd give it a try since I love photography.

It's called Project 52 Photo Challenge sponsored by Darcy at my3boybarians.com. Each week is themed and participants submit a photo in that category. This will get me shooting more with purpose and improve my own photography as well as simply be a fun thing to do.

This week's theme is "Resolution" and here is the photo I submitted. I am image #194.

I want to intentionally be more thankful in a tangible way this year and started reading this book in the first week of our new year to help with that goal. I'm on chapter 4 now and I am making my list of 1000 gifts on my iPod Touch so it's handy whenever I want to record a gift--no searching for the notebook or pen and paper. You might want to give it a try. As is often with books, I delayed reading it since "everyone else was reading it" last year. The first two chapters are hard, but after that, you can get into the heart and soul of the author and see her intention--to help us be more thankful rather than grumbling and complaining. Check it out, as well as this photography challenge. May it encourage you as it has me.

Merry Christmas! God Bless Us Every One!

2011-12-21T14:06:00.002-05:00

These last couple of weeks have really been busy for me -- both personally and in my Ebay store--hence, very little time for blogging. People are shopping like crazy and I've been shipping packages almost every day.

I baked bread for my neighbor gifts again this week and learned how to make clover rolls as well. My bread baking as a homemade gift was even mentioned in one of my favorite blogs last week. :)

I was again a volunteer pianist in one of our local hospitals during December.

Our home is decorated, Christmas gifts purchased and almost all of them wrapped and under the tree, food shopping will be done on Friday. Our older college age son is staying with us for a few days which we love. We have annual traditions such as Christmas Eve pizza, shaped sugar cookies and church together. Christmas Day will bring fresh cinnamon rolls, praying together, opening gifts, a special meal (my husband is grilling this year), and a movie that afternoon or evening. We have out of town relatives coming to visit on Dec. 26 (including some little ones!) so that will be a treat as well. It's such fun to experience Christmas with little children. :)

Today I had a mammogram and sonogram to check out a suspicious spot on one of my breasts and both turned out to be CLEAN. Praise God--a special Christmas gift indeed. That shadow had been hanging over us for a few weeks, so we are truly rejoicing with exceeding great joy at the mercy of God in this good news.

Here are a few photos from our holiday activities with friends and family, mostly low-key this year:

For my friends on Facebook, check out my notes for our annual Christmas letter. Cards are going out AFTER Christmas this year since our family photo is being taken over the weekend. This is last year's...

May your Christmas celebrations center on Jesus who was born this day in the city of David so long ago to save us from our sin. He is the best Gift of all. [Luke 2]

Merry Christmas!

Have You Heard of Earthing?

2011-12-07T10:20:00.002-05:00

I love learning about new things, particularly as they relate to our health and spiritual lives, as well as practical information. Last Sunday a couple of women were talking about "earthing". This was a new term to me and I asked what it was. One of the women gave me a crash course and suggested that I research it at the website of the same name which I did even that afternoon since it was so intriguing.

In a nutshell, from the site:

Earthing is about “grounding” your body to naturally discharge inflammation, pain and stress. It’s simple and it’s free. All you have to do is place your bare feet directly on the earth...

The site offers a free excerpt from the book which you can read HERE or listen HERE. Very interesting reading but it may sound a bit "New Age-y" to you i.e. Feng Shui, which is also based on electromagnetic paths of energy. The book uses the term "grounding" as when you have the three-pronged plug on your expensive appliances and computers to protect them from electrical charges that may occur in everyday life. I know myself, that I, for some reason, am particularly sensitive to electromagnetic equipment and have had to purchase diodes to help with this. [I have an extra diode in my Ebay store if you are interested in purchasing one.] One of my sons seems to have this same sensitivity, yet my husband and other son do not. I have no idea why... maybe they just don't notice it.

Anyway, I've been doing the earthing activity that is suggested--sitting outside with your bare feet on the ground for 20+ minutes for the last four days. It's actually quite pleasant and I enjoy reading the Bible outside in the fresh air.

I did not feel "bad" before I started but I do feel better overall than I did. I had had a lot of stress over the weekend and after just one day of the 30-minute outdoor/bare feet time, really did not notice the stress any longer. We all know that fresh air and outside activities make us feel good anyway, so I am a little skeptical as you may be also. I have noticed MORE sensitivity to electrical things when I touch them since doing my "exercise" began, and I'm not sure why that is. Anyway, I'm my own guinea pig for a few more days before I check out any of the products that Earthing offers. The research sounds reasonable and since I know my own body well enough to notice a difference, maybe it is a good thing--for me. Check it out. It may not be for everyone though, as THIS interesting article says...

Genesis 1:31

And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.

Christmas Blues? Try Serving or Helping Others

2011-12-04T17:52:00.003-05:00

I can't remember when I have had the winter / Christmas blues. This past weekend I definitely did due to some stressful situations totally out of my control. My husband was away for two days and I was getting anxious about something that hadn't even happened yet! Our imaginations can be a bad thing sometimes. I was moping around a bit on Friday and a little on Saturday morning. I had already committed myself to play the piano at one of our local hospitals over the holidays, so I got out the Christmas music on Saturday and played for about 30 minutes at home, then went on down to the hospital. Thankfully, it's close to our home and since I had done this last year, I was already signed up and had my Volunteer badge / ID card.

What a difference playing and serving others made in my attitude! I was so glad that I went. I played for more than an hour, met some interesting people, cheered up more than a few and "warmed the heart" of at least one employee working in the lobby. Now, I can't wait to go back next week and play a few more times up through Christmas Eve/Day.

Next time you're in a slump, try reaching out to someone else and cheering them up. There are many over the holidays who might need a friend, some conversation and a little company. I know that I would hate to be in the hospital over the holidays, so again, I'm so glad that I am offering my gift of music to others this Christmas season. Who knows? The familiar traditional Christmas carols may be the only "gospel" some hear this holiday time. Most people know the words from memory, particularly the older ones, and it may become new to them for the first time in their time of need (loved ones in the hospital). I pray that it does and that I can bless many in this way.

LOCAL EVENTS: Christmas Music / Bach Festival Choir Winter Park Dec. 1, 2011

2011-11-30T19:47:00.001-05:00

Looking for something to do this week / weekend?

Christmas in the Park / Tiffany Window Display is quite lovely. We go just about every year as part of our Christmas traditions. HERE is a post from 2009.

Christmas in the Park

Thursday, Dec. 1

6:15 pm - 8:00 p.m.

Each year, on the first Thursday of December, the Morse Museum helps launch the holiday season in Winter Park when it lights up Tiffany windows in Central Park and presents the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble in concert. This December is the 33rd annual celebration of Christmas in the Park.

More info HERE.

Then, on Friday night, Dec. 2, a free movie in the same park. This Friday's feature: A Christmas Story

More info HERE.

Bring a picnic, blankets and seats and enjoy the fresh air and outdoor entertainment.

Starbucks 12 Days of Sharing 2011

2011-11-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

My friend from Coupons Make It Free did all the work, but just wanted to let you know that Starbucks begins its 12 Days of Sharing this Thursday, Dec. 1. Here are the specials they will be having:

December 1st:
Holiday Starbucks Petites 4 pack $3.95 (regularly $5) or 2/$6 (regularly $10)

December 2nd:
Starbucks Christmas Blend 1 pound $9.95 or Starbucks Via Ready Brew Christmas Blend 12pk $7.95

December 3rd:
Holiday Themed 16 oz. Cold Cup $9.95 (regularly $12.95)

December 4th:
Holiday Mugs $4.95 (regularly $8.95)

December 5th:
Starbucks Coffee Sampler Gift Pack $9.95 (regularly $14.95)

December 6th:
Let’s Merry or Red Cup Tumbler $7.95 (regularly $10.95-$11.95)

December 7th:
50% off Cranberry Bliss Bars 6 pack $6.95 (regularly $13.95)

December 8th:
Any Starbucks VIA Ready Brew 12 pack $7.95 (regularly $9.95-$11.95)

December 9th:
Free Starbucks VIA Ready Brew 3 pack with purchase of 1 pound Christmas Blend $14.95 (regularly $17.90)

December 10th:
Tazo Tea Sampler or Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Gift Pack Sampler Pack $12.95 (regularly $16.95-$19.95)

December 11th:
Holiday Boxed Mugs $6.95 (regularly $9.95)

December 12th:
FREE Brewed Coffee During the Month of January 2012 when you buy and use the 16oz Tumbler on sale for $19.95 (over $70 value)

LOCAL EVENT: Home for the Holidays Orlando Philharmonic FREE Concert

2011-11-26T12:13:00.000-05:00

FREE Local Concert

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert "Home for the Holidays"

When: Sunday, November 27, 2011 @ 4:00 PM
Where: Central Park in Downtown Winter Park
Cost: FREE
Contact: 407-896-6700
Website: http://www.orlandophil.org

The City of Winter Park invites you to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops concert in Winter Park’s charming Central Park. Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the Philharmonic in a beautiful program of holiday favorites for all ages featuring the Holiday Singers, and the Florida Youth Program Singers under the direction of Robin Jensen. This free public concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust.

Audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable, canned or dry food items to help restock the pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Bring a blanket and a picnic and get ready for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season.