``This and Thats of Life``

Breakfast time yummies !

2026-07-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ever sit and stare at your coffee and toast and think ``BLAH``
Well here are some quick breakfast ideas to spruce up your morning and give you a good start to your day.
``Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper!”

Quick oatmeal crisp
``great way to use those left behind apples before they go bad``
1-3 apples peeled,cored and sliced
4 teaspoons of margarine or butter
1-3 packages of instant oatmeal your choice of flavor ( my favorite is raisins and spice)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
arrange apples in baking dish
sprinkle with cinnamon
top with oatmeal
dot with butter/margarine
bake at 350 degrees in oven for 15-20 minutes
ENJOY!!!

Fruity french toast
``great way to use up the last of the bread``
you can prepare anytime and store in freezer!
just heat in pan or toaster in morning

makes 4 servings so adjust accordingly
4 slices bread
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
beat eggs,vanilla and cinnamon stir in milk
dip bread in mixture,turning to coat bread evenly
cook toast in frying pan or griddle till lightly brown on each
put in a sealed bag to freeze or eat right away.
top with your desired fruit,bananas, peaches,strawberries,blueberries (i like yogurt and fruit mix)
or any choice of syrup
YUMMY!

Yogurt and Jam banana split
``quick and easy way to use up bananas``
1 banana per person
1 half cup your choice of yogurt per serving
2 tablespoons your choice of jam or preserves
2 tablespoons your choice of granola or sliced almonds or other nuts
handful of berries- blueberries,sliced strawberry or cherries,peaches

split banana lengthwise and place on shallow bowl or plate
scoop yogurt on top
warm the jam in microwave for 15-30 seconds
drizzle jam over yogurt,sprinkle nuts,or granola over top
top with berries
try not to drool before first bite!!

Breakfast potatoes
``good way to use those stray potatoes``
1-2 potato per person
1 package of onion soup mix
vegetable oil (or your choice of cooking oil)
sprinkle of garlic powder or chopped garlic
- you can also chop up any leftover veggies you want to use up
(i usually add chopped peppers,red,yellow,orange,green)
sometimes add chives)
you can adjust accordingly to flavors you like best
for added goodness you can try adding:
grated cheese on top
or chopped sausages serve with eggs or eat as is
either way you will enjoy this mouth watering dish!

wash,slice and dice potatoes into small cubes
place in frying pan use enough oil to coat all potatoes
stir in onion soup mix to spread evenly
cook on medium to high for 30-40 minutes till potatoes are tender
this can be prepared ahead of time and just toss in pan to heat up in morning so it is quicker
you can also freeze it!

`Natures healing twins` Garlic

2012-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

When it comes to garlic the power of healing is even more pronounced. Since the first recorded civilizations, garlic has been grown and treasured for both medicinal and culinary reasons. Science has been discovering more and more that this ``stinking rose`` as is has been called, has truly remarkable medicinal powers.

GARLIC

1. Arthritis- To help calm arthritis pain
-rub sliced garlic directly on affected area
Rub on as much as needed

2. Bee Stings- Eating garlic or taking garlic supplements will reduce your chances of being stung by bees in the summer. But if you do get a sting,here`s what to d0:

-Apply garlic oil
or rub freshly sliced garlic over bites
or stings to reduce pain and swelling
re apply as needed

-For more severe sting
placing crushed garlic on bite
secure in place with bandage or gauze
leave on for 15 minutes
-Another remedy is:(make ahead remedy for summer)
in a bottle
-Take 2 cups apple cider vinegar
add 3 tablespoons of fresh Thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme
close bottle tightly ,place in warm spot
shake bottle 2 times a day for 2 weeks
Then add 7 crushed garlic cloves to the solution
close lid and shake 2 times a day for another 2 weeks
after 1 month strain the mixture into a dark colored bottle and keep stored in cool place
whenever you get a sting apply a dab of the solution for relief

3. Blisters:
-Massage garlic oil directly on blister to relieve symptoms
repeat until the blister goes away

4. Bronchitis:
-Rub the throat and chest
with the oil from crushed garlic clove
to loosen congestion and lessen cough
-Take fresh garlic and chew small piece daily to clean and heal the bronchial tubes
``Garlic has been proven in clinical trials to have antiviral properties.
patients with bronchitis or the common cold were treated with garlic.
nearly 90% of them reported that respiratory symptoms improved considerably,along with aching muscles and fatigue``

5. Chicken pox:
- Apply oils from crushed garlic directly to chicken pox sores
Take garlic capsules or chew small piece of fresh sliced garlic clove to fight off the infection
garlic will help speed recovery

6.Fever:
-Reduce fever by rubbing sliced garlic cloves on the soles of the feet
put on warmed socks
leave on over night or all day
the fever should be gone by morning
To treat flu
-take 2 garlic capsules a day to fight symptoms

7. Hangover:
`garlic helps clear alcohol from the bloodstream quickly and provides faster recovery from loss of coordination `
- For maximum effect eat 5 -15 cloves before you go to bed after drinking
Hangover should be greatly lessened if not totally gone by morning

8. Indigestion:
-Take 2 garlic capsules whenever you feel indigestion symptoms
Or drink garlic tea
Another one to try is
Mince a clove of garlic and mix with 2 teaspoons of honey
take before meals to prevent

9. Pet care:
Garlic can keep your pets Worm free
-Add 1-2 garlic cloves to your pets food for 1 week per month
Can also help prevent Fleas

10. Diabetes:
Garlic has the ability to lower blood sugar levels.
Take fresh garlic or garlic pills daily to keep blood sugar levels down.
Also has been proven to prevent Atherosclerosis,which is a common complication of diabetes. - just add 1 clove a day in any form you like
Cooked in your food
garlic wine
capsules etc.

`Nature`s healing twins` Vinegar

2012-01-26T17:19:00.001-08:00

Vinegar was a remedy commonly used by Hippocrates,the father of modern medicine. Ancient armies marched with vinegar in their flasks, drinking it as a daily tonic for energy, strength and vitality. Samurai warriors of Japan drank it for strength and power. These and many more uses have been passed down through ages, and modern science is now proving just how truly beneficial they are.

Vinegar

1. Ear infections: (Warm a tablespoon in hot water) poor tablespoon
of vinegar -(white or apple cider) into infected ear, keep head tilted for 3-5 minutes.Place cloth or tissue over ear and tilt to drain excess liquid. Do this 2-3 times a day till ear is feeling better.The acetic acid is known to clear the Malodorous green discharge within a few hours.OR gently clean the ear,then place cotton soaked in vinegar into the ear. Leave in ear up to 48 hours, if pain and swelling persists repeat process using new cotton soaked in vinegar. A week or more of this treatment may be required if condition is chronic.
2. Head lice : Shampoo hair,rinse the head thoroughly with White vinegar.The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the glue holding the nits to the hair.Comb more vinegar through hair and smother hair with Real mayonnaise(not miracle whip) cover hair with shower cap or saran wrap. Next wrap warmed towel around head and leave on for 2 hours this will smother the lice and further loosen up the glue holding the nits.Shampoo 1 -2 times to remove mayonnaise and once again rinse with vinegar. Section hair and comb through with Nit comb or fine toothed comb. In 7 - 10 days Shampoo hair again, and rinse with vinegar.The extra benefit is you`ll have shiny hair!
3. Bleeding: Apple cider vinegar can stop bleeding by gently cauterizing tiny blood vessels. For cuts and scrapes,soak a cotton ball or gauze pad with vinegar and squeeze out excess liquid.Place it on the wound and apply light pressure for a few minutes, remove cotton and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
Nose bleeds- First give your nose a good blow to remove blood clot.Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and gently pack it up your nostril. pinch your nose above the nostril area( mid nose) Breathe through your mouth.Hold position for few minutes then gently remove cotton packing.If the bleeding has not stopped completely repeat procedure.
4.Coughs and Colds:
For coughs- mix 1/2 cup lemon juice, ,1 teaspoon Honey and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a cup ,this will calm cough and soothe sore throats.
Homemade cough syrup:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon Ginger
2 tablespoons Vinegar
4 tablespoons boiling water
4 tablespoons Honey and lemon juice
mix together well, if solution is to `hot` due to pepper and ginger add more water
take 2 teaspoons every few hours
Chest cold :
(if you don`t mind black pepper) - Soak brown paper towel in vinegar
squeeze excess lightly
shake black pepper on one side of it
lay it across your chest pepper side down
put warm shirt or thermal top on
keep on for 20 - 30 minutes blot off gently with warm water
5. Nasal congestion/sinuses- OR -Migraines/headaches:
drink 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in glass of water daily
You can also reduce symptoms by
- boil 2 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups water in a pot
remove from heat
lean over pot with towel over your head like a tent
inhale lightly for 10-20 minutes ( if you need to uncover head a minute cause steam is too overwhelming do so )
-To rid migraine- try 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey mixed in warm water drink slowly
6. Cramps:
Muscle cramps in legs, feet ,or other parts of the body can be painful.Such muscle cramps are caused by too low a level of potassium.
Take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to quickly bring potassium level back up and relieve cramping
OR
soak towel or cloth in warm apple cider vinegar
wring it out
wrap it around the sore muscle and leave till it cools
OR
You can add 2-3 cups apple cider vinegar into a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes
7. Constipation/Diarrhea:
Apple cider vinegar is known to clean intestines and stimulate bowel activity to fight constipation
-constipation-mix 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar in glass of water
drink at bedtime
if you don`t have relief in morning try this:
mix 2 teaspoons vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in cup of hot water
Vinegar fights sever types of bacteria that cause Diarrhea
-Diarrhea-1-2 teaspoons vinegar and small amount of water
8.Burns:
white vinegar can speed healing and soothe the pain of minor burns.
-Soak brown paper towel or brown paper bag in white vinegar
gently dab the burned area
after the discomfort subsides, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with gauze or bandage wrap
9.Herpes:
Herpes is caused by a virus from the same family of viruses that cause chicken pox.
this is also the same virus that causes cold sores.
-Vinegar can treat the sores and help eliminate the virus.
Genital herpes is caused by another strain of the virus, but those sores can also be treated .
-To relieve pain and discomfort,soak a cotton swab in full strength apple cider vinegar
gently apply to sores
you should get rapid relief from itching and burning
apply 2 -4 times daily to speed healing
10.Hives:
Whether caused by an allergic reaction or from stress, Vinegar can bring you relief

-Mix 1 ounce of white vinegar with 3 ounces of cornstarch to form a paste
Dab gently in the hives
This should relieve the pain quickly and the cornstarch will help dry out the hives

`healing your heart with natures gift`

Smart ways to: remove common kids stains

2012-01-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Get marker off the wall with.. Rubbing alcohol!- simply buff away the
marks with a clean cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.Voila.

Send grass stains packing with.. Meat Tenderizer!- sprinkle it on stains before washing, when the tenderizer mixes with water it`ll lift the green smudges like magic.

Erase juice stains with.. Boiling water! - while stain is fresh blot excess juice, then pour boiling water through stain to make it vanish.

Get crayon off clothing with..WD-40!- place garment on paper towel, spray both sides. Let sit for 5 minutes, spray again then rub liquid dish washing soap into the stain until crayon disappears. Launder as usual.

Remove chocolate with... An Iron! - Let stain dry and scrape off with a butter knife. Heat Iron on low, lay a paper towel over stain and run iron over top to lift stain. Wash as usual!

Remove Mud stains... Shake off as much as possible, dilute dish washing liquid and a spoonful of laundry soap together, apply to stain ( for larger stains place item in a bucket with the soap mixtures) let sit a few hours, Spray with pre-wash stain remover before tossing in the washing machine.

Remove Liquid medicine stains.....Rinse stained item under cold water , Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the vinegar/alcohol solution. When no more coloring is coming off, rinse in cold water, Mix a solution of oxygen or non-chlorine bleach (OxiClean) in a sink full of water. Soak item for 30-40 minutes, Launder in warm water. If stain is still visible repeat steps over again before item goes in dryer. (heat will set the stain permanently).!

Remove Blood Stains.. Rinse in cold water,blot with damp cloth. (DO NOT RUB!) This will cause stain to set in deeper. you can also blot with a Baby wipe, till no more color is lifted. Next use a sponge dipped in vinegar and dab at the stain, Or you can use Club Soda in the same manner. spray with stain remover and wash as usual.

Erase crayon marks on walls... Squirt a dab of non-gel toothpaste on the spot and rub gently; the paste easily erases the wax,sponge off with water.

Get rid of Gum stains!.. Heat 1/4 cup of vinegar in microwave for 30 seconds. Dip and old toothbrush in the vinegar and rub gently over gum stain. The acids in the vinegar dissolve the gum to make it easier to brush away.

Remove Play - Doh stains.. Do not attempt to use hot water or cleaning solutions on Play-Doh stain, this will cause it to seep into fabric more. Instead allow stain to dry first, then loosen with a stiff brush. Vacuum any loose particles then blot with cold soapy water. You may need to repeat process depending on how big or deep stain is.

Holiday brunch made easy

2012-01-26T17:15:00.001-08:00

Those special holidays are great to spend some time with family and friends, you want to sit and enjoy the time you have! Sit down and enjoy your choice of beverage, reminisce past Holidays and events you spent together. Imagine Christmas morning for instance Wouldn`t it be great to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, while unwrapping gifts with your loved ones? Maybe you have the pleasure of cooking the Turkey or ham , if your anything like me that means ``running around like a chicken with your head cut off`` so to speak!! lol Not to mention you might have to rush all over God`s creation to visit your relative`s, for me that does not mean ``relaxation`` that means i have to pack up the baked goods, and whatever else i so politely volunteered myself to prepare and transfer to my visiting destinations. Plus pack up my two daughters and three step-kids.... make sure they have gathered what they need/want to bring along so i wont have to endure the complaining for the next drive. Not to forget my significant other who just may need his shirt ironed before we go, if i`m lucky in doing all that i might get 5 minutes to give myself a squirt of perfume and throw my hair up!! BUT....before i can do Any of that i must not leave out making sure we have our breakfast. So i`ve come across some wonderful ideas for some quick enjoyable breakfast/brunch recipes, to ease the pain and time spent in the kitchen. Hope you might find some here that will be of great help to you too :D THE GREAT THING IS, YOU CAN MAKE THEM A DAY OR TWO AHEAD OF TIME!

MAKE AHEAD BREAKFAST

~BREAKFAST BURRITOS~

You can vary the additions to this recipe for breakfast burritos. Add onions or frozen hash browns , omit the salsa, try using different types of cheese or flavored tortillas. The possibilities are endless!

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

12 eggs
2 Tbsp. butter
1 lb. pork or beef sausage, cooked and drained
1/2 cup chunky salsa
2 cups Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese
24 flour tortillas

Preparation:

In large skillet, melt butter. Beat eggs in large bowl and add to skillet. Cook eggs in butter, stirring frequently, until scrambled and set. Add cooked sausage and salsa to egg mixture and mix gently. Warm tortillas as directed on package. Place about 1/2 cup egg and sausage mixture onto each tortilla and sprinkle with some cheese. Roll up each tortilla to make burritos, folding in the ends and rolling up. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets and freeze until solid. Then wrap individually and package in zip-lock freezer bags.
When you are ready to eat, unwrap the burritos, wrap loosely in microwave safe paper towel and heat in the microwave on high power for 1-3 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.
You can also thaw burritos in the refrigerator overnight, then wrap each in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until hot. The thawed burritos can also be deep fried for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. 24 burritos

~FREEZER FRENCH TOAST~

The cornflake crumbs give this wonderful make ahead breakfast recipe a fabulous crunch. This recipe is perfect for busy school mornings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 cup light cream
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup cornflake cereal crumbs
8 (1" thick) slices french bread

Preparation:

Mix eggs, half and half, sugar and vanilla in a shallow bowl. Dip the french bread in this egg mixture, leaving the bread in the bowl for a few minutes so it absorbs more egg mixture. Dip bread in the cornflake crumbs to coat. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm. When ready to bake, first preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place frozen french toast pieces on a greased cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Turn the toast once during baking. Serve with maple syrup, jam, and powdered sugar. 8 slices

MAKE AHEAD FINGER FOOD BREAKFAST

GINGERY FRUIT DIP

Vary your offerings by making this sweet dip to be served with fresh fruit

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

3 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
1-1/2 cups whole milk
6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 tablespoon finely chopped candied ginger
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation:

Combine pudding mix, milk and orange juice concentrate in a small bowl and mix well with wire whisk or eggbeater for 1 minute. Stir in sour cream and both kinds of ginger. In another small bowl, combine cream with powdered sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into ginger mixture. Pour into serving bowl.
Cover and chill several hours before serving. Serve with fresh fruit for dipping. Mandarin orange segments, pear slices, strawberries, grapes, apple slices and kiwi fruit. Pirouette or sugar cookies are also good dippers.

MINI QUICHE

This little quiches are wonderful served as appetizers at a holiday party. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them; they reheat beautifully.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pkg. refrigerated pie crust
1 large portabello mushroom
8 oz. button mushrooms
2 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Preparation:

Let pie crusts stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, then gently roll out to 12" circles. Wipe mushrooms with damp cloth and chop in food processor or with chef's knife. Place butter and olive oil in a medium skillet and cook mushrooms over medium heat until all liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are brown and tender. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 2 dozen 1 3/4" muffin cups. Using 3" cookie cutter, cut 24 circles from pie crust (12 from each crust), Press into prepared muffin cups. Divide mushrooms evenly among lined cups. In small bowl, combine egg, cream, salt and cayenne pepper and beat well. Pour egg mixture over mushrooms; 2 tsp. per each muffin cup. Sprinkle each with grated cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until center of quiches is set. To serve warm, cool 5 minutes before removing from pans.
To freeze, cool on wire rack and freeze in single layer until solid. Place in air tight freezer container in single layer.
To reheat, place frozen quiches on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes until hot. Makes 24.

YOGURT AND FRUIT PARFAIT

prep time- 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla or your favorite yogurt
1 cup fresh or defrosted frozen strawberries in juice
1 pint fresh blackberries, raspberries or blueberries
1 cup granola

Directions

Layer 1/3 cup yogurt into the bottom of 4 tall glasses. Combine defrosted strawberries and juice with fresh berries. Alternate layers of fruit and granola with yogurt until glasses are filled to the top. Serve parfaits immediately to keep granola crunchy
or prepare ingredients except granola the night before, refrigerate add granola in the morning when ready to eat!!

WAFFLES OR PANCAKES -

This is one of my kids favorites ! and they can make it themselves

frozen WAFFLES or PANCAKES
spoon any flavor yogurt on top
add favorite fruits
if your not allergic you can even add some chopped walnuts, or almonds
even a sprinkle of granola

~LIFE MADE SIMPLER~

2012-01-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

``Remember when you were a kid,when the world was fresh and new to you? How you would ride your bike to school and enjoy the breeze on your face, as you sped up to go as fast as you can.Remember coming home to the house smelling so good and you just knew your Mom had baked your favorite cookies? Remember going down to the creek with your friends and taking your shoes off and sticking your feet in to feel the fresh coolness of the water...How care free we were back then. How things were so simple and your biggest worry in life was whether you were going to get that cool Red bike for Christmas or not.How eventually you reached the age where you would sit and dream about what you will be when your older,and how wonderful it would be to be able to make up your own rules,not have a bedtime,wont have to eat those yucky green pea`s.It all sounded good at the time.If you`re anything like me you probably wish you were a kid again,and in Amazement how fast the years have gone by.Now as adults our lives are hectic.That list has now changed from a Christmas wish list, To..An every day To DO list such as this.....

Laundry done,Check
kids lunches made,Check
kids homework done,Check
Groceries done,Check
Bring kids to soccer,hockey or gymnastics,check
Uniform washed and ironed for work,Check
Get to the bank on time to pay the bills,Check
Don`t forget about your child`s parent teacher interview,check
Make time to clean the house,check

Your list might have a variety of different things on it other then the ones listed but busy just the same. Not to mention what has to be done for special occasions, like Christmas,Thanksgiving, Birthdays..ETC. So wouldn`t life be a little bit easier if you had some Helpful Tips and tricks to get you through your day? Over the years i have gathered some good ones from different sources,such as Home remedy books, searching online for quick tips , magazines such as Women`s World that has some good little tricks. Everything from how to cure the common cold with items from you cupboard,to how to remove caked on grime in your pots.How to deal with your teens,to easy made healthy snacks for your kids.!! A little bit of Everything.

simple Rules -To Enjoy Every Day Of Your LIFE

Learn to laugh and Smile. - Both are the medicine that sustains a life of joy Learn to laugh at yourself. Laugh when you triumph, and laugh when you trip
Lighten up -Loosen the screw. Let down your hair,Stop taking everything so serious
express gratitude - Never take anything for granted. Always say thank you, and in everything you do, enter with an Attitude of gratitude! Hug and kiss your family. Embrace your friends
Help thy neighbor - Take the time to help someone it will make you feel good. think of how you would feel if your neighbor came and helped you shovel the driveway? or take out your garbage?
Treasure the Small things - Cherish every moment with family and friends,remember life is short
Indulge - Indulge yourself on occasion, It`s OK and actually healthy to think of yourself once in a while without feeling guilty
Slow Down - It`s nice to get everything you need done all at once, But sometimes you need to step back,accomplish the things that are most important and don`t forget if you have kids take a moment to have a conversation with them. It`s OK to delay mopping the floor to listen how your child`s day went
Appreciate nature - Some of us are shut in our homes and offices on daily bases, take the time to go outside and really observe nature, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of water and greenery.water and wind and earth against your skin.
Breathe - When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, pause, and take a deep breath.feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out.

Be Proud - Believe in who you are, Follow your own style, Define yourself. For some people, it's learning to love yourself. For others it's not hiding who you are or changing things about you to fit in. Be honest and open, stop caring about how people perceive you. Be proud of even the simplest things you have accomplished.

Welcome to my new Blog about Tips on everyday things!!!

you can visit my other blogs here:

http://angeleyezmylife.blogspot.ca/

http://angeleyzbeautytips.blogspot.ca/