Get $300 from Uncle Sam if You Had a Baby in 2008?

This was a part of the 2008 economic stimulus checks. You can still apply for your new baby as long as he/she was born in 2008, even if you have already received your stimulus check. Click here to learn more.

$2.00 Printable Coupon for Theraflu

Theraflu is a multi-symptom formula for colds and flu. The one I like comes in six packets(each packet works for 4 hours) which you dissolve in hot water. I get the store brand(Food Lion) daytime formula, but I haven't found the nighttime formula in a store brand. I love the lemon drink flavor for colds and flu. They have a new berry flavor which I can't stomach, but my husband likes it. They also have one for coughs, but I avoid this one. Theraflu or its copy is one of the few cold medications which can keep me going.

I have a deviated septum which means that I must take a strong decongestant when I get sinus congestion, or it turns septic. Store brand combination decongestants and mucus thinners work well too. I use this in addition to Theraflu for really bad sinus congestion. In fact, I off to make some more; I've got two family members asking for some - one lemon, one cherry.

Click here for the $2.00 coupon. Theraflu is about $4.00 at discount stores, and store brand(copies) are under $3.00. With this coupon(exp. 5/1/09), the name brand is actually less expensive.

$1.00 coupons here at Coupons.com

Mercury Found in High Fructose Corn Syrup

Yet another reason to cook from scratch.

"More research is needed to determine exactly which foods are affected, but some of the foods tested were from the brands Hershey's, Quaker, Hunt's, Manwich, Smucker's, Kraft, Nutri-Grain, and Yoplait. " Click here for the rest of the article.

Also see list of peanut butter products which have been recalled due to Salmonella.

Free Vintage Children's Valentine Day Cards

Click here.

Positive Aspects of Downsizing Your Home

Positives from downsizing our home, from the Unclutterer blog. Check out this blog for interesting organizational and interior decor tips.

HT to Trent.

Free Pantry Labels

Click here for download courtesy of Country Home.

HT to Tipnut

Be at Peace

"Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and fearful imaginings. Trust in the Giver of all good gifts." ~ St. Francis de Sales

Courtesy of Micki's blog, Holy Cards For Your Inspiration..

To read about St. Francis de Sales click here

Saving Money: Looking at Marginal Rate Brackets For Federal Income Tax

Johnathan from My Money blog recently posted the 2009 tax rates. Check out where you fall this year. The good news is that the personal exemptions have increased. The "Married Filing Jointly" category's personal exemption will be $11,400, $500 more than 2008. I'm glad because we missed a lower tax bracket by a few thousand dollars in 2007, and got hit with a 10% higher income tax on that amount. We need all the deductions we can get in order to stay in a lower tax bracket.

Watching your tax margins is something to consider when planning your finances. Too bad I am just learning this now. : ( I bet our 2008 returns will be the same. Not planning has potentially cost us a 10% higher tax two years in a row on a portion of our earnings. Now is the time to plan for 2009.

Here's an informative chart comparing exemptions and rates between 2007 and 2009. This is how I figured out that we missed the lower tax rate in 2007! The margins increase every year, and this site lets you go back to previous years to view the tax rates.

He also had an interesting post on Historical Federal Tax Rates by Income Group. Johnathan cites Treasury Department statistics measuring tax rates between 1955 - 2006 indicating that historically income taxes are at an all time low, but this will probably change soon. Tax rates for a median-income family of four are at a record low.

Note that earnings are taxed at margin rates, not in one lump sum. So only the portion earned above a specific margin is taxed. You'll have some taxed at the lowest rate, 10%, then anything over the margin at 15%, and so on. I didn't know this until recently, but when you look at the rate charts don't think that your entire taxable income is taxed at this rate. Our income is taxed at different rates in tiers. The trick is to get your taxable income as much below your second to the highest tier as possible. Anything above will be taxed more.

After you have maxed out all your other options, especially your employer-sponsored retirement plan and FSA - fliexible spending account(if available), a traditional IRA is a smart way to plan for your future and reduce your taxable income. More here.

We use a good accountant for taxes, but we could probably use an independent financial adviser as well. There is always more you can do to save, invest, and be aware of your eligible tax deductions.

Living Rent Free At Home and Abroad

Check out Hobo Living Made Easy which mentions two separate organizations which match people with service on organic farms and house/property sitters(a little less rugged) in exchange for room and board. My husband and I have always talked about doing something like this once the children are grown. These rent free living opportunities may even work well for families with older children.

Don't Throw it Out, Recycle it! Recycling Underwear

See Let's Talk Underwear (giggle)

Marie Antoinette Award

Thank you so much Mrs. L!

I am passing this along to the last seven commenters. I'm not sure what this award means, but I do like this French queen. Especially after reading Elena Maria Vidal's (Tea at Trianon blog) book, Trianon: A Novel of Royal France - "The fruit of years of research, the book corrects many of the popular misconceptions of the royal couple, which secular and modernist historians have tried so hard to promote." So I accept this award in the positive spirit of this understanding of the queen's persona, and pass it along in same.

Lola
Elizabeth-Plain and Simple
Lily
Debbie J.
Dorothy
Kathleen Miller
Blessed are the Merciful

Making a Little Extra Money: Freelance Writing Gigs

Milehimama from Mama says... was generous enough to share her detailed knowledge of how to make a little extra money with freelance writing. Freelancing can be as simple as submitting your blog posts for pay. Check it out.

Free 20 ounce or 2 Liter Diet Dr. Pepper(coupon) USA

Saving Money with a Wringer Washer

And just when you thought there wasn't anything more that you could cut back on in your budget. Don't laugh, but supposedly these old washers save time and money! See this article by Pat Veretto over at the Dollar Stretcher.

Pat reports that wringer washers use much less water, less detergent, and take half the time of a modern washer to clean the clothes.

Check ebay, craigslist, and Google for reconditioned or working wringer washers. Lehman's sells new wringer washers if you don't mind the expense.

Something to consider: A few commenters mentioned that some of these old wringer washers can be dangerous, especially for children in that the wringer can pull your hand through if you are not careful. Lehman's sells a "safe" wringer. They don't mention how it is safer than other wringers, but they do answer questions.

And there is always this option.

How to Use a Washboard and How To Wash Clothes On a Washboard

Pictured: Lehman's Washboards and see

The Columbus Washboard Company which "has been making washboards since 1895 and is the only manufacturer still operating in the United States of America today", and they double as musical instruments, Yeehaw! Interesting links at this site. Includes a U.K. link to a soap and washboard site.

Frugal Thoughts

The way to wealth is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality: that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything.
~Benjamin Franklin

Homemade Moisturizing Coconut Lotion

I use plain olive oil to moisturize my skin, and it works wonders. I also use virgin coconut oil in a jar which I purchase at Walmart in the vitamin aisle. I wasn't using it very often because it had gotten hard from the cold. Even when purchased new, the virgin coconut oil is thick and chunky, not thin like oil. It was a pain to scoop out, so not wanting anything to go to waste I decided to mix it with my olive oil. This made a nice thick lotion which I added to a pump bottle with a little leftover organic lavender(Dr. Bronner's) lotion. I could have also added some drops of essential oil and glycerin(extra binding agent) instead of the left over lotion.

If you want to try this, all I did was microwave the virgin coconut oil for about 30 seconds until it was soft enough to scoop out into a large glass measuring cup. Then I added a 1/2 cup of olive oil, and alternated heating and mixing until it got thoroughly combined. Use a large kitchen funnel to pour it into a pump bottle. I recycled a Dr. Bonner's lotion bottle, but plastic pump bottles can be found inexpensively at dollar stores. Large glass pump bottles can be found in the kitchen section of places like Walmart. Pier One has a nice glass one for $5.00.

It does harden up a bit the next day, so take this into consideration when mixing your lotion. If you want it thinner, add more olive oil, and/or mix with a little of your favorite store bought lotion. I had quite a bit left over; it should last me for many months. This is a nice way to extend your store bought lotion as well.

This moisturizer also makes a nice leave-in conditioner for your hair. I have long hair and use it just on my ends during the day. When my hair needs an intensive conditioner, I finger comb it through my hair at night, making sure to shampoo it out the next morning. It makes the hair very soft.

Beauty Factoid: Olive oil secret to (Sophia) Loren beauty

Freebie(USA): Tums Soothies

From Lori's blog, Hooray for Freebates!

Tums Smoothies Try Me Free Offer

Purchase valid: 11/1/2007 - 11/1/2009
Submit rebate by: 11/15/2009

Submission Address:
Tums Try me Free Offer
PO BOX 1056
Grand Rapids, MN 55745-1056
No form needed 1-800-897-7535 with questions

Jewish Penicillin: Chicken Soup Recipe

We've all got terrible colds, the kind that hangs on for a long time. It's time for the curative and restorative effects of homemade chicken soup:

If you have a better recipe, please let me know!

Ingredients:

* 1 whole chicken
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 8 carrots, peeled and sliced
* 1 parsnip, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, crushed
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 bunch fresh dill weed, chopped
* salt and pepper to taste
* 2 1/2 cups matzo meal
* 6 eggs
* 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 teaspoons salt

See rest of recipe here.

Here is a grandma owned business who mails her homemade soup! It's a bit expensive, but it's a great idea if you want to try this yourself. You'll need to have canning supplies and vacuum seal knowledge(not hard), but this is an awesome gift for someone who is sick and living far away.

And when you are done with the soup, a hot bath with homemade Sinus Headache Bath Salts should help. Sea salts can be substituted for the Epsom salts.

Make Your Own Glue with Rice

A natural and effective white glue which dries transparently, this is a very easy recipe. Just cook over cook some rice using your normal recipe(or use leftover rice in a bit of water) to the consistency of oatmeal, place in blender and liquefy, and you have got rice glue. Add water to thin, if needed. This glue will last for a week.

Here is a more exacting recipe using instant rice, a blender, and an antiseptic as a preservative.

Set Apart Even from My Mother's Womb...

Gal. 1:15.... "And when he who had set me apart, even from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace."

A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.”

– Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae), n. 100.

Eternal God, You have revealed Yourself as the Father of all Life. We praise You for the Fatherly care which You extend to all creation, and especially to us, made in Your image and likeness.

Father, extend Your hand of protection to those threatened by abortion, and save them from its destructive power. Give Your strength to all fathers, that they may never give in to the fears that may tempt them to facilitate abortions.

Bless our families and bless our land, that we may have the joy of welcoming and nurturing the life of which You are the source and the Eternal Father. Amen. by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

HT to Esther for the picture.

The Lovely Award

Thank you Esther and Soutenus !

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

I am passing this along to:

Lisa-anne at Berry Patch, Elizabeth at Home Musings , Debbie over at HOMEMAKING DREAMS , and Lily of Never Fading Wood .

Free Homeschool Ebook: Trees that Every Child Should Know for All Seasons of the Year

Click here.

Main page
Trees that Every Child Should Know: Easy Tree Studies for All Seasons of the Year
By Julia Ellen Rogers
Published by Grosset & Dunlap, 1909
263 pages

Readable online and downloadable. Free and in Public Domain.

Signs of Hope?

Today is the 36th Anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade.

Psalm 127:3: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Senator Barack Obama released the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, January 22, 2008:

"Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women's health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women's fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election.

"Throughout my career, I've been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

"When South Dakota passed a law banning all abortions in a direct effort to have Roe overruled, I was the only candidate for President to raise money to help the citizens of South Dakota repeal that law. When anti-choice protesters blocked the opening of an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic in a community where affordable health care is in short supply, I was the only candidate for President who spoke out against it. And I will continue to defend this right by passing the Freedom of Choice Act as president.....

"But we also know that Roe v. Wade is about more than a woman's right to choose; it's about equality. It's about whether our daughters are going to have the same opportunities as our sons .... This anniversary reminds us that it's not enough to protect the gains of the past – we have to build a future that's filled with hope and possibility for all Americans."

And what of the 50 million sons and daughters of America who will never enjoy opportunities, equality, hope, and possibilities? Where are their rights? I cannot understand how Americans can support infanticide and think it's "okay" because it's for a good cause - women's rights. I'm all for women's equality, but this I don't get. You don't earn respect or equality at the expense of others lives. I pray that God will turn our president's heart.

Psalm 139:13-16: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

If you have been affected by abortion, Rachel's Vineyard.

Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.

HT to Milehimama for the Rachel's Vineyard link.

Free Printable Milk Bath Gift Envelopes(Sachets) and Easy Recipes

People have been taking milk baths for centuries. The enzymes in the milk soften the skin. Milk bath ingredients are easy to find, just buy powdered milk in packets, and pour about half the packet into your bath. To scent your milk bath, add your favorite essential oil. Rose essential oil is often added to milk baths.

Another simple way to add fragrance to milk powder is to combine it with scented Epsom salt. That way it is all-in-one powder, and you can store it in a container. I buy my Epsom salt inexpensively at Walmart. To scent the salts, spread it out on a pan, and pour a bit of your favorite scented oil* over the Epsom salts. I add just enough to moisten it, and for color, I add a drop or two of red food color(turns pink), and bake on warm-200 degrees for an hour or so. The heat dries up the moisture and infuses the scent. You could try this with baking soda as well, or use both. Baking soda softens the water and Epsom salts sooth sore muscles(and hold scent well).

Mix the scented Epsom salts(and/or baking soda) with the milk powder, and you have a lovely bath powder. You can add more or less scented Epsom salts to the milk powder as desired.

See here for printable bath sachet envelopes.

A lavender bath salt label

Blank packet template












*Another Option for oil: Try olive oil with 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil, and a bit of glycerin(optional softener and binder). Glycerin is very inexpensive and available in most store vitamin aisles, probably next to the witch hazel on the bottom shelves. All natural(except for scent) Africa Best Oil works very well too. It is highly scented and inexpensive at places like Dollar General or Family Dollar in the ethnic hair aisle. A little goes a long way.

Also see recipe for Fizzy Bath Bombs

Saving Bleach Spotted Clothes

A while back I got a little bleach on my daughter's yellow long sleeved T-shirt, and noticed that the white spots looked a little like tie-dye. So I cut some bleach with water 50/50 in a spray bottle and sprayed the front and back, making large and small mottled areas with the spray. It turned out okay. I think with practice it could be better, but my nephew's response was, "cool!". It looks better on the body, and in person than in this picture. I also could have tie dyed this shirt.

HT to Amy Clothesline Alley for the reminder about tie-dying.

I'm reminded that some clothes can be saved with dye or deliberate bleaching stains. Amy used Kool-aid for her dye, but you can also use Rit Dye, both are very inexpensive. A black Rite Dye can recovered faded black clothing, or reverse dye it with bleach tie dye.

I found plain white t-shirts for the children at a dollar store which I plan to dye in solid colors, and a few in a restrained tie-dye pattern, or shadow dyed like the purple T above. I've even thought of stamping them with the dye, or painting the dye on with a brush.

For information about dying and tie dying see Ritdye.com. A large plastic storage bin makes a great dye bath for large projects. I saw this recently on HGTV when they were dying some Batik curtains.

Here's an interesting tutorial for natural dyes. She used plums, but this recipe could easily substitute any fruit, vegetable, or plant to make your own natural dye.

Free Homeschool Stuff: Online Spelling Program

Easy Quick Doll House From Recyclables

Recycling Pallets: Deck

This deck made of pallets turned out great! See here for instructions. Image from esprit cabane.

Also see previous posts:

Recycling Pallets

DIY Pallet Coffee Table

AMC Theatre Coupon

Free popcorn with fountain drink. Click on image and print.

"A.M.Cinema invites moviegoers to visit their local AMC theatre before noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays to enjoy first-run movies for either $4.00, $5.00 or $6.00* depending on theatre and market. For A.M.Cinema theatres and showtimes in your area, click here. "

HT to "Cent"sible Sawyer.

What a Letter to the White House Brought

Check out the nice packet Sprite from One Child Policy received from the White House for her American Government studies.

D is Dove: Free Christian Worksheets for Early Elementary

I thought this was pretty for a "D" worksheet.

Worksheet from First-School.ws. There is also a coloring page the dove, and more worksheets, crafts and coloring pages with Christian themes.

Flavorful Roast and Rib Recipe

Sometimes I just get lucky with throwing ingredients together, and this time my roast came out as if it had been marinated overnight. I could taste the flavor all the way through, and it was even better as leftovers. I didn't note the size of my roast, so that bit of information is missing. The key here is not so much the ingredients, but the order of them, and the manner in which the meat was cooked.

Roast Ingredients:

One medium thick slab roast, ex: top round(not the big round ball looking ones)
McCormick Grill Mates, Montreal Steak
Red cooking wine(I use Goya)
Canola Oil
Worcestershire Sauce
* see update below

Place roast in an iron pan, shake a good amount of the Grill Mates seasoning over the steak, pour a little oil and red cooking wine over the roast, and add a bit of water. Cook roast uncovered in the oven at 325 degrees, about 25-30 minutes per pound. This is hard to gauge as all stoves and cuts of meat are different, so check periodically for doneness. During the last 20 minutes, pour a good amount of Worcestershire sauce on it. It should come out very moist and flavorful. I've tried just the Grill Mates, and it was not the same. The combination of the red wine, and Worcestershire sauce at the end seems to complement one and other.

Also, I think the open pan makes the meat cook better because I threw in a small rack of ribs in another iron pan next to the roast, and it came out better than usual as well. I shook McCormick's Caribbean Jerk Seasoning and sugar on the ribs, and slathered on some ketchup during the last 10 minutes. Oh, was this ever good!

See more tips at Kitchen Tips Tuesdays.

*1/22/09: Update: So my husband and son had been gone this past week visiting family, and before he left he had put some meat in the frig to defrost. I cooked it while he was gone and the result was so fabulous that I posted this recipe, and I'm telling him about it this morning at which point he says, "Oh, you mean the roast that I had marinating in teriyaki sauce?" What!!!

So I guess that blows this easy quick roast recipe I posted. LOL. It tasted like it had been marinated because it was marinated. Still I think the extra steps I took only enhanced the taste.

Free with Rebate: Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken

Purchase a package of Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin Hickory Smoked Chicken Breast Lunch meat and receive a refund for the purchase price. Click here for details.

Also see Free Food Samples.

2010 Census: Census Bureau is Hiring Now

"Law requires that everyone in the U.S. fill out the 10-minute survey when it hits the street in March of 2010. It's the Census Bureau's job to get the survey out and make sure everyone is counted... the U.S. Census Bureau offers a unique opportunity for those who want to serve for the next couple of years." See here for more.

Donate Your Cell Phone

We have donated our last two cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers. We've received the prepaid plastic mailer bags in the middle of our advertisement mailers, but you can print out a prepaid shipping label as well. They also give a link to a free cell phone eraser for clearing out all you data.

For more organizations accepting cell phone donations see here."The Wireless Recycling Network has over 2,000 organizations collecting phones to support charitable and environmental programs around the world."

Opt Out of Receiving Telephone Books

We hardly ever use the telephone book, and it takes up too much space in my kitchen office. If you want to opt out, click here for an online form(USA).

HT to Greenhab: The Browns Go Green

With the Eyes of Faith

"...seeing through the eye refers to perceiving the significance of what is seen, and not merely looking at it superficially. It is a seeing that leads to true spiritual perception and hence to understanding and wisdom. This is the direction in which our healing of spiritual blindness must take us. Our faith is supposed to be that which gives us the capacity for spiritual perception, a seeing that is more than mere looking. The sight that is faith looks through things and beyond things to the deepest eternal Reality, which is God. But isn’t faith by definition believing in something that we cannot see?


The public ministry of Christ begins with Him saying: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the Gospel.” The root of this word “repent” is the Greek metanoia, a change of mind and heart, literally change of the nous, that spiritual/intellectual capacity we have which the fathers sometimes call the “eye of the soul” or the “eye of the heart.” This means we have to start seeing things a different way; we have to perceive with understanding rather than merely observe events. St Paul prayed that the Ephesians would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened, so that they would know that to which God had called them, and that they would thus acquire a spirit of wisdom and revelation and knowledge of God (see Eph. 1:17-20)."

Read more from Abbot Joseph's blog here.

Valentine's Day Felt Sewing Crafts

What a great low calorie Valentine's Day cookie gift! Crafted from felt and beads, Candy of Candy's Cottage completed these frosted shortbread cookies for her mother-in-law recently. I would love to made these for my daughter. They could even be made as scented sachets, maybe with a little vanilla.

A Frugal Alternative to Swiffer Mops

I like the idea of the Swiffer mops, I just didn't want to keep buying refills. Instead, I found a microfiber(my favorite cleaning material) mop by Libman(made in the USA since 1896) at a local Rite Aid. I already know microfiber is fabulous for cleaning because it's a dirt magnet. I use it for household cleaning.

The great thing about this mop is that the microfiber cloth pad is removable, and you can pop it into the washer. The mop head has a button which allows the head to fold, and the cloth comes off. It is held on by two pockets at either end, so there are no worries about the attachments coming loose.

You can use this mop wet or dry. Instead of using a bucket to wet the head, I use a spray bottle full of my favorite floor cleaner and water cut 50/50. As I move the mop along the floor, I spray. It works quite well, and is much less expensive than the Swiffer mop with all the refills.

I use mine on laminate and bathroom tile floors. It has a 360 degree swivel head which gets under chairs and into corners "like nobody's business". It lasts through each room with only a quick rinse and press under the faucet. It could probably last through all four rooms that I clean because it holds the dirt, but I like to rinse it when cleaning the bathroom floors.

Tip: Don't use fabric softener when you clean the mop head or it will kill the absorbency.

See more tips at Works for Me Wednesday.

Natural Homemade Air Freshening Spray for the Car

This formula really works in the car, especially on sour milk smell. If you have made the mistake of allowing your children to bring milk into the car, you know how difficult the smell of sour milk is to get out of the carpet and seats! ; ) After a thorough cleaning with my carpet cleaner, I spray the heck out of the back seat of the car with this homemade spray. It's safe enough to spray around pets and children, and seems to last for a few days. It's a very pleasant scent in the car for a change.

Directions:

Start with one trial sized bottle of vodka* poured into a small clean glass bottle with a lid. You can also use the trial size bottle, just pour out a little (or take a nip off the top) to make room. Now comes the creative part, add one vanilla bean which can be found in the spice aisle at most grocery stores. Then add a citrus scent. This can be in the form of a strip of orange or lemon peel, or essential oils, or a citrus extract from your spice cabinet. Add any other scent which strikes your fancy from the spice category.

Close the lid tight, and let it sit for a few weeks in a cool dark dry place. Open periodically to test the scent level. If you prefer a stronger scent, add more items. Make sure you stir the bottle every so often to infuse the scent throughout.

After a few weeks, strain it, and add it to a spray bottle. Done!

I use the pretty colored travel size spray bottles from the Dollar Tree. To strain it, I simply use a coffee filter or paper towel in a kitchen funnel(also from the Dollar Tree) which pours directly into the spray bottle.

Just to give you an idea, here was my last recipe:

- one sample bottle of vodka*
- one vanilla bean
- a pinch of cloves
- about 20 drops orange essential oil
- a cap full and then some of lemon extract
- a few drops vanilla extract
- a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
- a pinch of cardamom

Any scent will do, even fresh fragrant flower petals. I have found that a citrus based scent works best for strong family smells. A softer floral scent would be nice as a linen spray or even as cologne(add a little glycerin for staying power).

* Why vodka? It has the high percentage of alcohol needed to extract the scents, and it's odorless. Alcohol also acts a preservative. It also does an excellent job of killing the germs which make the bad smells.

Free Vintage Embroidery Patterns

Mica of The Child's Paper has partially completed a beautiful kitty cat embroidery for her daughter. I just love it!

She found this free vintage pattern at the The Pattern Bee.

Get a Free Bottle of Suave Shampoo with a Coupon by Mail(Today only)

A Few Free Food Samples(USA)

Free Quaker Oats Rice Cakes Bites

Free Quaker Simple Harvest Granola Bars

Free Barbara’s Bakery Organic Cereal

Coupon: Free Small Fazoli’s Spaghetti

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond True Delights

free sample of Rachel Ray Nutrish dog food

Courtesy of Hey It's Free!

FREE* sample of Total® Cranberry Crunch cereal

Cream of Wheat

Dunkin Donuts coffee grounds

Free Krispy Kreme Donut on Tuesday, January 20

Captain D's Free Fish & Fries

Free Make-Up Everyday Minerals Sample Kit(shipping not included) USA

Make Your Own Reusable Fabric Vacuum Bag

Click on title.

Growing Ginseng for Profit

Mature ginseng roots which are at least five years old sell very well, and it's a relatively easy plant to grow(zone 3-7 are best) if you have a woody deeply shaded and well mulched(rotted leaves) place on your property. It does take several years for them to mature, so it would be a long term investment. Seeds are the least expensive way to begin; however, small plants(rootlets) can be purchased as well. Rootlets also provide immediate seeds for either planting or sale. Check around the net for prices. Wildgrown.com sells seeds for as little as $29.95 for 900 stratified seeds, and the rootlets start at $49.95 for 25-35 three year old ginseng roots. They also sell advertising space for ginseng dealers.

The prices for mature ginseng roots vary, but a large multi-prong root can sell for as much as $400.00. Recently, a one pound wild ginseng root sold for over $400.00 on ebay.

Ginseng can be gathered in the wild; however, there are laws in most states regulating the harvesting of wild ginseng. See here for state by state laws(U.S.A.).

Wild harvest requires good stewardship:

- Harvest only mature 5 year old roots with at least 3-4 prongs

- Dig only plants with red berries

- Leave behind planted seeds

- Limit your harvest and leave behind some mature plants

If I were starting this business, I'd sell a few mature roots and seeds on ebay and link my website to my ebay page. This is probably the most cost effective way to advertise, and start selling immediately.

Related in 2008:

Sky-High Ginseng Prices Boost Illegal Harvest

2 men sentenced for poaching ginseng in Smokies:
"The park said illegally harvesting has increased over the years and is threatening the plant’s survival....Ginseng brings between $500 and $800 per pound of dried roots."

Homeschool Freebie: ABC Poster

I printed this full size onto a piece of regular paper, and glued it onto a Cheerios box which I had cut into the shape of a magazine holder. My daughter keeps all her preschool projects in it. I am slowly decoupaging the outside of it with bits and pieces of preschool learning .

This is cute enough to frame if you have a color printer. The image is in public domain, found at Google Books in a vintage school text. Enjoy!

A Few Vacation Photos from Last Week

Most of our vacation is on video, but I did manage to take a few pictures with the camcorder while we were waiting for my sister and her family. We met at Trump's Taj Mahal casino resort hotel in Atlantic City, and then took a nice long walk on the boardwalk, visited the free Atlantic City museum, and played on the beach. It was fairly empty in the Taj, so we got to take pictures of the children playing on the carp statues. The Taj is my favorite resort casino hotels on the boardwalk. They have great restaurants(The Il Mulino Trattoria - Italian is excellent) and the decor is grand, but not tacky. Ivana Trump was in charge of all the interior design when the hotel was being built. It's a fun place to visit even if you don't gamble, and usually there is a good vibe there - elegant and grand. I don't remember the weird changing lights on the grand chandeliers the last time we visited. They are actually quite beautiful in person, and I liked them better in plain light. They are beautiful to watch; my daughter was mesmerized by the sparkly crystals.

We stayed in Absecon(on Rte. 30, about 10 minutes from A.C.) because the hotels are so inexpensive off season. It's the only place in the area where you can get a clean hotel room with two queen beds for only $35.00 a night. Ours had a kitchenette too! My sister and her family rented a cottage in Point Pleasant near her in-laws for two weeks, within walking distance of a little boardwalk which had a really excellent aquarium. My sister mentioned that they have some nice antique stores in town; however, we never quite made it. The children were having too much fun together at the cottage. It was a fun time, and we can't wait to do it again next year.

Rod & Staff Books January Coupon

RodandStaffBooks.com

"These apply to anything you order on our site, not only curriculum. Just enter the coupon code at checkout when ordering at www.RodandStaffBooks.com. Coupons expire January 31, 2009."

- $5 off orders over $100 (use coupon code TAKE5)
- $10 off orders over $200 (use coupon code TAKE10)

Free Templates for Felt/Flannel Board Pieces

Felts are creative and fun hands-on learning for preschool - kindergarten. They can be made into story boards to go along with classic stories and popular children's books(language arts), and used for learning the alphabet, counting, shapes, weather, health, learning about community helpers, early math, spelling, early reading/phonics, you name it.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?
Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? Farm Theme
Five Green Shamrocks(counting)
Five Little Snowflakes(counting)
Alphabet Templates(I'd size these down)
More here with hints, tips, and directions.

Humpty Dumpty with wall

Felt board tutorial with templates

If you are lazy like me, you can order sets that match many of the books(found at the library) from the Before Five in a Row(homeschool reading list/curriculum for age 2 -4) on ebay. They are are some very crafty ladies selling these complete felt kits for a few dollars a set. I've also got a few counting and food sets, like the pizza pictured above. The sets I have are at least six years old, used when my son was in Preschool/Kindergarten. They seem to last well, but I did have to glue a few googly eyes back on from pieces in the shape set.

If anything, looking at the sets on ebay can give you ideas for making your own. If you bid/buy at ebay, click through Bigcrumbs.com for cash back.

I did make my own flannel board with a large piece of light blue felt wrapped around and stapled onto the back of a very heavy piece of corrugated cardboard. That has lasted at least six years as well. A good and frugal investment for our homeschool.

Free Homeschool Ancient Greece ebooks: Homer's The Odyssey, The Iliad and the Aeneid for Boys and Girls

Free and in public domain. Downloadable and readable online.
Click here.
Main page.
The Odyssey for Boys and Girls
By Alfred John Church
Published by The Macmillan Company, 1906
Original from Harvard University
Digitized Oct 26, 2007
308 pages
Suitable for ages 9-12.

Also see The Iliad for Boys and Girls and The Aeneid for Boys and Girls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now in reprint, published by Yesterday's Classics: The Odyssey for Boys and Girls (Yesterday's Classics), The Iliad for Boys and Girls (Yesterday's Classics), The Aeneid for Boys and Girls (Yesterday's Classics)

Baptism of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord(Roman Catholic), when Jesus began his public ministry. We reflect on our own baptism which left an indelible mark on us making us a beloved child of God forever. A baptism which calls all of us to service and ministry.

Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Free Homeschool Audio: American History Old Time Radio Shows

Thirty-nine shows covering history from 1865 through 1976 with dramatizations of events, and actual live radio broadcasts. Free and in public domain at Internet Archives. See here for list of shows and individual downloads. Make your own CD and use this image for the cover. These stories are geared toward older children.

Warning to Teetotalers, there are some short beer commercials before the features. Fast forward or edit these out if it offends.

Back Next Week...

My sister and her family are visiting from England. Have a blessed week. : )








Image: Enchanted Learning, Acrostic Poem printable.

12 Days of Christmas or Is It?

For Catholics the Christmas season has changed throughout history, and can get confusing. I meant to post this link to the Twelve Days of Christmas(now 18) again before Christmas day, but forgot. I like this family activity link from Catholic Culture and try to post it every year. This year the celebration for the daily Catholic Culture family activity tree has been extended through the Baptism of the Lord which coincides with the liturgical calendar. Ordinary time begins on 1/12/09, a day after the Baptism of the Lord. So our parishes take down the Christmas decorations on the 11th of January, and we go back to green.

Traditionally, Christmas ended at the Epiphany of the Lord(12 days), when the Magi visited the Lord, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14), and Jesus was introduced to the gentiles. Catholics celebrate the Epiphany on Sunday, 1/4/09, not quite 12 days.

Even more confusing is an older tradition of keeping Christmas until the Presentation of the Lord( at the temple) or Candlemas, February 2, the 40 days of Christmas. The Vatican actually keeps up the nativity until this 40 days is done.

Here is the main link for exploring the Christmas season with family via Catholic Culture. It includes prayers, blessings, hymns, recipes, and activities.

It's still Christmas, enjoy!

Children's Book: The Person I Marry: Things I'll Think About Long Before Saying "I Do"

The Person I Marry: Things I'll Think About Long Before Saying "I Do"

"The person I marry will never forget
to dignify life, each person and pet.
Since God is Creator and He is supreme,
we'll treat His creation with proper esteem.

One who acknowledges people have worth
is precious and rare; a gem on this earth.
And I want a gem, so the one I select
must honor our families and show them respect."

Read reviews here. I have purchased this book for my children, and I can't wait to receive it. I'll update here if it disappoints.

Amazon.com Gift Card Marketplace: Ways to Earn Amazon Gift Cards

I'm not sure whether this is new at Amazon or not, but I just discovered their Gift Card Marketplace. I noticed that under Get a Gift Card there are a few interesting recycling avenues to earning Amazon gift cards/credit:

Coinstar: Turn your spare change into an Amazon.com Gift Card at your local Coinstar Kiosk.

Flipswap: Swap your cell phones and MP3 players for something shiny and new from Amazon.com with Flipswap.

Gazelle: Get an Amazon.com Gift Card by exchanging your used electronics online through Gazelle.

Nextworth: Trade in your iPod or iPhone for an Amazon.com Gift Card with Nextworth.

Plastic Jungle: Exchange your unwanted gift cards for an Amazon.com Gift Card through Plastic Jungle.

Points.com:Open a FREE account and redeem your rewards for Amazon.com Gift Cards at Points.com.

I'm definitely going to look into the Plastic Jungle. I've got a Hallmark gift card I'd like to swap.

Click Here for more information.

Also Mypoints.com has Amazon gift certificates which you can earn. I've been a member of Mypoints for years, and they do come through with some great rewards after earning points for reading emails, printing coupons, purchasing items through their shopping portal, and using the Mypoints Mastercard.