Beautiful Etsy Things: Daffodils

Daffodil Flower Arrangement $2.99










Cotton Brooch $2.00









Daffodil Hair Clip, $2.00









Two Daffodil Hair Accessories $5.40









Large Daffodil Hair Clip $6.00










Daffodil Lady Light Switch Cover $10.00









Daffodil Wool Blend Felt Hair Clips Barrettes - White Narcissus - Set of 2 $12.00







Hand Sculpted White Daffodils Lever back Earrings $13.50






These are adorable! Daffodil Flowers Newborn Baby Girl Crochet Booties $15.00








Not daffodils, but aren't these gorgeous! The Daffodils Along the Walk Earbobs Update: (Sold! to me - will match my Easter dress) She has more fabulous earrings, click through to see them.

1903 House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Published by Hearst Corp., 1903

Some of the pages could be made into paper doll houses, or pasted onto cardboard(recycled from the pantry) and formed into cardboard play houses. Check out page 40 in particular. Lots of opportunities in this old issue for clip art and crafting.

Click here to begin reading in HTML mode.

Main page



Printing and Saving Tips: Make sure that the page is set to HTML(bottom right sidebar at page). It should be defaulted to this setting in my first link above, so try saving first before messing with the setting. Click on image of book page to save and print. Book is fully downloadable. I use a free download helper with my slow internet.

Making A Slipcover Tutorial

Dollar Tree Deals

All but the Food Lion mushrooms, which got into the picture by accident were from my shopping trip to Dollar Tree. The diced beets were 2 for $1.00.

I'll be going back to get some more Progresso tomato puree. $1.00 is a great deal for 28 ounces. The roses are for an Easter project. I am thinking about hot gluing them on some white Chinese Mary Jane's for my daughter's Easter shoes.

The gladiolus bulbs will be going in my front garden bed.

You can't read the label, but the can in the middle is asparagus. I'm taste testing these because I've never tried this brand.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of these, but I also got some nice Bible picture story books with audio CDs for the children. These are great for car travel - keeps the little one from crying because she likes the singing.

Happy Saint David's Day(3/1/09)

"In Wales on March 1st most schools hold an eistedfodd where the cultural arts are celebrated with singing (solo and group), music, poetry and dance. Women especially young girls dress up in a welsh national costume. These vary but consists of a black tall hat, skirt (often red), white blouse, a long waistcoat, apron and shawl. A daffodil or leek ( Welsh national emblem) is worn by most Welsh people on St David's Day." from dltk-kids.com.

The Story of Saint David, printable for children.

Daffodil craft

Learn more about Wales and St. David's Day
Nice link with cute crafts. Here are a few:











Welsh recipes, Yorkshire Pudding is among them.

Daffodil(AKA: Lent Lily) Stories, Poems and Activities by Grade, Some Lesson Plans

Discounted Feminine Hygiene Products

Some of us make our own feminine hygiene pads(or use The Keeper) to save money, but if for what ever reason you cannot do this, or prefer disposable, ebay is a wonderful resource for bulk purchases at a significant discount.

I had posted in the past about my money saving bulk contact lens solution purchase on ebay. Products like Kotex or other feminine products are also sold in bulk for less than $3.00 a package(new in package). If you use these products, you may have noticed an increase in price lately. I buy mine at Family Dollar with coupons, and it's still a bit more than I am accustomed to paying.

To find bulk lots, use you favorite brand in the ebay search engine and you should find large lots of unopened packs. Some of the lots start really low at .99 for 20 packages! I've saved as much as $20.00 on large lots of Kotex packages. This is so much better than using coupons, or running around town looking for rebates. We don't have a local CVS, so no super deals for me.

If you try this, don't cheat yourself out of the ebay rebate offered at Bigcrumbs.com. They will rebate you 36% of the seller's fees. Not a huge amount, but I consider it as worthwhile as a grocery store coupon amount. The Bigcrumbs.com shopping rebate portal is free to join.

Christian Film Reviews

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment

and from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Ten Best List for the Year 2008 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's expansion of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story about a man born old who ages backward, has fine performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, and presents an often profound perspective on the transience of human life (A-III, PG-13).

The Express: An inspiring fact-based sports drama, set against the background of the civil rights movement as a hard-driving coach (Dennis Quaid) hones the skills of a gifted African-American football player. Director Gary Fleder highlights the role of faith in shaping the player's values (A-III, PG).

Flash of Genius: Greg Kinnear plays the real-life inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper who sued Ford Motor Co. over infringement of his patent. The story of an individual standing up for his rights is irresistible and the film beautifully underscores the importance of family and human dignity (A-II, PG-13).

Happy-Go-Lucky: A likable, nearly plotless comedy from Mike Leigh, about a persistently good-natured grade-school teacher (Sally Hawkins) with unshakable optimism and deep compassion for others (A-III, R).

Henry Poole Is Here: A moving fable of a depressed loner (Luke Wilson) whose life is changed when his kind neighbors discern an image of Christ's face on his stucco wall. Director Mark Pellington sustains a delicate mood, and Wilson's path to redemption is fully believable (A-II, PG).

The Secret Life of Bees: A beautifully produced adaptation of the best-seller about a spiritual beekeeper (Queen Latifah) who takes in a young runaway (Dakota Fanning). Writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood elicits well-judged performances, and the compassionate story includes forgiveness and reconciliation (A-III, PG-13).

Slumdog Millionaire: A vibrant drama in which a Mumbai street kid (Dev Patel), suspected of cheating on a TV quiz show, tells his incredible life story to the police. Director Danny Boyle's sweeping panorama, though harrowing, stresses the dignity of the underprivileged and the primacy of spiritual values (A-III, R).

Son of Rambow: A touching chronicle about the unlikely friendship between a reserved schoolboy and a rambunctious fellow student as they collaborate on a homemade sequel to "Rambo." Writer-director Garth Jennings' warmly humorous film affirms faith as well as friendship (A-III, PG-13).

The Visitor: A sensitive drama in which a repressed professor (Richard Jenkins) discovers a couple of undocumented aliens unwittingly squatting in his long-vacant apartment. Writer-director Tom McCarthy's affecting film makes its political point with intelligence, subtle humor and compassion (A-III, PG-13).

WALL-E: A deeply touching animated futuristic fable about a soulful-eyed robot. Director Andrew Stanton mixes sharp humor, honest sentiment and potent romance with a timely environmental warning (A-I, G)."

See more recommendations and reviews from the USCCB Film and Broadcasting division. Includes older films.

Of interest, Vatican Best Films List.

For classic films, check Tea at Trianon's movie reviews.

Friday Lenten Meal

I decided to make Dilled Salmon Steaks tonight. Here's the easy recipe:

Cook salmon steaks on low medium in a pan, cover with:

- White cooking wine
- A bit of oil
- Honey, lemon, pepper seasoning(contains salt)
- Butter flavored sprinkles
- Garlic(spoonful)

Cook each side until you can't see raw fish, then throw a pinch of dill and a ring of pineapple on each fish steak. Cook fish on each side until almost falling apart.

Serve over rice with peas.

Life: Imagine the Potential

Choose Life!

HT to Therese.

Frugal Living: Uses for Bread Bags

From Pawpaw Holler Home:

• Store homemade breads in them.
• Store leftovers (roasts, chicken, etc.) in them. (Wrap in wax paper first, if desired.)
• For breading meats, chicken, etc.
• Lunch bags.
• Trash bags in the car.
• For compost clippings.
• Plant seeds or cuttings in them.
• If they’re clear, use them over pots of seedlings and cuttings to make a mini-greenhouse.
• Use them for collecting, on nature walks.
• Save up a bunch of them and stuff a pillow.
• Wet or snowy weather? Pull them over your children’s shoes and add a rubberband around the pants leg. Instant mud boots! (use two over each shoe)
  

I forgot about using them as shoe covers! I remember doing this as a small child - great in pinch. If you have any other uses, share them over at Pawpaw Holler.

See more great ideas and homeschool inspirations at Pawpaw Holler.

Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce

I ran out of teriyaki sauce last week, but had soy sauce on hand. I decided to look at the contents on the bottle of teriyaki sauce and make my own. It came out even better than store bought teriyaki sauce!

I rinsed out the bottle, removed the plug pour top, and funneled in the following:

3/4 cup of soy sauce
1 1/2 cup of Goya white cooking wine mixed with two tablespoons of sugar, a tablespoon of onion power, and a tablespoon of garlic powder.

We had this over some thin steaks with stir fry veggies tonight. I slow cooked the meat and veggies in a good amount of teriyaki sauce, about three pours, and served both over *egg rice. My husband loved it!

I'm going to have it over salmon steaks on Friday.

* Egg rice is rice cooked with one scrambled egg. I prepare the rice as usual and add one raw scrambled egg. The rice comes out a little stickier than usual, but very tasty.

See more at the Make-It-From-Scratch Carnival.

Also see Kitchen Tip Tuesdays at Tammy's Recipes.

Wonder Pets! Music CD

Have you heard of the Wonder Pets!?

If you have a toddler, you've probably had the Wonder Pets in your home via Nick Jr. My daughter sings the WonderPets song at least a dozen times a day. She has a musical book which instead of reading, you sing the story. It's cute, but difficult if you have a cold which I've had for weeks now. I cough half way through each song.

I've finally decided to purchase some Wonder Pets songs. Amazon has the CD, or you can download the entire MP3 CD, or a song at a time for .99 cents each. There are also free listening samples. I tried this for the first time today, and it was easy. Now I'll just download it to the laptop and she can listen to her heart's delight. If she really likes it, I'll buy some more songs, but this lets me sample before committing myself to the entire CD.

Editorial Review from Amazon.com:

"The photo-puppetry style of animation used to create the Nick Jr. series Wonder Pets! isn't the only thing special about the show, as any mom who's made the acquaintance of Ming-Ming Duckling, Linny the Guinea Pig, and Turtle Tuck will confirm faster than her fidgety 4-year-old can insist on a bigger-kid show. Beyond the gently imparted messages about teamwork and compassion, what kicks the show up to Dora and Diego levels of likeability is its music. Each episode is a mini operetta--listen past the preschool voices of the crusading main characters, and you'll hear a 10-member live orchestra lending the proceedings a serious-music-lover's vibe; for moms who weren't completely sold on the merits of intro to Mozart discs from series such as Baby Einstein, this represents another chance at cultivating appreciative ears. -Tammy La Gorce"

Free Girl's Dress and Skirt Patterns

Short Sleeved A-line Dress

Wrap Dress

Wrap Skirt

T-shirt Dress and here , and here too.

Easy Skirt Tutorial

Pillowcase Dress

Baby T-Shirt Dress

Jumper Dress










Tea Towel Skirt(cute!)

Sundress

Baby Kimono

Smockette

Baby Sundress

Favorite T shirt turned baby/toddler dress

Sheet dress(use smaller sheet for children)

Blue Scotty Dress

Onesie Dress and other versions

Make a Bandanna Dress

Pinafore dress

More pinafore patterns

and another

Pocketed dish towel skirt

Make Stuff: A Scarf Dress

Make a Napkin Skirt


Turn a woman's skirt into a dress(tutorial)

T-shirt Refashion and Men's Shirt to Jumper Dress.

Simple, No-pattern, Two-tiered Girls Skirt

Free Lent Activities for the Family 2009

From Currclick: "Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 25^th 2009) is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter (April 12^th 2009). For many families, Easter just happens. Don't let this occur this year. Have a meaningful Lent by doing a special activity each day of Lent. Then fill in the fruit on the Lenten Tree Chart and count down to Easter."

Click here.

Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent in preparation for the renewal of baptism at Easter.

Tomorrow is a day of abstinence, fast, and repentance.

Repent, and hear the good news. —Mark 1:15

"Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the priest who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his own forehead and then on each of those present who kneel before him at the altar rail. As he does so, he recites the words: 'Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' " ~ Wikipedia

Today is carnival, Fat Tuesday, AKA: Strove Tuesday. When I lived overseas we celebrated in carnival, but it's just like another day here in SE Virginia. Kind of sad - I miss the festivities, and would have liked to share it with my children.

Per tradition, we will be indulging in pancakes tonight though! Our church has a pancake supper, but the little one is not always cooperative in the evenings.

Homemade Dolly

Candy made the prettiest cloth doll with little pink lips . Check out her post for directions; my daughter would love this doll.

Here is a link for a free pattern for a doll body.

Free Homeschooling Vintage ebook: Bird World for Elementary School Students

Bird World: A Bird Book for Children

By Jenny H. Stickney, Ralph Hoffmann, Ernest Thompson Seton, Ginn and Company, Athenaeum Press

Published by Ginn, 1898

Original from Harvard University

Digitized May 13, 2008

214 pages

Free and in public domain. Fully downloadable and printable.

Click here to begin reading(Table of Contents).
Main page.

Printing and Saving Tips: Make sure that the page is set to HTML(bottom right sidebar at page). It should be defaulted to this setting in my first link above, so try saving first before messing with the setting. Click on image of book page to save and print. Book is fully downloadable. I use a free download helper with my slow internet.

He Foils the Designs of Peoples

Psalm 33:10-22

The LORD foils the plan of nations, frustrates the designs of peoples.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever, wise designs through all generations.

Happy the nation whose God is the LORD, the people chosen as his very own.

From heaven the LORD looks down and observes the whole human race,

Surveying from the royal throne all who dwell on earth.

The one who fashioned the hearts of them all knows all their works.

A king is not saved by a mighty army, nor a warrior delivered by great strength.

Useless is the horse for safety; its great strength, no sure escape.

But the LORD'S eyes are upon the reverent, upon those who hope for his gracious help,

Delivering them from death, keeping them alive in times of famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and shield.

For in God our hearts rejoice; in your holy name we trust.

May your kindness, LORD, be upon us; we have put our hope in you.

MP3 Old Time Radio Shows for Homeschooling and Family Listening

I'm adding an OTRCat.com banner to the sidebar because I've enjoyed their low priced compilations of old time radio shows. Many of these show are easily found free and in public domain on the web. I post them here from time to time, but OTRCat.com has such low prices that on occasion, I've ordered the large collections just due to the fact that it was less time consuming rather than downloading hours of radio shows from the web.

They offer large collections on fully downloadable MP3 CDs for $5.00, and offer some regular audio CDs at higher prices. The MP3 CDs hold a lot more than regular audio CDs. Check out their site, they also have free downloads, and free special collections for holidays. I got the special collections emailed to me after joining their email list. Shipping is low both domestically and internationally.

Also see their helpful tutorials for downloading and details and helps for various MP3 players.

Some of my favorites(all have sample audio episodes):

The Catholic Hour Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen often hosted the program.

The American History Collection, 157 episodes.(history)

Scarlet Pimpernel, 57 episodes, produced in London.

American Adventure, 23 episodes(history)

American Portraits, 8 episodes(history)

Science Magazine in the Air, 23 episodes(science)

Mr President, 75 episodes(history)

You Are There, History-based dramatizations (1947 - 1950), 70 episodes.

Fiber McGee & Molly(comedy)

British Old Time Radio Shows

See more tips at Works for Me Wednesday.

Children's Lent, Holy Week and Easter Printables

Click on title.

Dress Clothespin Bag

Check out this cute Dress Clothespin Bag that Mj made over at Making Do with the Not so new.

Keeping Warm

A picture of the plug-in fireplace heater insert that I wrote about last month. This is keeping the kitchen/den warm enough for us to turn down the heat to 62 degrees(with the doors closed). The upstairs is a little chilly, but we enjoy sleeping in the cooler air under down feather comforters. With the exception of the cord, it looks and feels very real. This was a good money saving purchase and relatively inexpensive.

The den(AKA: children's living room) to the right of the fireplace.

Goodwill Thrift Store Find

An Easter dress for my daughter, only $1.99.

No Sweep Solution for Messy Eaters

The little blessings of dog ownership - many paws make quick work.



































And the loafing onlooker. A clean floor with no work!