Free Printable Tangram Patterns and Silhouette Cards

Invented by the Chinese and used to develop geometric thinking and spatial sense. 

Numerous free patterns here.

How to Season an Iron Kettle

From the The Successful Housekeeper, 1895: "The best way to prepare a new iron kettle for use is to fill it with clean potato peelings, boil them for an hour or more, then wash the kettle with hot water, wipe it dry and rub it with a little lard; repeat the rubbing for half an dozen times after using. In this way you will prevent rust, and all the annoyances liable to occur in the use of a new kettle."

I'll Be Back.....

Taking a little break to recharge.

Painted Floor Progress

I'm making headway with the painted floors despite children and/or cats walking or almost walking across wet paint. I finished my son's bedroom and the formal living room. Now that some of the floors are done, it shows how badly the baseboards need painting. I'll work on this next.
I used Behr's One Part Epoxy Concrete Garage Floor Paint with a concrete primer on this concrete first floor living room floor. It turned out nicely and a large vintage wool Persian area rug($176 including shipping on ebay) with padding will go over top. I used 1.5 cans of paint for this 15 x 12(approximate) area, and half a can of concrete primer. The hubby took out the carpet and used a hand sander to smooth the floor.

Nationwide Back-to-School State Tax Holiday Schedule

Check the dates for your state here. Some states begin their tax holiday for clothes, shoes, computers, and school supplies as early as late July. The time periods are very short, usually over a weekend in August.

Make Baking Yeast From Split Peas

Making this tonight. Recipe is from a 1820 home making book:

"To Make Yeast in the Turkish Manner:
Take a small teacup-full of split or bruised peas, and pour on it a pint of boiling water, and set it in a vessel all night on the hearth, or any warm place. The next morning the water will have a froth on it, and be good yeast, and will make as much bread as two quartern loaves."  ~ The New Family Receipt Book, 1820. Free and in public domain.

Vintage Children's Character Education Resources

We are to be fulfilled and satisfied in the abundance of Christ's life, putting our love and trust in God above all else, neither material nor person coming before God.

Most of these resources deal with greed and the consequences of greed in one form or another. All are in public domain and are downloadable and printable:

The Punishment of Greed from the Chinese Fairy Book, 1921.

Proverbs By John H. Bechtel, 1910

Which is Best?, The Wonder Clock by Howard Pyle, Katharine Pyle, 1887.

Greed in Marlowe's Tragedies, English Literature by Alphonso Gerald Newcomer, 1905.

Decline of the Republic, A History of the Ancient World, by George Stephen Goodspeed, 1912.

Service, Junior High School Literature by William Harris Elson, Christine M. Keck, 1920.

The Son of Columbus, Great Men's Sons by Elbridge Streeter Brooks, 1895.

The Last Voyages of Christopher Columbus, Harper's Fourth Reader, 1888.

Malchus the Monk, The Book of Saints and Heroes, by Andrew Lang.

The Wolf and the Crane,  The Folk-lore Readers, by Eulalie Osgood Grover, Margaret Ely Webb, 1914.

The Lion's Share, The Story Hour Readers, 1920

The Magic Well, The American School Readers, 1911

The Greedy Geese, Good Stories for Great Holidays, 1914

More later.....

Spicing it Up

I enjoy using spices in my cooking, especially the exotic. I made some Tunisian Tabil today. It is was really good in the chicken, rice, collard green, and Roma tomato meal(with a split pea sauce) that we had for dinner. I tend to mix and match cultural seasonings. My meal also had curry powder, Garam Marsala, and Adobo seasoning salt.

Tabil
(TUNISIAN SPICE BLEND)

1/4 cup ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground caraway
1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder

Mix all the spices and store in an airtight container. Use within
2 months.

Can be used with meat and vegetable dishes.

Makes about 1/2 cup.
Source.

Image from Virtual Tourist.

Frozen Cucumbers

This is the first year I plan to try this: Fresh Frozen Cucumbers.

Homemade Catfish Tenders and Tartar Sauce

We had homemade catfish tenders and tartar sauce tonight. The bagged catfish pieces(boneless farm raised tenders) were on sale at Save-A-Lot. I baked them after rolling them in egg and seasoned flour. There was enough to freeze for at least three more meals.

Tartar sauce is so easy to make at home, and if you don't have relish on hand, chopped cucumbers in seasoned vinegar tastes good(less sweet) as well. We got a good crop of cucumbers from the garden this year, so they've been marinating in seasoned vinegar, sweetened with a little sugar and chopped onion, just waiting to be eaten.

Mix all to taste for homemade tartar sauce: *homemade mayonnaise, Miracle Whip(homemade version here), relish, a few squirts of lemon juice, onion powder, and salt and pepper. If you use marinated cucumber you don't need the Miracle Whip.

* homemade potato mayonnaise is also a good substitute

DIY Pallet Furniture

Made from free pallets. See more here.

Source

Graveyard of the Atlantic

Corolla, North Carolina (CNN) -- Ray Midgett hunts the Corolla beaches on the Outer Banks of North Carolina almost every day.

"Beachcombing, or metal detecting, or relic hunting is in my blood," said Midgett, a retired government worker who hits the sand between October and April.

"There are so many shipwrecks up here, it's just beautiful."

Midgett drives his pickup truck right onto the beach using the access road near the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. With a metal detector and shovel in tow, he's uncovered everything from antique coins to wedding rings.

Yet his biggest discovery came in December when he located the remains of a historic shipwreck[17th century].

The wreckage, hidden under the sand for centuries, became fully exposed after a winter of brutal Nor'easters, making it the oldest shipwreck found off the coast of North Carolina.

...Midgett and other beachcombers had discovered a number of relics near the shipwreck's beach grave site, including coins believed to be from the reign of Louis XIII in France and Charles I in England, lead bale seals used for identification, and spoons dating to the mid-1600s.

Read more here

Something I've always wanted to do - treasure hunt. :)

Free Vintage Candy Cookbook for Children

Title: A Little Candy Book for a Little Girl
Author: Amy Harlow Lane Waterman
Publisher: Page Co., 1918
Length: 144 pages
Free and in public domain here.

Just for Fun - Art Personality Test

Your result for The Art Genre Test...

Minimalism

Congratulations! Your personality most closely resembles Minimalism.

You lead a calm and sensible life. You enjoy the little pleasures and never see the need to clutter up your life with possessions. You can be shy, but the people who take the time to get to know you can see what a great person you are.
Some artists you should know are Rothko and Newman.
This style of art focuses on the simple expression of complex ideas. What can look like a red square at first glance, has many subtle and beautiful details when you stop to look at it.

Take The Art Genre Test at HelloQuizzy


"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

A Place Where Love Abounds

"We should emphasize family life as we live with our children through the years of childhood. Each child in the home should realize that he occupies a place in the 'Republic of the Family',  that he may contribute to the general good of home life. What are the ideals of home life which we are holding before our children? A place where love abounds, where each one shows a thoughtful consideration for others; where each one is surrounded with an atmosphere of freedom; where each one may grow with only that training and restraining necessary to secure the highest development of character. During the period of childhood the mother learns that she can only minister to the growth, that the possibilities of development lie within the children.

In the home the children are self revealing. The mother learns when certain characteristics need to be stimulated, when foibles are to be corrected. The mother learns that she cannot arbitrarily form her ideal, but must develop the ideal in each individual child. Every impulse to good must be cradled and nurtured. As the flower turns toward the sun, so the heart and life of the child should turn toward goodness. The parents must be alert, the home life of the child must be ordered and planned that he may grow under the best conditions.

Work and play occupy a large share of the child's waking hours. These must be provided for by the mother. ... in living with our children we must allow them to enter into our work and live with us. We should allow the youngest child in the home to have some share in the household work, some task which he may call his own, and in the performance of which he will grow in power and strength."  More here at Home Science Magazine, 1908.

Free Vintage Biblical Alphabet Early Reader Book

The illustrations are lovely in this old ABC book. It is free and in public domain. You can download the entire book or print individual pages by right clicking on the image of the page at the link. These would make nice picture flash cards as well.

The Child's Coloured Scripture Book
Publisher George Routledge and Sons, 1867
See here.

Care of Painted Floors

The Housekeeper's Handbook of Cleaning
Harper's Home Economics
Author Sarah Josephine MacLeod
Publisher Harper & Brothers, 1918

Some vintage advice for the care of painted floors:

Floors and  Floor Coverings

"Fortunately the day of nailed-down carpets is almost gone. The sooner all carpets are replaced by rugs the better. Carpets which cover the entire floor hold dust and are hard to clean. Rugs take as much dust for the surface they cover, but the surface is not so great, and they are cleaned much more easily.

Even though a floor is of soft wood, the cracks can be filled and three or four coats of good paint applied. If this surface is covered with one large rug, or with several smaller ones placed where there is the most traffic, the finish will last well. Painted soft-wood floors are not as desirable as hard-wood floors, but they are preferable to carpeted floors.

Painted floors.—To keep these in good condition they should be swept with a soft-hair brush and dusted with a dry mop or duster. Occasionally they may be washed with a slightly moistened cloth."

And You Shall Live

Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

I pray to you, O LORD,
for the time of your favor, O God!
In your great kindness answer me
with your constant help.
Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness:
in your great mercy turn toward me.

I am afflicted and in pain;
let your saving help, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69 From today's readings.

Painted Concrete Floors

I'm thinking we might paint the concrete floors downstairs instead of renting a grinder for polished concrete floors. The grinder is inexpensive, but paint is even less. Look how nicely Sandy's turned out:

 


She has got a beautiful blog. Go check it out, Paint Me White.

Sears Clearance Sales

It's about that time again when Sears begins having clearance sales on summer clothing. I usually wait until children's clothing is 60-80% off, and buy ahead for next summer. Sears offers a free shopping reward program(shopping points for coupon savings) with sign-up online or in the store.

I'll be checking out the sales at the end of this month and next. In the past I've purchased children's clothing on clearance for under $2.00 a piece.

Survey: Frugality Associated with Healthier Lifestyle

A recent survey has found living a more frugal lifestyle can make people healthier. A majority of middle-class families said they are eating better, exercising more and spending less on junk food and alcohol because the economy has made them be more careful about their spending. Forty-nine percent of the 1,000 families surveyed as part of the First Command Financial Behaviors Index said they think their new frugality is making them healthier, and 45 percent said frugal behavior is making at least a part of their life healthier, such as cooking more at home or taking the bike instead of the car.

"The survey results reveal an important connection between personal finance and health," said Scott Spiker, CEO of First Command Financial Services, a financial planning and investment management firm. "Middle-class consumers who embrace responsible behaviors are also making the types of spending decisions associated with healthy living."  Source.

Still Busy...

getting the floors and stairs ready to be painted. All the carpet and tacks have been removed. There are many places that need filling in, and nails to be hammered down, and a few remaining staples to pull. The paint I purchased matches the walls, a creamy white - Sherwin Williams high gloss floor paint. I signed up for the preferred customer deal and got 20% off my purchase.

Family Dollar had a $5.00 off coupon for a $25.00 purchase. I shop there regularly, so with the coupon, I purchased my painting supplies for almost free.

I purchased paintable caulk and wood filler with a remaining balance on an Ace Hardware Store gift certificate earned with credit card points(zero balance, so no finance charges).

(Stairs pictured before rehab...after pictures later)

I had to purchase an area rug attachment for my vacuum. Thankfully, it was only $15.00 on ebay with free shipping. The wool Persian rugs we are purchasing last longer without a beater vacuum head. The vacuum head is a nice one with foot switches to go from bare floor to area rugs, if desired.

Other things we still need: two more area room rugs, a hallway runner, stair treads, and area rug padding.

Gum Drop Pillows

These are so cute! I'd like to make some for my daughter with vintage sheets.

Tutorial here for a similar version, Morrocan pouf.

Homemade Eggless Mayonaisse

I make my own mayonnaise(see recipe here), but I ran out of eggs today, so I tried this recipe in the blender for Potato Mayonnaise (no eggs). I just happened to be boiling some potatoes for tonight's dinner. It wasn't bad!

Potato Mayonnaise (no eggs)


Very small baked potato
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup olive oil


Remove and mash the inside of potato. Add mustard, salt, and powdered sugar; add one tablespoon vinegar, and rub mixture through a fine sieve. Add slowly oil and remaining vinegar. By the taste one would hardly realize eggs were not used in the making. ~ Old Recipe Book .com.

Happy Birthday America!

"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions...

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. " ~ Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

God bless America!

Best Money Saving Tips From Google Tip Jar

Click here

How to Make Sour Cream From Plain Yogurt

Easy!  You take plain yogurt(no additives), drain off the liquid(whey), add some lemon, and refrigerate for two hours. See here for detailed recipe.

This tutorial mentions the use of a fine mesh kitchen sieve to drain the yogurt, but cheese cloth or a strong paper towel over a colander works well too. I use the colander/paper towel combination over a large bowl to drain the yogurt. Instead of discarding the drainage(whey), save it for baking and cooking. I use whey in homemade bread.

For something extra, save a portion of the drained yogurt; skip the lemon, drain overnight, and you'll have creamy cheese!

Image for wikipedia.

Growth in the Grace of Understanding

Being misunderstood is something that happens to all of us...

And misunderstanding others is something all of us do...

Perhaps most important of all:
misunderstanding clouds our thinking and obscures the truth...
 
Misunderstanding erodes relationships and spoils trust. Unresolved misunderstanding can lead to confusion, mistrust, grudges, resentments and hurt.


An Examen of Conscience:


Do I listen with a desire to learn?
Do I seek to understand that I might learn the truth?
Do I speak with sincere respect for those who hear me?
Do I listen as intently to others as I hope others listen to me?
Do I open myself to truths, old and new,
truths I've not known or understood before, truths I've rejected?
Do I speak the truth charitably when it calls others to accountability?
Do I listen humbly when others speak a discomforting truth to me?
Do I recognize my own limitations' impact on how I understand others?
Do I listen patiently to others who disagree with me?
Do I speak patiently to those who misunderstand me?
Do I keep in mind that some people
have been misunderstood all their lives?
Do I understand that some people will just never understand?
Do I understand how much more there always is for me to understand?
Do I know how to converse without needing to convince?
Do I know how to debate without needing to defeat?
Do I forgive those who misunderstand me?
Do I ask forgiveness of those I've misunderstood?
Do I seek, do I pray to understand more
and to be more understanding?
Do I seek to understand so that I might gain wisdom?
Do I allow the truth to correct my misunderstandings?
Do I speak the truth I know that others might understand it?
Do my words invite others to consider, understand
and embrace what is true?
Do I understand there is a truth to be understood?


Mutual understanding can be a path to the truth, a path we need to learn to walk together. Being misunderstood is something that happens to all of us and misunderstanding others is something all of us do. Growth in the grace of understanding is something we all need to pray for...


Lord, you made and understand all things.
Help us to understand one another as you understand each of us.
With your Spirit's gifts, help us to grow in understanding
and guide us, together, to your truth. ~ Concord Pastor

Read entire post here.

Common Ingredient Substitutions When You Run Short

Helpful list here, at Allrecipes.com.

Substituting apple sauce or yogurt for oil/butter in baking recipes is one of my favorite diet secrets. I also use this substitution in my homemade salad dressing; instead of oil, I use yogurt. Just one tablespoon of my canola oil is 120 calories! One cup of plain whole milk yogurt is only 130 calories.

Diet Progress

I fell away for the diet and exercise for a while, but I'm back to my plan. I'm using the free Calorie Count program. I downloaded the tool bar which monitors my calories via an Eat Meter. At first it's tedious to look up all the calories and portion sizes, but then you begin to remember how many calories are in your usual foods. It has also helped me make low calorie substitutions in my normal recipes, so that I can stretch my calories throughout the day.

I lost weight with exercise on 1500 calories a day, but 1200 would be better. It's just too difficult for me to keep going with only 1200 calories with all that I do with the children. It's slow going, but all I can do is keep trying.

Inspiration

This image, found at Google Images, was the inspiration for my new child friendly, low maintenance hard surface floors, or soon to be floors because we are still ripping out carpet and prepping the floors for the transformation. We'll still need something soft under our feet, so area carpets will be used, but they can be very expensive; however,  there are some real bargains for vintage Persian carpets(hand knotted wool). They'll have low pile, but many are still bright, soft, and attractive. Best of all, they hide a lot! Those colorful intricate patterns are so much better than our off-white carpeting(came with the home) which is unforgiving of childhood messes.

Online auctions have some good buys, but they can be very competitive. It took me a week of constant searching and bidding before I won a super large one, 11 x 14 for under $300(including shipping costs). It wasn't my first choice for pattern; you have to take what you can get.

With padding underneath, this area rug should be comfortable for little feet on our new hard surface floors.

Extending the Table Cookbook

I finally ordered this cookbook, Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook, which was written in the spirit of the More-With-Less Cookbook (World Community Cookbook), one of my favorites. The recipes are diverse simple nutritious meals from around the world, the international version of the Hillbilly Housewife's low cost made from scratch recipes. Many of the meals are similar to what I already cook, but the book gave me so many ideas for diversifying them. I'll be sharing some of these recipes soon, as I make them.

I got the cookbook free with Amazon gift certificates via Swagbucks.