D&C 88:119
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.
D&C 123:17
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
Carpet Stain Removal
Tools needed:
1. Steam Iron
2. WHITE hand towel
3. Stain Remover ( Always perform a test in a non-conspicuous area to insure color wear & fastness)
Steps
1. Apply stain remover- do not over apply, just get the damaged fibers moist with the chemical
2. Fold hand towel in half and place over stain (you are doubling the thickness of the towel)
3. Fill Steam Iron with water, set to MAX steam and turn dial to Wool Setting
4. Place iron on top of towel and stain. The steam raises the stain into the towel. BEWARE- if you see the towel start to show burns on the top level, keep an eye on the carpet very closely.
If the stain does not at least lighten in the first 5 minutes, wait for a Pro.
If the stain comes out in the first 5 min -GOOD JOB! If it only lightens, repeat the process until you arrive at success.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups mint chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the mint chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto some prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring off to cool completely.
20 Things That Will Take You Further in Life Than Good Grades
- Getting an education. Odds are you've forgotten 90% of what you were tested on in school. The 10% you remember? That's education.
- Being excited about learning. So your kid comes home with a B or even a C ... what's more worrisome is if he or she comes home bored and unexcited about learning.
- Tying your shoelaces. Not to stress those of you with 4- and 5-year-olds out, but your kid's not going to go very far in life without this skill. Literally. It's really hard to walk.
- Being just bad enough. Here's a life lesson that will take your kids further in school, college, work, and life. There's a fine line between having fun and ending up in the principal's office.
- Learning to accept your authentic self. Your kids might not be "A" students, but if they are working hard and not slacking off, then less-than-perfect grades are fine. Parental love and acceptance is more important than perfect grades.
- Knowing what your true skills are. Graduate school was very hard for me at times. I'll never forget a professor who acknowledged the importance of the person in the discussion group (me) who "added humor" and "lightened up the overly serious people." Your kids' assets may not be the traditional academic kind.
- Staying sane. Never underestimate the importance of good mental and emotional health over studying day in and day out. Kids who are pushed too hard often crack under the pressure.
- Being a good friend. School can be a sandbox for figuring out who you are and how you relate to other people. You develop your social skills and forge relationships that will teach you for a lifetime -- things like "treat others how you want to be treated." And while learning to be be a good friend, your kids will also learn to other important lessons like how to lose friends, end unhealthy friendships, and move on.
- Failing can be a gift. Watching your kids fail is a tough one for most parents. Like many things in life though, sometimes we need to fail something before we can master it.
- Understanding your process. Educational failures can also be eye-opening revelations for a student (i.e., "I learn by reading/writing/discussing/doing") and can help them to learn valuable things about their personalities, their work styles, their limitations, what does and doesn't work for them, and what they really want to learn.
- Being a good sport. Whether in actual sports or other competitive activities like debate team, your kids can pick up important life skills like the rewards of a competitive spirit, working as part of a team,persevering through loss, and that competition always makes you better -- even if you don't win every time.
- Being well rounded. A good education isn't straight out of a textbook. Extracurricular activitiesand electives like Photography and Wood Shop develop skills beyond academics and help provide skills your kids can take far beyond schooling.
- Questioning authority. The sooner the better on this one and, of course, learning to do it with respect and tact. Teachers (and bosses) don't know everything and are often far from perfect.
- Reading can be fun. And the kind of reading you're forced to do to get straight As isn't always the fun kind. Sometimes! But not always.
- Being perfect is more harmful than helpful. How many employers have ever checked your GPA? None, right? If being perfect is killing your child with stress or panic or ruining her love of learning, taking it down a notch might be more beneficial.
- Having good "people" skills. It's not what you know but who you know, right? Being able to network with the right people and work with all kinds of people -- especially the difficult ones -- is a profound asset in work and in life.
- Knowing the most important skill set for your career path. Unless your child is determined to be a doctor or a lawyer, reading until one's eyes bleed may not be the most important skill set. Making powerful friends, getting key references, building a great resume, learning a job-specific skill, or gaining hands-on experience might actually serve them better.
- Being able to prioritize well. This will help you be more successful in 90% of the critical areas of your life: work, health, money, marriage, kids.
- Living a balanced life. The guy who does the best job at work doesn't necessarily have the best life. In fact, if he spends so much time on work, he may be, in fact, neglecting other areas in life like: building relationships, relaxing, having fun.
- Getting an education is critical. Even if your child is not making straight As or going for valedictorian, there's sure a heck of a lot of important stuff to learn!
What lessons that you learned in school have taken you farther in life than good grades?
5 Kinds of Overeating
Social Trigger – eating to fit in. Do you plan all your social activities around food or in places with mostly unhealthy food choices.
Emotional Trigger – eating to avoid feeling bad, lonely, bored, angry, etc…It is a bottomless pit. You will still feel the same or worse way after you are done eating.
Situational Trigger – eating because the opportunity is there. You see a commercial, walk by a display, or associate food with an activity like watching TV, going to the movies, sitting at the computer, etc... This includes anything that creates a craving.
Thoughts Trigger – eating because of negative self worth and/or image.This often leads to binge eating. This is often why “diets” don’t work. You feel deprived and discouraged. What are you saying to yourself? Stop unhealthy thoughts and demeaning conversations in your own head. You don't have to listen to them anymore!
Physiological Trigger – eating to cope with physical pain. Do you eat when injured or tired? This can also be hunger pain from skipping meals.
How can you overcome these triggers?
Which ones do you do? Keep a food diary. Helps you notice patterns of overeating and your triggers. It is not about policing yourself. It is about understanding yourself.
Think of 10 things you can do instead of eating. Write them down on a card and carry it around with you, so you are prepared. Make your choices simple and realistic. When you feel the urge to snack, pick something from your list and do it. Break your bad habits and replace them with good ones.
Learn some relaxation techniques. – learn to cope with your issues in other ways like: words of affirmation, deep breathing, meditation, prayer, exercise, etc…
Have good non-food rewards for achieving your goals.
Stay hydrated – sometimes we feel hungry when we really need water.
If You Come Across an Angel
Every day, in the world around us, real live angels are doing things they do
and bringing more smiles to the world around them.
Real life angels build bridges instead of walls.
They don’t play hide and seek with the truth, and they don’t have hidden agendas.
They tend to be the ones who understand what you’re going through.
If they sense that you been hurting, they do whatever they can to help you.
Real-life angels understand difficulties and always give the benefit of the doubt.
They don’t hold others up to standards they can’t live by themselves.
Real-life angels are what “inner beauty” is all about.
Real-life angels don’t hold things against you; the only thing they hold is you.
They walk beside you when you could use a little guidance and direction in your life.
And they support you in your attempts to do what is right.
Real-life angels multiply your smiles and add to your integrity.
If you come across an angel like this, you are one of the luckiest people of all.
April Fool's Cupcakes
You take a normal meatloaf recipe. Divide it up into 12 balls. Cook the mini meatloaves in paper cup lined muffin tins. Cook as directed. Then you mix up some mashed potatoes and add any food coloring you would like. Decorate the cooked meatloaf cupcakes with the colored mashed potatoes and serve warm. You could also make one large meatloaf pie or cake.
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Mardi Gras Wreath
I wanted something for my front door to celebrate Mardi Gras. I used a old grapevine wreath and tried green, purple, and yellow ribbons on it. Then I attached a long strand of beads and a mask.
No Tea Chi Mix
3 cups non-fat dry milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup non-dairy creamer
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp white pepper
Whisk together well. Serve mixed in hot water whenever you would like a little hot spiced milk. Makes a great gift!
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup non-dairy creamer
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp white pepper
Whisk together well. Serve mixed in hot water whenever you would like a little hot spiced milk. Makes a great gift!
A New Year - A New You!!!
Here are some other tips for focusing on a healthy lifestyle this year:
1. Drink only water – your body need more water than most people take in. Why drink your calories, when water is better for you & calorie free? You should be drinking around 64 oz or a 2 litter of water everyday.
2. Go for a walk every morning to get your day started. I find it to very relaxing and invigorating. It really helps boast your metabolism for the day.
3. Eat small, well balanced meals 5 or 6 times a day. This helps your body get into a better fat burning routine. You eat just enough calories to keep your body working hard and able to burn off the calories as you intake them.
4. Take the time to pamper yourself with some exercise every day. After a week or two your body will love it! It helps your body relax and release hidden stress. This can really help if you have a hard time sleeping at night.
5. Breathe deeply through your nose. Don't hold your breath while you are exercising. Inhale while your muscles are relaxed & exhale while they are stressed. Your muscles and brain will thank you!
6. Start substituting more fresh foods into your diet. I have been amazed at how much easier it is to cook fresh and simple meals such as grilled chicken/fish and steamed vegetables. You will feel great after eating this way.
7. Watch your portion sizes. A normal sized meal can fit onto an 8 inch plate (or a typical salad plate). Beware of the typical American sized dinner/restaurant plates that are 10 to 14 inches or more. Those are considered platters. No wonder we eat so much.
8. Work on breaking bad eating habits such as:
• Stop using food as a reward.
• Stop planning activities around what food you will serve.
• Stop eating the food leftover off other people’s plates (for me the kids) or taking 2nd, 3rd helpings. (Yes there are people starving in the world, but you being overweight does not help them.)
• Don’t eat in the car, in front of the TV, or while you are on the computer. It creates improper connections and associations. Only eat at the table during meal times.
• Avoid using fast food as a fall back when you are stressed or overscheduled. Plan ahead by preparing meals ahead of time or packing a lunch/snack in case you are busy during a meal time.
• Avoid the junk food isles in the store. You can cut your time in half almost by skipping all those isles and save a lot of money!
1. Drink only water – your body need more water than most people take in. Why drink your calories, when water is better for you & calorie free? You should be drinking around 64 oz or a 2 litter of water everyday.
2. Go for a walk every morning to get your day started. I find it to very relaxing and invigorating. It really helps boast your metabolism for the day.
3. Eat small, well balanced meals 5 or 6 times a day. This helps your body get into a better fat burning routine. You eat just enough calories to keep your body working hard and able to burn off the calories as you intake them.
4. Take the time to pamper yourself with some exercise every day. After a week or two your body will love it! It helps your body relax and release hidden stress. This can really help if you have a hard time sleeping at night.
5. Breathe deeply through your nose. Don't hold your breath while you are exercising. Inhale while your muscles are relaxed & exhale while they are stressed. Your muscles and brain will thank you!
6. Start substituting more fresh foods into your diet. I have been amazed at how much easier it is to cook fresh and simple meals such as grilled chicken/fish and steamed vegetables. You will feel great after eating this way.
7. Watch your portion sizes. A normal sized meal can fit onto an 8 inch plate (or a typical salad plate). Beware of the typical American sized dinner/restaurant plates that are 10 to 14 inches or more. Those are considered platters. No wonder we eat so much.
8. Work on breaking bad eating habits such as:
• Stop using food as a reward.
• Stop planning activities around what food you will serve.
• Stop eating the food leftover off other people’s plates (for me the kids) or taking 2nd, 3rd helpings. (Yes there are people starving in the world, but you being overweight does not help them.)
• Don’t eat in the car, in front of the TV, or while you are on the computer. It creates improper connections and associations. Only eat at the table during meal times.
• Avoid using fast food as a fall back when you are stressed or overscheduled. Plan ahead by preparing meals ahead of time or packing a lunch/snack in case you are busy during a meal time.
• Avoid the junk food isles in the store. You can cut your time in half almost by skipping all those isles and save a lot of money!
New Year Cleaning
Check the expiration date on your yeast, baking soda, and baking powder.
Test your yeast:
But one cup of warm water, 1 tsp of sugar and 1 Tbs of yeast in a bowl together and let sit for 10 minutes. Make sure it has begun to expand and bubble.
Test your baking soda:
Mix a tsp of vinegar and a tsp of baking soda together. It should bubble like a 2nd grade volcano science experiment. If it doesn't, it is time to get some new baking soda
Test your baking powder:
Put a tsp of baking powder in a cup of hot water. It should bubble and spat (it is releasing carbon dioxide). If it doesn't, it won't help your baked goods rise and you need some new baking powder.
Taken from http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com/
Taken from http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com/
Baby Shower Ideas
Mommy Spa Day - Take the mom-to-be to the spa for a massage, pedicure, manicure, etc... or Have a massage therapist come to your party to do chair massage for everyone. It is a blast. You can paint the mom-to-be's toes any color you want; she can't see them!
Have a Baby Shower Day - Have all the friends/family sign-up for an hour starting with breakfast in the morning to drop by and visit the mother to be. This one is great for women on bedrest or that already have children. Each friend drops by with a gift and a hug to brighten the mom-to-be's day. Don't forget to include meals for the mom & family.
It's Raining Chocolate - Have an all chocolate party! This is a great way to chat & swap recipes. You can play the candy bar game - you melt down candy bars & try to guess which one is which.
Mom's Night Out - Take the mom-to-be out for a night on the town. This one is easy to organize and fun for everyone involved. Eveyone but the new mom pays their own way.
Scrapbooking Baby - Have everyone put together a couple of super cute scrapbook pages (photos to be added later) for the new baby.
Designer Baby Shower - Have a party that focuses on learning to make home baby gifts and products.
Mother Goose Shower - This party is centered around baby books. There are so many possibilities of things to do.
Mad Hatter Baby Shower - Everyone wears a fun hat! Have a whimsical tea party and play funny games.
A Long Distance Baby Shower - A lot of us can't always be there for the important moments in our families lives, so send some love anyway. Have everyone send a present on the same day. Video tape special messages like singing songs to the baby or reading books to the baby. Web cam the party with the mom-to-be a post it for everyone else to party along with where ever they are.
Favorite Things Baby Shower - Everyone bring gifts that represent your favorite baby items for the new mom. That way she gets some great shopping advice. Everyone can also bring their favorite treat to share. This is a great way to bring together party guest that don't really know each other and start conversation.
Have a Baby Shower Day - Have all the friends/family sign-up for an hour starting with breakfast in the morning to drop by and visit the mother to be. This one is great for women on bedrest or that already have children. Each friend drops by with a gift and a hug to brighten the mom-to-be's day. Don't forget to include meals for the mom & family.
It's Raining Chocolate - Have an all chocolate party! This is a great way to chat & swap recipes. You can play the candy bar game - you melt down candy bars & try to guess which one is which.
Mom's Night Out - Take the mom-to-be out for a night on the town. This one is easy to organize and fun for everyone involved. Eveyone but the new mom pays their own way.
Scrapbooking Baby - Have everyone put together a couple of super cute scrapbook pages (photos to be added later) for the new baby.
Designer Baby Shower - Have a party that focuses on learning to make home baby gifts and products.
Mother Goose Shower - This party is centered around baby books. There are so many possibilities of things to do.
Mad Hatter Baby Shower - Everyone wears a fun hat! Have a whimsical tea party and play funny games.
A Long Distance Baby Shower - A lot of us can't always be there for the important moments in our families lives, so send some love anyway. Have everyone send a present on the same day. Video tape special messages like singing songs to the baby or reading books to the baby. Web cam the party with the mom-to-be a post it for everyone else to party along with where ever they are.
Favorite Things Baby Shower - Everyone bring gifts that represent your favorite baby items for the new mom. That way she gets some great shopping advice. Everyone can also bring their favorite treat to share. This is a great way to bring together party guest that don't really know each other and start conversation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)