Tub Cleaner

Found at: http://www.macheesmo.com/2011/01/four-homemade-cleaners/

This is a Bath, Sink, Tile Cleaner.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup castile soap
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• a few drops of tea tree oil

Ideally, Mix this one in a squirt bottle, not a spray bottle. It's pretty thick and almost a paste. 

Avocado Salsa

By: Hillary Congdon

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg (16oz) frozen corn, thawed ( I use petite sweet white corn)
• 2 cans (2 ¼ oz) slices olives, drained
• 1 medium sweet red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 4 medium ripe avocados
• Tortilla Chips

Directions:

1. In large bowl combine corn, olives, red pepper, and onion. 
2. In a small bowl combine garlic, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper, mix well. 
3. Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. 
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
5. Just before serving, chop avocados and stir into salsa. 

Emergency Binder

"At home or at work, routines can be disrupted with little or no warning by natural disasters, fires or other catastrophic events. Don’t wait for an emergency to think about being prepared.
National Preparedness Month, sponsored each September by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready campaign to increase public awareness of emergency preparedness, urges four basic steps: get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved."-National Safety Council

One of a Kind has a blog that tells you how to do this and/or you can purchase one and put your information inside. I think this is a great idea to do. You'll be better prepared and not so frantic when you need things.

Orange Julius with Banana

Ingredients:

- 1 Can of Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate (I used Walmart Brand)
- 1 Cup Skim Milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (some people like to add 1/2 a cup... but I really think 1/4 cup is just fine)
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 to 2 cups of ice (I did 1 cup so it was smooth enough to go through my girls straws)
Directions:

Put all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. My little girls loved this Orange Drink so we took the left overs and made them into popsicles. They loved them even more frozen.

Recipe from http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/03/healthy-meals-monday-orange-julius-with.html

Instant Magnet Board

Do you have some old baking sheets that you don't use anymore?

...

Here's an idea for you.

..

...

....

.....

Cover an old baking sheet with Fabric.

Hot glue some ribbon on the back for it to hang on.

And viola.... an instant magnet board.

 

 

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Chicken Breading:

• 3-5 chicken breast
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup canola oil

1. Rinse chicken, trim off fat or extras and then cut into 1 inch cubes.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Dip chicken into cornstarch and coat all the way and then into eggs.

4. Heat oil in large skillet. Cook chicken until browned.

5. Place in baking dish. 3 chicken breasts can be in a 9x9 but 5 chicken breasts fits better in a 9x13.

 

Sauce:

• 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 Tablespoons ketchup 
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

1. Whisk until smooth. Then pour evenly over chicken.

2. Turn chicken so the sauce gets on both sides 

3. Put in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Then turn chicken and then cook for 15 more minutes.

Removing Stains from Plastic Containers

1. Fill almost to the top with water and a squirt of dish soap
2. Add 1/4 cup of bleach
3. Microwave the container for 40 seconds, or until the solution is boiling
4. Allow to rest until the water is luke-warm
5. Wash out your container and it is as good as new!

PS: Any qualms about using bleach on plastic food containers? Then don't do this. Simple as that.

Homemade Caramel

Ingredients:

• candy thermometer
• wax or parchment paper
• 1 can sweet condensed milk
• 2 C sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup white Karo Syrup

Directions:

1. Cook and stir constantly. (CONSTANTLY) cook in heavy pan until it reaches 240 degrees.
2. Take off stove and add...
3. for licorice caramel: 3/4 t anise oil and 3/4 t black food coloring
4. for cinnamon caramel: 1t cinnamon oil 3/4 t red food coloring (make sure it is no taste)
5. pour into a 9x13 buttered pan. cool completely before cutting.

TIPS:

Make sure you stir caramels with either a wooden spoon or a spatula that can stand high temps. like papered chef.

Try not to splash on the sides because when you are stirring don't scrape the sides back in there, scrape  only the bottom of the pan. If you bring the sugar crystals from the sides of the pan back into your candy it will sugar it and be all crunchy instead of smooth when it is all done.

Put your candy thermometer into the candy after it has boiled for a bit and started to change colors don't drag it around because scraping the metal to metal together can also sugar your candy. ALSO once you put the thermometer in you have to keep it in until it is done, don't take it out and put it back in unless you clean it.

Keep the heat on a med heat and if you start seeing little brown specks in your candy take it off the heat mediately and turn it down. that is the candy scorching.

Chicken Fettucinni Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 16 oz fettucinni noodles
• 1 jar Alfredo Sauce
• 1-2 Chicken Breasts
• Seasoning for chicken (whatever you'd like, I used Monteral Chicken seasoning)

Directions:

1. Boil a pot of water for the noodles and cook as directed.
2. Cut the chicken in cubes, or whatever you prefer and then season. Then cooked in a sauce pan with olive oil, til no longer pink.
3. Heat up the jar of alfredo sauce on the stove in a pot.
4. Then serve.

Storing Tomato Paste

Most recipes don't call for a whole can of tomato paste. I found a great way to store tomato paste, so it doesn't go to waste.

Put some parchament paper onto a cookie sheet and scoop out a tablespoon full of paste and put it on the parchament paper. Then stick it in the freezer and let it freeze up solid. Once solid place in a ziplock bag and put back into the freezer. Then pull out what you need when you need it.

Great idea isn't it? I thought so!

D.I.Y. Emergency Heater

Haven't tried this yet, but looks good. You can find the orginially explanation at The Parsimonious Princess


To make your emergency heater, you'll need:

• A new, quart-sized paint can with a lid. These can be purchased at paint stores and home improvement stores like Home Depot for around $2-3.
• A roll of unscented toilet paper (I say, the cheaper the better. I bought a package of the rough, store brand stuff for around a dollar. It wasn't hard to fit into the can -- others at the class had a difficult time because they were using their nice, multiple-ply stuff.)
• A bottle of unscented, 70% isopropyl alcohol
• A box of matches (I just learned that you can waterproof matches by dipping the heads in wax. Pretty cool.)
• A quarter and some tape (I suggest packaging tape)

Making the heater couldn't be easier. Simply remove the cardboard tube from the center of the toilet paper (that's the hardest part) - don't unroll the toilet paper; just bend the cardboard tube, and pull out. Stuff the tube-free roll of toilet paper into the can. Fill with 2 cups of isopropyl alcohol, leaving 1/2 inch headspace (you want it to have room to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations). This may take a little time since you have to wait for the toilet paper to absorb the alcohol. The toilet paper and alcohol should be below the rim of the can. Seal tightly with lid. Tape the box of matches and the quarter to the side of the can. That's it. If you prefer, you can store all the components of the heater in a plastic bag and assemble the heater when you need it. Personally, I like having it ready to go.

When you want to use the heater, pop open the lid, using the quarter as leverage. Place the lit match or lighter carefully against the alcohol-soaked toilet paper. A small flame will develop. The flame only uses the alcohol as fuel -- the toilet paper shouldn't burn. If it does start to burn, that means you need more alcohol. To do this, replace the lid to extinguish the flame. Once out, add some more alcohol and light again. Once you've used this heater, the only thing that ever needs replacing is the alcohol since the TP doesn't burn. Assembling the heater is a one-time thing, really.

Important: if you're going to use this heater in a car, crack open the windows for ventilation. Even though the alcohol doesn't produce carbon monoxide, you still want fresh air in such an enclosed space.

The teacher of the class said that she burned her heater (to test it out) in her kitchen and it lasted for five hours. According to one site I checked, you can keep a car heated at 60-70 degrees for 24 hours with 4 pints of alcohol. These heaters can get hot, so be careful how you handle them and be sure to keep them away from anything that could catch (obviously). Another site I read suggested sliding the passenger seat in the car as far back as it can go and placing the heater on the floor.

You can also use this heater in your home in the event of an emergency. Since the area isn't as small as that of a car, the instructor of the class said that you should be fine without cracking the windows (if you're in a small room, it couldn't hurt to crack it a little). This small heater, of course, won't keep an entire room at 60-70 degrees, but it will keep the chill off enough. These heaters are great for 72-hour kits.

For under five bucks, you can create a heat source for you and your family in the event of an emergency -- and five dollars is a small price to pay for a little extra peace of mind.

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

10 small-medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 onion, chopped

butter

milk

1 can cream of chicken soup

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place potatoes, carrots and onion in a large pot. Cover with water. Add a tablespoon or two of butter to keep it from boiling over. Bring to a boil and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
2. Drain. Smash the veggies with the back of a spoon until some of the potatoes smoosh. You don’t want it to all be mashed, but this makes the soup a bit thicker.
3. Stir cream of chicken soup with 2 cups of milk. Add to the veggies in the pot. Fill the pot with milk, until the veggies are covered. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat thoroughly over medium-low heat. 

Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

Week 11: Hearts Full of Love Without Judgment

• President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave wise council in April 2012 when we said this regarding pacing judgment on others. “This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following: Stop it! It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children.”
•  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng&query=forgiveness
• This week look at others without judgment. Look at other with unclouded glasses. Smile warmly at all you see and be conscious to look for the good in all you see.



Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

 

Week 10: Smiling Has Many Benefits - Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

 

• Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

White Chicken Chili

-Sister Carol Armstrong

Jennifer Wilson’s White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 3-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 big cans of Cream of Chicken soup
• 1 big can diced green chiles
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried cilantro
• ½ tsp chili powder or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 5 cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
• 2 cups water (approx.)

Directions:

1. Boil chicken in water (can cut in smaller pieces.) Shred.
2. Add all ingredients to a large crockpot. Stir occasionally to keep beans from sticking.
3. Top with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, if desired

Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

 

Week 9: Smiling Has Many Benefits - Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

• Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached.
• This week put on a smile when you present yourself to others even if it is only to your husband and children or even the dog.
• Observe how people react differently to you.

Super Simple Air Freshener

Baking soda naturally absorbs odours, so why not take advantage of that to create simple, inexpensive air fresheners?

Here's how:

Use a hammer and and a nail to poke holes in the lid of a small canning jar.

Fill the jar about 1/4 full with baking soda
Add 6-8 drops of lavender essential oil

Put lid on and place in any spot that could use some freshening. Every once in a while, give the jar a gentle shake to boost it's air freshening power.

I've made several, and I use them in my linen closet, under my kitchen sink (which is where the stinky garbage can is) and in the bathroom.

This powder is also useful for removing odours from carpets and upholstery. And it's already in a handy shaker! Just sprinkle on your sofa or a spot on your carpet that needs to be deodorized, let sit for a little while, and then vacuum it up.

You could, of course, substitute your favorite essential oil for the lavender. And you crafty ladies could certainly pretty up the jar a little bit too!

NOTE: As with any cleaning product (even the reasonably safe and friendly ones), keep out of reach of children and pets.

Crockpot Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• egg noodles or rice

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts, Italian dressing mix, butter, lemon juice & chicken broth in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. When finished cooking, shred chicken with 2 forks.
4.  Serve chicken over egg noodles or rice and top with juices from crockpot.
5. This doesn't leave a lot of extra sauce, so if you like a lot of sauce double the amount of chicken stock.

Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

 

Week 8: Smiling Has Many Benefits - Smiling Relieves Stress & Lowers Your Blood Pressure

• Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed.
• Also when you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.
• The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take proper action.
• When stress arises this week put on a smile whether it be as a mother dealing with the task of teaching values to children or as an employee met with deadlines.
• Observe how you are better able to handle the situation when you wear a smile.

Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

 

Week 7: Knowing True HOPE

 

• The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language, the word often has a hint of uncertainty. For exampel we my say that we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. Prophets speak of having a "firm hope" (Alma 34:41) and a "lively hope" (1 Peter 1:3).

• The prophet Moroni taught, "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which ope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God" (Ether 12:4).

• This week express hope to others around you by carrying a smile as you live the gospel.

• Radiate a hopeful promise of God's love.

• Smile as you interact with your family, read the scriptures, attend church meetings and visit with your visiting teaching sisters.