Wash Day Wanderings

Mars Bar Slice

2011-06-12T19:52:00.000+12:00

MARS BAR SLICE

This is so yummy and yet it is not sickly, believe it or not!! so easy to make you could let the children make it.

4 cups Rice Bubbles (or what ever you call puffed rice breakfast cereal)
4 oz butter
4 Mars Bars (standard size not bite size, or equivalent chocolate bar)

Slice up the mars bars.
In a saucepan slowly melt the butter and the mars bars pieces.
When melted, add the rice bubbles which should be in a large bowl.
Mix together.
Press into slice tin/tray.
Ice with melted chocolate on top is optional.
Put into fridge.
Cut when completely chilled.
Enjoy. Hide if necessary as it won't last long.

Spray Cleaner

2011-05-16T09:41:00.000+12:00

A friend just gave me this recipe recently. It's so nice to change over to natural homemade products and ditch the chemicals as best we can out of our lives.

About a cup of water
1 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent or liquid soap.
A few drops essential oils - for example: lemon, tea tree, rosemary
or lavender. (Lemon helps with cleaning, the other oils are
antiseptic - and all smell lovely!)

Mix and put into a spray bottle. Use as needed.

Homemade Golden Syrup

2010-09-14T20:37:00.001+12:00

Ingredients

200g sugar
50g water

1 kg sugar
600g boiling water
2 slice lemon

Method

1. Pour 200g sugar and 50g water into a large saucepan. On medium heat,
twirl the pot around and caramelise the sugar until a dark golden colour.

2. Add the boiling water, the kilo sugar and lemon slices.

3. On low heat boil for 45 minutes until thick (stir it ocassionally if you
must or leave it alone to do its own thing).

4. Cool and pour into sterilised jars or bottles. Label and store in a cool
place.

Tip

1. The syrup when hot will always look watery but will thicken when cooled.

2. If you find after cooling the syrup is not thick enough, don't panic -
boil it again for a few more minutes.

3. On the other hand if you find after cooling the syrup is way too thick,
make up another half recipe, add the 'hard' syrup in as well and boil it all
together for less than the required 45 minutes.

4. Do not throw away the discarded lemon slice. It taste just like candied
lemons.

2010-09-01T23:11:00.002+12:00

hi there, I am back. I neede a break and it's good to be back.
My first post I want to share a wonderful prgram for anyone who is interested in Charlotte Mason homeschooling.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T14:52:00.003+13:00

A busy time of year for us all. I'm taking a wee break over our summer holiday and look forward to getting back sometime in the New Year.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and may the Lord bless you all in 2010.

UNWANTED COMMENTS

2009-11-18T14:45:00.000+13:00

Recently I have been getting SPAM in my comments. Thankfully I moderate.
Is anyone else having this problem and what can we do about it? Most have been vulgar and another was advertising airline ticket buying.
I am saddened by this happeneing and am considering shutting down my blogs.

Miss Sandra

Household Cleaner

2009-11-05T12:07:00.004+13:00

Household Cleaner

1 litre water
200ml vinegar
40ml detergent
40ml Eucalyptus oil
2 dessertspoons of washing soda

Mix all ingredients together, and it's ready to use. Use 60ml of solution in warm water to wash your floors. Fill a spray bottle and use it to clean your table, benches and bathroom.

NOTE: I'm not sure all countries stock Eucalyptus oil so my apologies if you can't source it. Here in NZ we can get it easily at the supermarket or pharmacy.

Mango Lassi

2009-10-30T15:41:00.004+13:00

I LOVE Indian food. When I first got asked to an Indian restaurant with friends I was doing my hardest to get out of going. I thought Indian food would be so hot it would make my ears steam. How wrong I was. Of course you can have it hot if you wish but I have it mild and it is soooo good.

My husband and I visit a little restaurant that we like to go to occasionally and while we have our Butter Chicken or Chicken Korma, we like to drink a Mango Lassi. This drink is silky smooth and a real compliment to Indian food. I finally found a good recipe so want to share it with you. It would be nice on any occasion so do try it. I am so sure you will make it again and again.

MANGO LASSI

3 fresh ripe magoes, peeled, stoned and roughly chopped, or
300ml (1/2 pint) canned mango pulp
500ml (17 fl oz) natural yoghurt
250ml (8 fl oz) water
1-2 tablespoons caster sugar

1. Put the fresh mango, if using, into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

2. Blend the yoghurt, water and sugar until smooth. Divide the mango pulp between 4 tall glasses and pour over the yoghurt mixture. Serve chilled.

(The drinks we have are blended all together and it is just wonderful)

To Remove Stains

2009-10-16T12:39:00.003+13:00

I have a very old recipe book that has some good old fashioned ideas for stain removal and I thought I would share them with you. Some of them seem rather hard work, using chemicals I have never heard of let alone had in my home!

BLOOD AND MEAT JUICE
Soak in cold water, then wash with warm soap and water. Never put into hot water until after cold soaking. A paste of raw starch and water applied to bloodstains on flannel, heavy woollens and blankets will help remove them; repeat 2 or 3 times if necessary.

CREAM, FAT AND CLEAR OILS
Sponge first with cold water, then wash with hot water and soap. Sponge unwashable materials with carbon-tetrachloride or petrol. Sponge from the ouside to the centre of the stain.

COCOA
Sponge with water solution of borax (1/2oz to 1/2 pint)and rinse; or treat as cream stain.

COFFEE AND TEA
As for cocoa, or hold stain over a basin and pour boiling water over the stain.

EGG
Sponge first with cold water, then wash in hot soap suds. Treat as a cream stain.

FRUIT JUICE
Treat with boiling water as for tea or coffee. Peach stains are more stubborn. If boiling water doesn't remove them, bleach with javelle water or oxalic acid.

GRASS
Rub with methylated spirits.

IODINE
Soak area in diluted ammonia.

IRON RUST
Use salt, lemon juice and sunlight; or, drop oxalic acid on stain, rinsing off as soon as the stain disappears (see recipe for oxalic acid below)

INK
Rub with lemon and soak in milk. Rinse in cold water, then wash.

INDELIBLE AND BALL POINT INK
Use methylated spirits. Test fabric first by applying a little on a seam.

NAIL VARNISH
Use acetone or the remover, then methylated spirits. Test fabric, as it cannot be used on synthetics.

MILDEW
Scrape off any deposit, then bleach with hydrogen peroxide. Use a very weak solution on coloured materials.

PAINT AND VARNISH
Sponge with white spirit, turpentine or carbon-tetrachloride. Then wash with soap and water.

SCORCH
Rub with dry borax and wash with soap and water. If the scorch is severe nothing can be done.

TAR AND BLACK GREASE
Scrape off any surplus, then sponge with oil of eucalyptus. Once all the grease is removed the stain will come out with soap and water.

PERSPIRATION
Use warm water, soap and ammonia. If possible dry in the sun.

RECIPE FOR OXALIC ACID
Dissolve 2oz (about 4 TB) oxalic acid crystals in 1 pint lukewarm water. Bottle and label carefully. This mixture is poisonous and must be carefully stored away from children. an easier way to obtain a solution is to boil 2 or 3 rhubarb leaves in water and use the solution to remove rust stains.

Grannies Meatloaf

2009-10-01T20:47:00.002+13:00

Grannies Meatloaf (4-6 people)

Main ingredients:
500g mince
500g sausage meat
1C bread crumbs
1 onion
1 egg
1/4C water
1/4C milk
Salt and pepper
Curry powder if desired

Sauce:
1/2C water
1/4 tomato sauce
2 Tbsp Worcester sauce
2 Tbsp malt vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp coffee powder
30g butter
2-3 Tbsp lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to a moderate temperature and heavily grease a loaf tin.
2.In a large bowl combine the mince, sausage meat, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper, curry powder and egg.
3. Add milk and water and mix through thoroughly.
4. Shape in the loaf tin, then turn out into a baking dish. Cook 30 mins.
5. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 5 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce on the meat and cook a further 45 minutes, basting 4-5 times. Basting will give the meatloaf a caramel-textured shell. Delicious!

Macaroni Bake

2009-09-24T10:01:00.003+12:00

Macaroni Bake (for 5)
This is a real family favourite. Anytime of year - it's always a hit.

1 1/2 cups Macaroni elbows (or any other pasta you wish)
2-4 rashers of bacon
1 finely cut onion
450g tin of Tomato Soup
1/2 cup of milk
1 cup grated cheese (preferably tasty)

1. Cook macaroni until soft (about 8 mins), drain well.
2. Put into large 8 cup casserole dish.
3. Chop bacon, fry with onion until cook. Drain if needed, add to casserole dish.
4. Stir in tomato soup, milk and chesse. Mix around.
5. Bake at 190/375 degrees for about 45 mins.
6. Serve with fresh bread rolls and your favourite salad.

7. You can add extras like mushrooms if you like, or top with cheese sauce for extra flavour.

Tooth Powder

2009-09-01T12:02:00.002+12:00

Just want to share with you a recipe that some dear friends of mine use and totally recommend. I love that there is no harsh chemicals.
I am going to try this.

Tooth Powder

4 TBSP baking soda
1 tsp salt
a few drops of vanilla or other flavour

Put in airtight container and shake.
Give each family member their own little jar (baby food jars would be ideal)
Just dip your toothbrush in it.

Baked Custard

2009-08-27T15:12:00.004+12:00

Baked Custard Image from here

This old fashioned, traditional recipe uses only four ingredients (don't count the drop of vanilla). Make sure the quality of each ingredient is superb for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2-1/2 cups whole milk (NOT skim)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla until well blended. Add milk and mix with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour into six 6-oz. custard cups.
Place cups in 13x9" pan and place in oven. Fill pan around the cups with about 1" of water, being careful to not splash any water into the custard cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. Store leftovers in refrigerator. 6 servings

SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007

2009-08-20T17:04:00.004+12:00

Scenario
Jack goes rabbit shooting before school,
pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's rifle, goes to his car and gets his rifle & chats with Jack about guns.

2007 - School goes into lock down, Star Force called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his ute or gun again.. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2007 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months. School board hold meeting to impliment bullying prevention programs

Scenario:
Robbie won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. Robbie's parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability.

Scenario :
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.

Scenario :
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1957 - Mark gets glass of water from Principal to take aspirin with.

2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario :
Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. AFRE files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario :
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a bullant nest.

1957 - Ants die.

2007- Star Force, Federal Police & Anti-terrorism Squad called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, Feds investigate parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated... Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario :
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Think about it!

(Author Unkown)

Make Your Own Hair Removal Wax

2009-08-12T15:08:00.003+12:00

I personally haven't tried this recipe. It was passed on to me so thought I would share it with those of you willing to give it a try.

Ingredients
2 cups brown sugar
¼ cup water
¼ cup lemon juice

Method
Pour the sugar, water and lemon juice all together in a saucepan, and heat it over a low flame. Keep stirring the mixture to avoid burning. Stir it until all the sugar has melted, and you have a thick brown liquid. Let it cool slightly before using it. It can be stored in a heat proof container for later use.

Taking a Blogging Break

2009-06-22T07:50:00.000+12:00

Taking a break.
This time of year has gotten extremely busy for us so I am going to take a blogging break for the next 6 weeks or so. I may not get to visit with you but I will be back.
May the Lord bless you.

Household Cleaner (Natural)

2009-06-11T08:58:00.003+12:00

Household Cleaner

1 litre water
200ml vinegar
40ml detergent
40ml eucualyptus oil
2 dessertspoons of washing soda

Mix all ingredients together, and it's ready to use. Use 60ml of solution in warm water to wash your floors. Fill a spray bottle and use it to clean your table, benches and bathroom.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

2009-05-22T10:03:00.003+12:00

I made this delicious recipe last week. Tastes wonderful.

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 kgs cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Place apples in large slow cooker. in a bowl mix sugar, spices ad salt. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.

2. Cover and cook on HIGH for one hour.

3. Reduce heat to LOW and cook for 9-11 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and dark brown.

4. Oncover and continue cooking on LOW for one hour. Stir with a whisk to increase smoothness if desired.

5. Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and seal, or refrigerate, or freeze.

I did this overnight in my slow cooker so didn't bother to stir occasionally. I sterilised jam jars (in oven - not to hot to crack jars though) and put the metal lids (that have a little rubber on insides) from jam jars in some boiling water.
Using a folded tea towel to hold jar I spooned hot apple butter into the jar right up to rim, then carefull screwed on lid. As jars cool the lids will pop and go down. Do not push them down or they may not seal properly and therefore spoil.
Apple butter is wonderful for many things so try some and enjoy!

Sultana or Raisin Loaf

2009-05-01T16:01:00.003+12:00

1 cup sultanas

1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon golden syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp Baking soda

1 cup boiling water

2 cups plain baking flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Put sultanas, butter, syrup and salt in a bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over. add water. When butter has melted sift in flour and baking powder. Mix quickly. Bake in a greased 22cm loaf tin at 180 degrees C for 40 mins, or until loaf springs back when lightly touched. :eave in tin for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack.

The Little Grass Hut

2009-04-22T20:10:00.002+12:00

The Little Grass Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions..
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames with smoke rolling up to the sky.
The worst had happened! Everything was lost!
He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger.
"GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

Moral of the story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we lose heart, because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain, and suffering.
Remember that, the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of GOD..
You May Want To Consider Passing This On, Because You Never Know Who Feels Like Their Hut Is On Fire Today.

Author Unknown

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T16:56:00.001+12:00

He is Risen!

Blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Amazing Coffee Art

2009-03-30T08:16:00.003+13:00

Although I am not a big coffee drinker I do enjoy a nice mochacchino, or cappachino from time to time.
I found some really nice coffee art pictures online (I do not know who to credit for them, sorry).
Enjoy~

Back On Board

2009-03-25T12:55:00.002+13:00

Hi there dear ones.I have so much to be thankful for.
I have had a break due to family circumstances and all is well that I can resume some postings on my blogs. Yay!!!
I look forward to getting back to reading your blogs, so do drop by again and say hi when you have time.
hugs

Changes

2009-02-09T13:47:00.001+13:00

Due to unforseen family circumstances I will be withdrawing from blogging until further notice. I won't take down my blogs as I do hope to return to them oneday.
I am sorry that I have been so sporadic of late but unfortunately it is something I have to do.
I do ask the Lord bless each of you who have befriended me and visited. Please pray if I come to mind.
Thanks!
hugs

Slow Cooker Dessert Cake

2009-02-04T14:53:00.004+13:00

I got given this recipe and it sounds delicious. I haven't tried it yet but thought I would share it with you.
Let me know what you think of it, if you make it before I do!

1 package chocolate cake mix
1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
4 eggs
1 cup water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Whipped cream or ice cream, optional
In a mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients. beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a 5-qt/6 litre slow cooker that has been coated with cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out the moist crumbs. Serve in bowls with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings.

Hello!!

2009-01-30T09:20:00.001+13:00

Hi there,
I am back from my summer holiday mode and ready to start blogging again.
Look forward to hearing from you..and popping by and visiting you as well.
hugs Sandra nz

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T14:49:00.001+13:00

Happy New Year to you all.
I will be on vacation until mid January and will resume my blogging then.
See you soon.
hug, Sandra

Busy Busy

2008-12-13T21:38:00.001+13:00

Bathroom gift Idea

2008-12-07T21:23:00.003+13:00

I just adore hand made gifts so I am going to send in some lovely ideas I have found online. I thought I would today this wonderful gift for Bath Snowballs from Martha stewarts website.

I haven't made thse as yet but I intend to. They look so lovely and so easy.

Caramel Apple Bars

2008-12-01T11:09:00.001+13:00

Caramel Apple Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups butter, melted

3 to 3 1/2 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced ( I like Granny Smith or Jonathan)

1 12 ounce jar caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 15x10 inch jellyroll pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, quick cooking oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in the melted butter. Mix until crumbly. This is the crust. Press about 2/3 of this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.
In a small pan, over medium heat combine the caramel topping and the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. This is the caramel filling.
Spread apple slices evenly over the baked crust. Then pour the caramel filling over the apple layer. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of everything. Bake again for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.

Blog Rest

2008-10-28T11:40:00.003+13:00

I am needing to take a break from blogging for a while. I am struggling with a few things and it is right that I take this break. Please forgive me if I don't visit with you for a while.........it's not personal, just something I have to work through.
God Bless
Sandra

Clean Your Home Naturally

2008-10-21T18:54:00.005+13:00

Why do I put up with cupboards of smelly, unsafe chemicals to clean my home? You know all we need are some simple natural items that we would easily find around home.

Air freshener: Boil orange peels with some spices (like cinnamon etc) in a pot on your stove top. The aroma is wonderful.

Soap Scum Remover: Apply baking soda to a damp cloth. If stubborn wipe again and spray with white vinegar.

Carpet Stains: Club Soda, just spray and blot (don't worry about it going flat)

Carpet Deoderiser: Sprinkle baking soda over carpet - leave half and hour then vacuum up.

Clogged Drains: Pour one cup of white vinegar, plus one cup of baking soda into the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then flush with a kettle full of boiling water.

Toilet Cleaning: Sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice onto the bowl and walk away. Brush later and flush!!

Ice Fishing

2008-10-19T20:55:00.001+13:00

An old man walked out onto a frozen lake on a bitter cold winter day. He drilled a hole in the ice, sat on his bucket, put his fishing line in the water and eagerly waited for a fish to bite.

He was there for almost five hours without even a nibble when a young boy walked out, drilled a hole in the ice and sat on his bucket not far from the old man. It only took about one minute and BAM! A huge walleye bit his hook and the boy pulled in the fish.

The old man couldn't believe it and figured it was just a fluke. Yet, the boy put his fish line in again and within just two minutes he pulled in another huge walleye!

This went on and on until finally the old man couldn't stand it any more. He hadn't caught a fish all day. He went to the boy and said, "Boy, I've been here nearly all day without even a nibble. You have been here only a few minutes and have caught TEN huge fish! How do you do it?"

The boy said, "Oo af o rep ra rums rm."

"What," asked the old man?

Again the boy said, "Oo af o rep ra rums rm.”

Freezing and impatient the old man yelled "Look, I can't understand a word you are saying."

So, the boy took off his gloves, spit a clump of stuff into his hands and said, "You have to keep the worms warm!!"

Home made Foot Spa

2008-10-15T08:02:00.003+13:00

On my other blog, Colourful Children, I was talking about losing my marbles :-)
Here's a wonderful idea for using your marbles when you find them.

Place a pile of the larger Tom Thumb marbles (smaller ones will do if you don't have any)in the bottom of a large flat plastic container (big enough to place your feet inside).

Fill with water to the temperature you like. Mix in some epsom salts and a drop or two of essential oil that you favour. Bring a nice soft fluffy towel for afterwards.

Place in front of a cosy chair. Make sure you have a good book and a cup of tea/coffee.

Place your tired achey feet in your homemade foot spa. As you relax just roll your feet over the marbles and feel the tension come out.

When finished place your feet on the fluffy towel and dry.
Finish off with giving your feet a rub with your favourite moisturiser and you're done!

ENJOY!! It's just wonderful!!

Washing Windows

2008-10-10T13:35:00.005+13:00

While I was away we stayed with some friends who had asked some young teens to some jobs during school holidays to earn some pocket money. My friend wanted her windows done. Checking in her laundry room to see if she had any window cleaner, she found she was out, and the girls had arrived. I told her about using a mixture of half white vinegar and water in a spray bottle using newpaper to clean and wipe. It worked a treat. No streaks and so frugal. No chemicals to get up your nose either!!

Taking a Blog Break

2008-09-26T22:17:00.001+12:00

Just to let you know I am taking a blog break for a few days. Be back soon.
Bless you all,
hugs Sandra nz

Shaving Foam Tip

2008-09-24T11:55:00.003+12:00

Did you know you can use shaving foam to clean marks on your carpet? In desperation oneday I tried this and it worked. I just sprayed over mark and gently rubbed in and left for a little bit then wiped up and mark was gone. I don't know how it would go with a really bad stain but you could always try it and see.

Easy Pavlova

2008-09-21T20:43:00.003+12:00

This is my most favourite dessert. It is traditional to have Pavlova at Christmas but anytime of year is great using seasonal fruit available to garnish. Strawberries or kiwi fruit are often used as is passionfruit pulp. Grated chocolate on it's own is also nice. If you haven't tried this before please do, its gorgeous and please let me know what you think of it!

A standard pavlova recipe, that can be cooked in the round part of a spring cake pan (I line the oven tray and the inside of the round part of the spring pan ring with baking paper), or mounded onto a tray or made into a perfect round (see below).

Ingredients
1 tsp vanilla essence
4 egg whites (make sure NO yolk gets in and I do not use really fresh eggs - use at room temp))
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup caster sugar (ordinary sugar works fine too)
4 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
2 tsp white vinegar (malt works ok too)

Method
1. Put the egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean bowl and beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks but is not dry.
2. Gradually beat in three quarters of the sugar, about 2 tablespoonfuls at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the remaining sugar. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
3. Sift in the cornflour and add the vinegar and vanilla essence. Beat on a low speed only to combine.
4. Pile the mixture on to a baking paper-lined tray and mould into a 16cm (6")circle, smoothing the top off.
5. Place in a 120°C oven for 1 1/2 hours and then turn off the oven and allow the pavlova to cool completely with the door closed.
6. Serve piled with whipped cream and seasonal fruits.

Easy guacamole

2008-09-17T08:45:00.002+12:00

2 ripe avocados
2 cloves garlic, crushed or diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped fine
1 tsp. lemon juice
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Dash sea salt, to taste

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Mash the avocados with a fork. If they are not very ripe, you will probably need to blend them in a food processor. You can also blend the garlic and tomatoes along with them, but I prefer a chunkier dip. When mashing the avocados by hand, I leave large chunks of avocado in the mix.

When you have the avocado, tomatoes, and garlic mixed, add in the lemon juice. In addition to adding to the flavor, it keeps the avocado from turning brown. Mix in the onions and spices to taste. You may want to play around with the amount of tomatoes used. Some people prefer a higher avocado-to-tomato ratio and vice versa.

Since avocado doesn't store well, it's best to make only as much as you're going to eat but if you do need to save it, squeeze some more lemon over the surface and wrap as tightly as you can with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge.

Somebody Said........

2008-09-09T13:53:00.002+12:00

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've
had a baby.
Somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, normal is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct.
Somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring.
Somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good."
Somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices.
Somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a
golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.
Somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first.
Somebody doesn't have more than one child.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing
questions in the books.
Somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery.
Somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of
kindergarten.

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied
behind her back.
Somebody never organized seven giggling Girl Scouts to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married
Somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home
Somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.
Somebody isn't a mother.

GIVEAWAY - finished now

2008-09-02T15:20:00.002+12:00

Please visit HsKubes' Haven at Home and enter this wonderful giveway. Such beautiful packages, so please go and visit her blog and leave a comment.

Rice Shortage

2008-09-01T09:11:00.003+12:00

I found this info online - hope it helps while we have a rice shortage around the world.

In addition to wheat, rice is one of the staples of long term food storage. Most white rice varieties dry well and can be stored for upwards of 30 years when packaged properly. These steps will help you store rice that has been pre-dried.

Things You’ll Need:
Dry white rice
Storage containers (food grade plastic buckets with gasketed lids, foil pouches, canning jars with lids)
Dry ice (if buckets are used)
Impulse pouch sealer (if foil pouches are used)
Oxygen absorber packets

Step1

Prepare storage containers. Make sure all inner surfaces are clean and dry. If you are using canning jars or foil pouches, place one oxygen absorbing packet into each container. If using plastic buckets, place one ounce of dry ice per gallon capacity in the bottom of the bucket.

Step2

Fill containers with rice. Fill foil pouches to 80% of volume. Fill jars to 95% volume. Fill buckets to within one inch of the top (on top of the dry ice).

Step3

Seal containers. For foil pouches, use an impulse heat sealer. Make sure the seal is tight. A second seal can be applied if desired. For jars, make sure the gasket on the lid is in good condition. Close the jar tightly. For plastic buckets, place the lid on top but do not completely close it until the dry ice has dissipated (sublimed). When the bottom of the bucket begins to feel warmer, place the lid on tightly. If it begins to bulge after a few minutes, open slightly to release the pressure.

Step4

Store containers. All food storage should be placed in a cool, dark, and dry location preferably off the floor and away from rodents. Rubbermaid or similar totes are excellent for storing foil pouches.

2008-08-26T20:46:00.000+12:00

Dangers of Microwaves

2008-08-26T15:26:00.003+12:00

Apparently there are lots of hidden hazards when we use microwaves for
cooking.

Research has shown thar the microwave oven causes molecular damage when it
is used for cooking.

When we eat food cooked in the microwave it causes abnormal changes in human
blood and our immune systems.

Some places are saying we have been hoodwinked and that microwaves are the
biggest coverup in the health industry. Think about it. Sick people make
more dollars for the drug companies. A lot of innocent
people in the middle as even doctors and specialists are not always aware of
what is really happening.

You should never use a microwave for heating a baby's bottle - even though
it is quick and saves time.

Microwave cooking changed the nutrients so that changes took place in the
participants' blood; these were not healthy changes but were changes that
could cause deterioration in the human systems. May not see anything
immediately but may do over time.

Found this online

Ten Reasons to Throw out your Microwave Oven

From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical
studies, we can no longer ignore the microwave oven sitting in our kitchens.
Based on this research, we will conclude this article with the following:

1). Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long
term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the
brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue].

2). The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products
created in microwaved food.

3). Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by
continually eating microwaved foods.

4). The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term,
permanent] within the human body.

5). Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or
altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human body
absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.

6). The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when
cooked in microwave ovens.

7). Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths
[tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in
America .

8). The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to
increase in human blood.

9). Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies
through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.

10). Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional
instability, and a decrease of intelligence.

Have you tossed out your microwave oven yet? After you throw out your
microwave, you can use a toaster oven as a replacement. It works well for
most and is nearly as quick. The use of artificial microwave transmissions
for subliminal psychological control, a.k.a. "brainwashing", has also been
proven. We're attempting to obtain copies of the 1970's Russian research
documents and results written by Drs. Luria and Perov specifying their
clinical experiments in this area.
See here , Throw Out your Microwaves

Makes for scary reading.
I have a hard to get article here put out by The Journal of Natural Science
called
"Microwave Cooking" It's the Kiss of Death!!!..........and what's more, it's
a proven recipe for CANCER.

.........and that's just what is written on the cover!!

Soap Under Bottom Sheet

2008-08-25T08:56:00.004+12:00

I had this idea sent to me by a friend and a bit sceptical read up on the internet and apparently this works!!
Do you suffer from restless/jumpy legs or leg cramps? Simply place a bar of soap (but not Dial or Dove for some reason - perhaps as these don't contain lye?)
Testimonies from lots of people online have confirmed this works. Don't know why but they do not have to take drug prescriptions for this anymore. Just simply place the cake of soap (unwrapped) under the bottom sheet near where you place your feet.
Try it, what have you got to lose?

Vinegar Uses

2008-08-20T09:11:00.002+12:00

- when boiling eggs add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar for every liter (quart) of water, this will keep the eggs from cracking, plus makes shelling the eggs easier.

- when poaching eggs, add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the water, this keeps the egg whites from spreading

- to improve the texture when cooking white fish, add a few drops of vinegar when cooking

- to relief the itching caused by mosquito and other bites, dipped a q-tip or cotton ball in white vinegar and apply on the bite.

- help dry up a cold sore by dabbing it with white vinegar three times a day

- Pour a little white vinegar on the grass that is growing through the cracks on your sidewalk. It will kill the grass, but will not harm the environment.

Diet?

2008-08-16T20:45:00.002+12:00

~Do you know, I've been on a diet for 2 weeks and all I've lost is 14 days!!!~

Homemade Ice Cream

2008-08-15T14:25:00.006+12:00

This recipe makes simply the nicest, easiest delectable ice cream.

6 egg yolks
8oz caster sugar
fruit or whatever you decide to chuck in it
half pint of cream

Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add fruit (I put juice and zest of two small oranges and zest and juice of one lemon) but it really doesn't matter - it's all frozen anyway. Whip cream separately and then fold into fruit mixture. Freeze- and finally beat children harshly with a sturdy wooden spoon whenever they try to get near your tub of ice cream - best to make the ice cream in the dead of night!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-12T20:47:00.002+12:00

Energizer Bunny arrested, charged with battery.

Fabric softener

2008-08-12T14:01:00.002+12:00

Use and old face cloth or old piece of toweling, pour a small amount of your favourite fabric softener into centre of the rag and place in the drier and this will act as an anti static cloth for your clothes. A bottle of softener will last for a long while. Here in Nz we do not get the drier sheets like in the US so this is a good hint for us here in NZ.

2008-08-08T14:25:00.000+12:00

2008-08-07T16:11:00.001+12:00

Myspace Quotes Graphics

Homemade Oven Cleaner - non toxic

2008-08-07T15:40:00.002+12:00

Use 3 teaspoons baking soda

3 tablespoons malt vinegar

1 cup warm water

Mix together

wipe on and then turn over on to heat up then turn off

It will go dry.

simply wipe off with a wet cloth.

For stubborn spots repeat process.

2008-08-06T08:57:00.000+12:00

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Did you just try singing the two songs above?

Best Place To Start - At The Beginning!

2008-08-06T08:00:00.000+12:00

I have always loved handy hints and quirky quotes. This blog will be for sharing what I come across. My hope is that it is helpful and fun for you.