Did You Know?

Just the other day I had a DIY moment here in the house and thought I would post some of those DIY tricks I have learned over the years. It's gratifying to be able to handle some of those annoying projects on your own. You may know most of these already but if there's a new one you didn't know, I hope it helps:)

*If you are dealing with a squeaky door and don't have on hand WD40 try using Pam or vegetable oil spray, it works just a well. Be sure to clean up any over spray off the door, walls, etc.

*If you have gotten ink on a fabric, try saturating with hair spray and then washing as you normally do. Be sure to test an area that's hidden first to make sure the hair spray doesn't cause color problems in the fabric.

*If you drop toothpaste into the sink while getting ready to brush your teeth, take the time to spread it around the sink and clean the sink with it, it does a great job!

*Dissolve an aspirin in warm water before adding to fresh cut flowers, it will help them stay fresh longer. Also be sure to cut about 1/4 to 1/2 inches off the end of the stems so they can absorb the water easier.

*Color your own hair? Put a small line petroleum jelly around the hair line on your face and it will keep the color from discoloring your skin.

Keep Doing It Yourself,
Rhonda

Coupon Clipper?

My coupon clipping began back 30 years ago at our first duty station in Jacksonville, Florida. Upon my first visit to the commissary (grocery store) on base I discovered the the world of coupon clipping. In the entry way of the store was a counter top full of coupons from newspapers, boxes of clipped coupons people didn't need that they had left for others and an actual monthly magazine full of nothing but coupons that was published for military only. After checking it all out and grabbing up a few that I could use that day, I was hooked.
A few years later when we were stationed in Millington, TN (which is very close to Memphis)I discovered something else in coupon clipping. While visiting the cities library one day I came upon a note on the community bulletin board about coupon swapping. Twice a month on Wednesday's those that were interested would meet at the library and bring coupons that they did not use and everyone would exchange coupons. It was a great way to get additional coupons that you used often and to meet new people, for us, the new military families in the area. Being a young military family with a tight budget this was, at the time, an added benefit.
So, considering the current economic situation in our country and that some people who have never clipped coupons in their lives are now doing so, consider this an idea to maybe start in your area. It will benefit you as well as others.
Be sure to check out this site for online coupons in addition to your local newspaper, etc.: www.couponmom.com

Happy Clipping,
Rhonda

Winter Warm Ups

Back several years ago I had a friend share with me some delicious recipes for hot fruit beverages that are great on these cold winter days. I usually make at least one of them and take to my moms' and mother-in-laws' on Christmas day and they are hits.
So I hope that you will try them and pour yourself a large mug full and bundle up on the couch and enjoy!

Savor The Moment,
Rhonda

Apple Cranberry
1+ quart cranberry juice (to taste)
1 can frozen orange juice
2-4 whole cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves
48 ounces apple juice

Blend all ingredients together in a large pot and allow to slowly simmer. The taste is tangy so if you would like add a little extra apple juice to sweeten. This can also be made with sugar free juices if your diet requires.


Cherry
46 ounces of cherry juice blend
2 tablespoons sugar
Juice and peel of one lemon (I like to make long strips of the peel so it stays together better)
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves (or less if you're not a big fan of cloves)
1 whole cinnamon stick
1 lemon thinly sliced for garnish (optional)

Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and allow to slowly simmer and to stay hot.

How Do You Live Your Dash?

In writing this blog I hope to remind others and myself about the importance of slowing down in the rat race world we live in. Time truly does fly and it's so important to remember that the people in our lives are the most important part of our lives.
Several years ago at a one day conference for women I was given a pamphlet that has the following short story on it. It has been a constant reminder to me of how short life really is and helps me to keep things in balance (at least most of the time :) I hope it will do the same for you.

How Do You Live Your Dash?
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone as being from the beginning..to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth, the beginning, and spoke of the date with tears, then of the second date, sadly the end but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth..and only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own; cars, house, cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
Slow down enough to consider what's true and real. Be less quick to anger and love the people in our lives like we've never done before. Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?