Preparedness can be decorative!

 One of my collections is very practical --oil lamps.  I just adore the old glass oil lamps.  I guess I have 10 or so all around my house.They are so pretty to look at especially with colored lamp oil. Very festive for the holidays if you have the red or green oil in them.  While they are very pretty to look at, they can also be a great way to be prepared for a power outage.  They put out a great deal of light and heat. Years ago there was a power outage during an ice storm. While my Mom and little brother lived next door to us, we were not able to get them down the hill to our house during the ice storm. My mom had no fireplace and no heat source except her oil lamps.  She hung a quilt up over the doors of the living room and lit several oil lamps and they stayed warm during the outage. Now it wasn't close to being toasty, but with an added layer of clothing they were just fine for the 12 hours the power was out.

  New oil lamps can be found at Wal-mart very cheaply, as can the lamp oil and extra wicks.  I highly recommend adding these to your preparedness stash.  Cheap, easy to use, and  provides light and heat--oil lamps are worth their weight in gold and have the added benefit of being able to be displayed in your home.
  Do you have an oil lamp in your home? If so, do you have extra lamp oil and wicks?
I hope so!

Blessings,
Lisa

Thought for the day

An attitude of gratitude creates blessings!
                                 --Sir John Templeton

I just love this quote!
Blessings,
Lisa

Granny Trace Scraps & Squares Giveaway

Here is the link for the giveaway:  http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com/2011/09/happy-fall-its-giveaway-day.html.  What a wonderful giveaway! Good Luck!
Blessings,
Lisa

Herbal Bath Teas

These are the Herbal Bath Teas I am offering for sale--3 Tea bags for $5.50.  There are several wonderful scents available: Lovely Lemon, Oatmeal Milk and Honey, and Milky Lavender. All will "Delight the Senses".  Steep the Tea bag in 1 quart of hot water for 15 -20 minutes then pour water and tea bag into hot bath.  Use tea bag to wash with--relax and enjoy the soothing goodness! If interested in purchasing, please see my etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HerbandBotanicals?ref=pr_shop_more

Your patronage is greatly appreciated!
Blessings,
Lisa

Saturday Savings

I got a few great deals at Meijer and Wal-mart this weekend. I bought coupons for Stovetop stuffing mix--on sale for$1.25 and coupons were $1.00 off of 1 box.  $.25 a box! Plus the yoplait was on sale for $2 and I had coupons for $1.00 off of 1.   So I got 14 boxes of Stuffing and 2 yoplait for less than $6.00!  Score!!

I also had coupons for $1.00 off of 1 nutella. Meijer was out so I price comped it at Wal-mart.  I paid $1.50 per jar--less than half the normal price!

I also found a coupon on a gallon of water-buy 2 get the 3rd free so I started adding bottled water to my stash.

All in all a nice, cheap addition to my stash.  Were you able to work on prepping this weekend?

Blessings,
Lisa

Welcome Fall

Well, Fall is officially here!  Sweater weather, warm drinks, beautiful warm fall colors, soups and stews; I love it all.  Sipping mulled cider around a bonfire on a cool crisp night and enjoying fellowship with friends--great times.  Some may think it is a sad time of the year with plants dying, leaves falling, but I think of it as Nature resting up for the Spring and the start of the holiday seasons--my favorite time of the year!

Here is an easy way to mull cider:

Mulling Bag

1/2 cup Cinnamon red hots
1 Teaspoon whole cloves
1 Tablespoon orang peel

Place on a muslin circle or bag and tie with string.  Place in pot of cider and simmer. Remove  before serving--MMMM!

Blessings,
Lisa

Giveaway at Homemaking on the Homestead

Crystal at Homemaking on the Homestead is having a giveaway on her blog. Here is the link:
http://homesteadinghomemaker.blogspot.com/2011/09/blog-giveaway.html

Have a great day!
Blessings,
Lisa

I do not want to let go!

Let go of the apron strings, that is!  My youngest DD is 19 and is wanting to audition for the Phantom Regiment Drum Corp colorguard.  Now, I don't have a problem with her performing in a colorguard, but I do have a problem with where this DC is located--Rockford Illinois. We live in KY and this is about a 9 hour drive from home. She would be gone for 3 months traveling around the country performing in DC competitions. 19, she is only 19. I hate that she wants to go. Hate that she would be gone for 3 months. Gone for 3 months and be over 9 hours away. This is the pits.  She is my baby--I hate that she is growing up and not needing me--me--her mother.
    I love the fact that she is strong, independent, and confident enough to do this. I love that she is willing to torture herself in the hot sun the entire summer to be able to do something she loves. I love to see the excitement in her face when she talks about going. Simply.... I love her.  I love her and will support her.  I have taught her well and have to trust her to stay on the correct path and not be swayed by peer pressure, remember all I have taught her and to fly.  No, that is not right--SOAR!  I want her to live her life with confidence and respect herself. To set goals and to accomplish them. To have a joyful, happy, good life. 
  In order for this to happen, I have to let go of the apron strings. God knows I do NOT want to, but I have to....for my DD. So guess who is driving her to Wisconsin for auditions in November?  Yep, that would be me!  Cannot stand the thought of her taking a bus or plane up there alone, so I will drive her up. I 'll just loosen the knot a little bit at a time.  By May when she will go, the strings will be untied, I hope! ;)

Blessings,
Lisa

Purging

Lately, my house is looking too much like the hoarder homes on TV for my comfort, so I am starting to purge! PURGE I tell you!!!  I am going to be merciless.......if I haven't used it in 6 months, get RID of it! Well, I am going to try to be merciless--I am, I promise!  Last night I got rid of a garbage bag full of clothes that I haven't worn or that are just plain ugly--My dear MIL means well but her taste is not my taste! Guess what--I cannot miss them in my room--so many clothes!  More than any 5 people could wear. Of course I have the 3 size range of clothing.  The smaller size that I am going to fit into someday,(yeah right!)the clothes that are tight but usually fit in the summer, and the clothes that fit or fit during the comfort food winter season! Did I tell you I am going to PURGE! My room and closet will thank me for it. My husband will thank me for it! So, I am going to purge a bagful each night for the next 2 weeks and make a huge trip to the St. Vincent de Paul to donate the lot. That's a win, win situation.  I get a more uncluttered, organized bedroom and I also get a tax deduction!

Have a great day!
Blessings,
Lisa

Busy Weekend

My oh my, I accomplished so much this past weekend.  I met one of my goals of getting my pot-pourri made for the craft bazaars. As some of you may know, I am starting up a business--Herb and Botanicals--and pot-pourri is one of my items I make to sell. Christmas tree, Pumpkin Pie, Gingerbread, and Gardenia are 4 scents I love to make. All of my pot-pourri looks as nice as they smell--I cut shapes out of spiced dough and  paint some to put in my pot-pourri.

  I also made 2 batches of soap. One full batch was almond scented and heavenly! The second batch I split up into one mold of plain soap and to the remaining soap I added Rosemary Mint scent and added green color to swirl.  So pretty and fragrant!  Still need to cut the second batch. I keep the small end pieces for family use and I will be selling the rest. I did melt and pour a block of glycerin soap that I had forgotten about having.  Many years ago, I was interested in soap making  and bought the kit to make with my children--never got around to it! So I have  a bunch of Pretty seashell shaped soaps to sell.

  I also made up 3 batches of Shower Spa Bag mix.  I was able to bag one batch, but still need to get the other batches bagged tonight.  The spa bags are so wonderful in the shower--leave your skin feeling so soft.  You just use the bags like you would a soap bar.

 I was able to wrap several soap baskets to sell. I put some soaps in a dish with shred add a candle or a loofah sponge,  wrap in cellophane, and add a bow and tag.  Very nice little gifts--perfect for a shower  or Christmas gifts.

    I'll be posting my products on Etsy as soon as I find my Camera--it's MIA.  Will post the link then if anyone is interested.  I hope I have enough inventory to sell at the bazaars. My goal is to sell $300  of my products this year. Not sure if I'll make it but I am going to try!  If anyone has any hints or helps about selling at Craft shows or Etsy, I would love to hear from you--I really need to make a go of this because Tom's meds are so expensive and everything gets more expensive each day.  Did I say I need to make a go of this business? I really need to!

 Well, I hope everyone has a great day! What did you accomplish this weekend?

Blessings,
Lisa

Goal Progress

Well, I have been making progress on a few of my goals.  I have purchased 25lb. of sugar and 25 lbs. of flour (Thanks Christina!)for my holiday cooking and baking.  Added to the butterscotch chips and the walnuts!  I bought my beer for Herbed Beer Bread last week. I've been looking for a good price on butter but it is so expensive right now.  I heard that Sams has 4 lbs. for less than $10 so I may have to check that out!   I still have to get the cranberry sauce(4 cans), jar of bulk yeast, 4 bags chocolate chips, marachino cherries, slivered almonds,  almond bark(2 chocolate, 2 white), Craisans,  and pecans. I have to get velveeta(2), cocktail smokies(4), cream cheese(10)and French's onions.  I also need to look for a deal on ham this fall for Christmas dinner--I get my Thanksgiving turkey from my work.  Will be looking for many coupons to help with the cost.

  I have the dough cutouts that I put in my pot-pourri done.  They look so cute in it. Still need to get the pot-pourri done, though.

  We won't go into my weight loss goal at this time--I am trying to keep my good mood! :)
 
Have you been working on your goals lately? I would love to hear your progress!

Blessings,
Lisa

Lime and Cilantro Fajita Chicken

1 12 oz.jar salsa-however hot you like it!
2 small onions chopped
2 red or green peppers sliced
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
juice of 1 lime
3 Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
3lbs. Boneless skinless chicken cut into chunks

Add salsa, onions, peppers, taco seasoning, cilantro, and lime juice into a crock pot and stir.  Add chicken and coat with the sauce.  Cook on high for 4 hours or until chicken is falling apart tender or on low for 6 hours. Pull chicken apart with 2 forks.  Serve in tortillas or over rice.   Add your favorites--black olives, grated cheese, and sour cream.  Yummy and couldn't be easier!

Hope you enjoy!
Blessings,
Lisa

My Son Jonathan's Birthday!

On this day 22 years ago, my son Jonathan was born.  He was such a blessing and has been each and every day since.  Jonathan is currently teaching  Spanish and is a great teacher.  He has such a capacity for love and has such a big heart-- His Dad and I are so proud of him and love him to pieces!
Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Blessings,
Lisa

Christmas Baking Supplies

Well, I found a great deal at the County Market here in Alexandria!  They had their Butterscotch morsels marked down to a dollar!  This is a main ingredient in my Butterscotchies Jar cookies.  The one pound bags of walnut halves were marked down to $5.49 a pound.  So I stocked up for my Christmas baking and jar cookies!  I got 2lbs. of walnuts and 7 bags of butterscotch morsels--well on my way to meeting my goal of having all holiday baking supplies in by 10/31.

Did you set goals for this fall? If so please share!
Blessings,
Lisa

Saturday Savings

Today I made a trip to Kroger to pick up a prescription and picked up a few items I had coupons for.

I had a coupon for $.50 off of dawn, and a coupon for a free box of Betty Crocker Potatoes. When I checked the clearance cart I found 2 pkgs. of Betty Crocker potatoes for only $.29 each.  So grabbed those.  This wasn't a big order, but I only  spent $1.66 and saved $1.50!  Almost met my goal of 50% savings!  I don't need these items right now so they go into the stash.  See, you can spend just a little a week to build your stash!  Just keep on looking for those deals and using coupons.

Blessings,
Lisa

Herb Recipe

Basil Butter

Wonder what to do with all of that fresh basil?  Yes, you could dry it but why not use it in a recipe and freeze until needed?  Basil butter is just the thing--freeze it and enjoy the fresh taste long into the winter! Here is the recipe:

2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic minced
1lb butter softened
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash or two of black pepper

Chop basil in food processor.  Add garlic, lemon juice, butter, salt and pepper. Mix well.  Drop by small scoops onto cookie sheet and freeze. Remove frozen portions and place into freezer bag. Store in freezer and use as needed. Serve as you would regular butter--on veggies, meats, and breads!
Yummy!

Hope you use this recipe to preserve the fresh taste of basil to enjoy this winter
!
Blessings,
Lisa

Free Tea Samples

I just love a cup of hot tea when the weather starts to cool, don't you? And free tea is just so much better!

Here is the link for the free Twinings Tea samples:
http://www.twiningsusa.com/pantry/

Blessings,
Lisa

Giveaway at Sweet Home Stitchery Blog!

Here is the link to enter a giveaway for 3 sweet stitched gift tags--too cute!

http://sweethomestitchery.blogspot.com/2011/09/september-giveaway.html

Blessings,
Lisa

Mini Quilt/Wall Hanging for sale!

I have a beautiful Mini quilt/walhanging for sale.  This little quilt is approx. 16.5 inches square and is hand quilted. Rings on back for ease of hanging.  Price is $12.00 plus shipping.  Please email me at
ljn41001@yahoo.com or leave comments below.

Blessings,
Lisa

Cherry Bombs and Cordial

Today I made my Cherry Bombs and Cordial.   Heard about this on the radio and just had to try it!
The way they said to do it was to put stemmed, not pitted cherries in your jars.  (I  pitted my cherries). You pour sugar in until it fills to about 1/3 of the way up the jar and then pour your choice of whiskey, brandy, or rum over cherries until jar is filled--leave about a 1/4 inch headspace. Put lids on and store in a cool, dry place--no processing at all. Couldn't be easier!  Shake once or twice a week for 4-5 months.  I plan on enjoying mine at Christmas and giving some as gifts.  I'm thinking Black Forrest Cake.....doesn't that sound yummy!

One 2011 goal down--many more to go!!
Blessings,
Lisa

Goals for the rest of 2011

S.I.R.M.
     All goals should be: Specific
                                      Individual
                                      Realistic
                                      Measureable

As you can see on the left side of this blog, I have posted goals for the rest of the year.  I think they qualify as decent SIRM goals. I am the one who will be doing them, all have dates when the need to be completed by, all are relistic, and all are measureable. Are they completed or not? By posting them, I will be more motivated to get them completed...I hope.  Especially the weight goal. I am a type 2 diabetic and my glucose levels have been sky high.  I think I am in diabetic burn out--I come last on the totem pole of life and by the time I get all else completed, I am just tired, so tired. So I forget to take my meds and shots which =high blood glucose--Did I mention HIGH glucose levels.  I have to lose weight and start exercising more. So you all need to keep me accountable!! Please!
   I have probably 1/3 of my Christmas shopping completed so I want to get it done well in advance of the busy holiday season.  I think this will be very doable. This will help me keep my sanity in November and December. ;)
   Stocking in all of my holiday baking and candy making supplies will be tough.  I go overboard every year--it's my thing, you know! It gets so expensive so I am trying to cut out the expensive items and bake/make more simple basic goodies.
Nuts will be my one extravagance! Cannot bake without them!
  I found a recipe for Cherry Bombs, Cherry cordial and want to make it.  I will post the recipe and pics when I get it done.
  I have started making the salt dough shapes that I put in my homemade Potpourri.
Pumkin shapes go in the Autumn scented batch and the Halloween mix, Leaf shapes go in the Fall batch, Pine tree shapes go in the Christmas Tree batch, and Gingerbread boys go in the Gingerbread scented batch. I love adding these prim shapes to my pot-pourri--it makes it so cute. My goal is to Delight  the Senses with my products. Sight and smell=wonderful pot-pourri!
  I also plan on giving baskets of my homemade jams and jellies as gifts so I need to make at least 30 jars--hopefully more!

   I will be posting on my successes or failures with my new goals for the rest of the year.  Your support will be so appreciated....maybe I can inspire you to set a few goals and help you have a more relaxing holiday season!

Blessings,
Lisa

Free Sample of Dove Body Mist

You can go to this link for a free sample of Dove body mist:
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/walmart/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101918&source=&url=http://www.startsampling.com/sm/doverebalance101918&key=dbfb72a9a4de41eaaca1b803a846bb99

I love free samples--I use some as stocking stuffers and you can put them in baggies for the homeless.

Blessings,
Lisa

Sorry for not posting much this week!

It has been a trying week and I have been lax with my blogging. I promise to do better next week. Tom has had a very rough week so life at my house has been very trying. Take care and have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Lisa