poison ivy helper?

This morning I felt a nasty itch on my arm. I looked at it and saw the tell-tale signs of the dreaded poison ivy. Little read bumps itched on my forearm like crazy!! I looked into my medicine cabinet and tried to see what I can put on it. Right in front of me was the rose hip seed oil that I bought not too long ago. I bought it, not of the relief of poison ivy, but rather for other purposes (which I will get into later.) I dabbed a few drops on my arm and hoped for the best! Well, I am happy to report that the oil worked as an itch-relief! I have used the rose seed oil before without any reaction. I would test first before you use it in large doses! There is barely a scent, so it is not overpowering. I bought a 1 fl. oz bottle of NOW brand rose hip seed oil for $6.99. I am sure you can find it by other brands and perhaps cheaper.
Now, the reason I bought the rose hip seed oil in the first place was because I heard so many great things about its healing properties. It is high in omega-6 fatty acids for the skin. It helps fight dry skin, heal scars, fight wrinkles, reduces redness, and a whole slew of other beneficial things. I read about it in a health book and figures for its low price, how can I resist!

IKEAish

I love IKEA! In my "pre-mama life" I worked there as a designer. It was FUN! Since then, I just can't seem to shake IKEA out of my life. We live within a couple hours drive of the nearest IKEA store. So my visits are few and far between nowadays. When we do go, it becomes a fun time for the whole family. The kids have fun browsing the themed rooms, pretending they are real homes, and they can be their real bedrooms! The store is very inviting and captivating for the youngest to the oldest in the bunch.

The three white frames above where purchased at IKEA. They were empty shadow boxes that I belive were around $4 each. I saw them and knew just what I would put in them!

In our front room this storage unit holds some books and trinkets. It it really a great piece and we love it.

Our front room is also where our home office/crafting room/kids homework room is. The tall drawer unit on the left I bought WAAAY back when I was still working at IKEA. I bought it cheap-cheap in "as-is."The wood and metal shelf is IKEA, as are the micro-mini wooden drawers. They are great for holding all sorts of office needs and kids craft supplies.

So, there you have it. A little peek at my IKEAish home. Do you have a favorite IKEA piece?

coincidence?

A coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous ~ unknown

Have you ever had one of those days? When random things happen that you just can't find an explanation for. Today, I had one of those days. Early this morning I phoned a friend to ask a favor. Actually, it was a favor that my husband needed her husband to do. No one was home, so I left a message. I went about my day running errands. I was headed into the post office and who should I run into?! Well, it was "the husband" that we needed the favor from! Coincidence??

Things like that seem to happen to me quite frequently. Chances are they probably happen to you as well. Whether it be you are thinking of someone and "suddenly" you run into them somewhere. Or, being at the right place at exactly the right time! It is almost like the pieces to life's puzzle fall into place exactly when needed. It is a special thing when this happens!

There are no coincidences with God!

the ART show

Art is not a thing; it is a way. ~Elbert Hubbard

My daughter recently had one of her school art projects represented in an art show here in town. Needless to say, we were very excited! Every year the Box Factory for the arts holds this art show. All schools in the county are represented. It was so fun to see my daughters work, along with all the other many talented youngsters works!

FIND this book!

I found this book at a rummage sale a couple of years back and it is truly one of my favorite all-time books! The book is by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. and it is called Highlighted in Yellow, A Short Course in Living Wisely and Choosing Well.

Remarking on his books, Jackson has said, "Most of us know what we need to do to make our lives more fulfilled and useful, but sometimes we forget. My little books are gentle reminders of those simple things which, if done well and in a spirit of love, can significantly change our lives."

I really believe that EVERYBODY needs one of these books!

TWO thumbs up for Ellie

I had a rare moment this morning to channel surf. I landed on the Food Network to a show I have not seen before, Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger. What I liked about it was how the host, Ellie Krieger, explained all the health benefits of the ingredients she was using in her recipes. Later I found out that this is probably due to the fact that she is a registered dietitian!

One of today's recipes that I would like to try is the:

Radiance Fruit Salad

Salad:

-1/3 cup cantaloupe, cut into 3/4" chunks, about 2 cups

-1 (16oz.) container of strawberries, about 3 cups

-5 medium kiwi's, peeled and cut into 3/4" chunks, about 21/2 cups

Dressing:

-3 tablespoons honey

-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

-1 teaspoon fresh lime zest

-3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Place all of the fruit into a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the honey, lime juice, zest, and mint. Right before serving, pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.

Per Serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 0.5g (Sat 0g, Mono 0g, Poly 0g); Protein 2g; Carb 29g; Fiber 4g; Sodium 10mg; Cholesterol 0mg

Excellent Source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K

Ellie also has a web page you may like: elliekrieger.com

well isn't that pretty!

The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection. ~George Orwell

I can still remember her words, like it was just yesterday: "this is your house?" I must have been eight or nine at the time. Those words have dug a spot in my brain so far, that I have not been able to retrieve them and shoo them away. Even after all of these years!

Growing up we never had a very, um, how shall I say.. "fashionable" house. Actually I was down-right embarrassed of it at times. But, as a kid growing up in a not-so-friendly-world-at-times, this could be quite normal. We had a house full of not-even-near-finished projects. The carpets were in need of updating, as was the icky bird wallpaper in the front room! The house was in a time-warp, with little chance of getting its lucky break of getting a much-needed updo. Being a kid I didn't understand that my folks barely had enough to get a decent meal on the table, much less get that new couch that I had always hoped for. Being a kid I was in a different kind of bubble, one that saw what others had and desperately wanted to be just like them.

One day I had a friend come over for the first time. She stepped in the door and the very first words were those dreaded ones I shall not so soon forget: "this is your house?" For those words I can only assume that she meant one of two things. 1. "Oh my goodness! This is a ugly house! I would have thought you would have something nicer!" or 2. "Oh my goodness! What an awesome house! You are so lucky!" Now, being a rather with-it kid, I knew which one she meant. I could sense it in her voice as well as the expression on her face. I was ashamed and it has been something that I have carried with me all my life. Nice house = a good thing!

Now I am a mom, almost pushing 40 (this April). I can still replay that day. I can still hear those words. All these years have caused an anxiety in me to try to present a "nice house." Now, you must know something about me first! I am not the most tidy of the bunch. I have an eye for letting things go and forgetting about them until way much later ( like the huge pile of clean clothes on our family room floor that is in need of being put away, for example!) I am not a "slob", but I am no Tina Tidy either! So, not being super-tidy and having the "nice house syndrome" really don't go hand in hand. (you can see my anxiety here..) Anyone coming into our home would probably describe it as very nice. In my mind though I can always see the "needtobe's": this needs to be done, that needs to be done. My mind can never seem to relax. I am always wanting things to be perfect. I always wonder what people are saying about my house. I NEED TO CHILL OUT!!

I have many friends that fall into the category of , what I like to call, "pretty house people." You know what I am talking about! Those people with wonderfully decorated houses,with all the matchy-machty stuff. Pictures are actually hanging on the walls and not sitting on the floor waiting (a needtobe!) There are real life plants, that are actually growing! Fresh flowers perfectly arranged on the table. Not a speck of dust, dirt, or fur (unlike my rolling tumbleweed-hairballs that seem to be getting bigger by the second!) No, these homes seem to have magically appeared right out of Pottery Barn. Those of you who know me, know I have a Pottery Barn taste too, but a Goodwill budget! When I come home from these pretty houses I am instantly in let-down mode as I step back into my house. "If only", "what if", and "I wish" all flood my mind! The "this is your house" instantly comes to mind.

Most recently I have started (and finished!) painting our family room. It is was a rather easy fix up and it looks good. As I was painting though, I had one of my famous "a-ha" moments. It finally struck me. FINALLY! I started to truly look around our really nice home and it hit me. This is OUR home! It is not just a "house." It is a lived in space that five people that I care for so very much love, learn, share, and believe in. This is not ever going to be a page out of Pottery Barn magazine, and that is OK. I don't need to impress my friends with a "show" house. They know anyway, that that is not my style. And, no matter how much I try to polish, fluff, or matchy-match, I still don't need to fit the mold of those "pretty house people." All that stuff is not going to make my family life a happier one. Those things in the long run don't matter at all! What does matter is trying my best to make our house a loving home. One filled with Christ and lots of hugs and kisses.

I may still my look longingly at those pretty Pottery Barn catalogs that show up in the mail. I will still be friends with those "pretty house people." But, today I am putting my foot down! I am retrieveing those dreaded words etched for years (too many!) in my brain and releasing them forever! This girl has grown up!

it's BACK!

When I recently read an article raving all about the chia seed, my memory instantly went back to this commercial! Who doesn't remember those hokey commercials trying to sell us a dog or cat that actually sprouts! Just the other day though I read an interesting article all about chia. It was way back on the last page of Energy Times, a free magazine that I picked up at a store somewhere. I currently have a plastic bag full of chia seeds at home, but I had no idea how wonderful this tiny seed actually was!
Chia (Salvia hispanica) was used as food around 3500 BC. For the Aztecs, Mayans, as well as many other pre-Columbian peoples, these seeds were a dietary staple. At one time, chia was revered as "food of the gods!"
Amazingly, chia has between 19% and 23% protein by weight, more than most grains and nuts do. It is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as boron, calcium, iron, potassium, the B vitamins, and vitamin C.
Chia's soluble fiber when moist helps keep the body hydrated, hence becoming a popular item among athletes. It also has been shown to help individuals with type 2 diabetes, by slowing the conversion of dietary carbohydrates into glucose.
So, chia has come a LONG way since it's debut way-back-when as a decorative sprout head, huh? Have you tried eating or cooking with chia seeds?

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

Yesterday I was at the movie theater with my three kids (a pretty rare thing!) I am not a "movie mom". Somehow going to the movies never made it big on my list of "have-to's, should's or must's". But, there was a free family film going on and so to the movies we went! It really didn't even matter that the movie was "ah, not so great", it was just nice to be there, doing something with my kids. As I was sitting next to youngest daughter, she got scared at one point during the movie. She reached over, grabbed my hand and leaned into me. It was then that I had one of those "flash forward" moments. My girl is growing up! As I sat there holding her hand I thought about how, not in the too distant future, she will be going to the movies with her friends, alone! This will make way for "date nights" with boys, and the hand I am now holding will be taken over by someone else she may love. I sat there, in that theater, not really paying too much attention to the story on the screen. But rather, I sat there and pondered how so very quickly life is passing me by! The story on the movie screen would soon come to an end, but my "story" will continue and grow. It's a never ending story, really. I just need to learn to sit back, try to relax, and enjoy the show.

spring forward

I can hardly believe that it is daylight saving time (DST) again. So soon! It always seems to take my brain a few days to catch up with the new change. My body dragging behind it. As I was growing up I never fully understood the meaning behind "changing the clocks." I can just recall what a hassle it was to run around the entire house and adjust all the clocks. Also, how upset I would be on school day to have to get up an entire hour earlier! But, my mom always reminded me that we would get out of school an entire hour earlier, as well. Somehow it smoothed things over.

What is DST? Why do we have it? Well, the name kind of puts it right out there- daylight "saving". We are saving daylight. To me, saving daylight produces a whole slew of advantages. For one, we use less energy (electricity, gas) with the sunlight being seen longer. I don't have to flip my lights on in the evening as much. With the sun out longer, I am able to be outside longer and less in front of my TV! I can work in the yard and grow food with my extra hours of sunshine. I can spend more time with my family, riding bikes or going on long walks. I am able to stroll for beach glass by the lake or gather the family and watch a spectacular sunset. My longer days are filled with events and activities that are made possible by the sun staying awake longer, for me!

There is a long history behind DST. There is even a book written about it. The date changed from early April to the second Sunday in March, back in 2007, due to the Energy Policy Act. This also made DST end the first weekend in November, rather the last weekend in October. (Maybe to give trick-or-treaters a safer time?)
Whatever the case, history, or reason for DST, I am just going to "spring forward" myself. This unusually warm March has already sprung forward a nice amount of surprises: my flower bulbs are sprouting, the grass is greening, and the birds are waking me up before my alarm does. It came in like a lamb and hopefully will leave just the same. I look forward to what these longer "saving daylight" days will hold for me. I am eagerly anticipating the warmer weather and the bright sunshine beaming on my face. Happy (almost) Spring, everybody!!

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain."

My youngest daughter had a sick day yesterday. This usually requires a comfy spot on the couch, hugs from mom, and a remote in close distance!
One of the shows we watched yesterday was Sesame Street. The SS of today is waaaay cooler than it was back in my day! As we were watching, though, I had an "a ha" moment. The theme of the day was "the seasons"- spring, summer, fall, and winter. A clip came on with a girl getting ready to go outside. She was getting all of her rain gear on- jacket, hat, and boots. She was all excited to be heading out in the rain! She was not frightened by the "wetness" of it. She was not "pushed" to go outside (well, at least it didn't appear that way) by her mom. She was happily getting dressed and eagerly anticipating the rain. This is when I started to think. What do my kids want to do on a rain day? What do I want to do when it is raining out?? When I was a young kid I used to frolic in the puddles, stomp through the wet grass, and delight in the feel of cool rain drops on my face. I was not "ewwed" by it, nor did I feel that I would melt! I had fun in it. Today, my kids don't even own rain boots. Nor a rain hat. We do have umbrella's though!
I began to think. When did good-old-fashioned playing in the rain become so," boring"? Why have I not encouraged it more? What am I going to do about it now?! Well, that small girl on Sesame Street re-taught me that playing in the rain is essential fun for kids. It truly is genuine fun. Who cares if the clothes get wet! Who cares if the floor gets muddy!! Kids need to get wet and dirty. Those video games will have to wait. The TV will be shut off. By golly, we have some puddles to dance in!

still looking

Just recently my family and I have been on the hunt for a new couch.. or should I say sofa? Our current one is in its "senior" years of life. It is nearing its 14th year (which, in furniture years is pretty old!) I can still remember purchasing this couch. I was newly married and we had some extra money to blow. No kids yet. No pets. We purchased pretty much on "looks", but have been blessed with a piece of furniture that has held up. As the years have taken there toll, however, the sags are becoming more saggy. The bottom cushions have holes, tears, rips.. cleverly placed to "try" to hide them. The pretty sage green color has taken on many shades and variations. The back cushions' fluff has separated, causing big balls of uncomfortableness. Needless to go on, we NEED a new couch.
The hunt has begun and sadly it is proving to be quite a fierce one. Living in a smallish town with little to no decent shopping is not helping the matter! When we do encounter a worthy store, the merchandise is "um" or "ugh!" We are not looking for anything too fancy. Just something on the practical side, wish a dash of "somewhat tasteful." Ideally, we are looking for a sectional sofa with a sturdy fabric to last for at least the next decade or so. Something that can withstand 3 busy children and 2 scratching kitties would be a bonus!
So, in the meantime, the hunt continues.

yummy!

One of my favorite finds recently was this Meijer Naturals marinara sauce. My family LOVES it! It has a great, slightly sweet, taste and is very fresh tasting. I tried using others after using this and I just keep thinking how they don't stack up. The price can't be beat either! It is only $1.98 at our store.

2 thumbs UP!

my other blog

catchmythrift.blogspot.com

bored games

I was in a mad-dash-spring-cleaning-frenzy mood not too long ago. You know what I am talking about! You get the urge to purge and run around the house like a chicken with its head cut off, carrying around a black plastic bag. Well, at least that is what it looked like over here in our home. On my latest dash around the house I stopped dead in my tracks when I came upon the stack of miscellaneous board games in our family room cabinet. We had so many that the doors to the cabinet could not even close all the way! That was an instant "shout out" to me to take measures into my own hands. I must tackle this beast!

In the cabinet I was confronted with a random assortment of all sorts of games, puzzles, cards, and whatchamacallits. Some boxes were intact, others were barely there, hanging on for dear life. Homeless pegs, dice, and UNO cards practically were "begging" me for HELP! Loose instructions for games that "mysteriously" left the house (aka sold at a garage sale or sent to Goodwill) ages ago, were also among the mix. I literally had to pause and take a heavy breath before tackling this monster head-on. How did this all happen? Well let's see. Three kids times a gazillion birthdays and Christmas's equals a ton of games. Not the forget the garage and rummage sale found games! It all seems a blur.
I had to make a plan. First, decide which games did the kids absolutely not play with anymore (nor would they ask for them in a week after they suspected them missing!) Our youngest daughter is almost 7. Is Candyland still in the running? Ummm...I think it goes in the "maybe" pile, along with Chutes and Ladders (even though it has seem better days!) I knew we didn't need 2 Boggle Jr's, so one went into the bag. The Hi Ho Cherry O game with tons of missing cherries?...in the bag. The Winnie the Pooh puzzles were spared, as was the wooden snail race game. Some of the other keepers were Monopoly (dad's vintage edition, as well as the Spongebob version), Blokus and definitely UNO! Mastermind, Life, Battleship and Othello. Guess Who made it, as did I SPY.
Then I stumbled across Bingo! Oh, bingo! My kids are obsessed with bingo! For one of my children's birthdays (or was it Christmas?) a bingo game was given. In the box there is a wire cage that holds a ton of little tiny grey balls with numbers and letters. These balls are so small that on occasion a wandering vacuum nearly brought it to extinction! The set also includes a series of cardboard bingo cards, complete with (yes, again!) teeny tiny plastic "chips", for placing on the bingo card. Even with these chips being colorful, they too come close to being sucked up into never-again land! This is one of those games that gets the heart pumping! It can be played by any age and it is just old fashioned fun. It has made its way through generation to generation, and keeps on ticking. Just recently, though, I have decided to make the game a bit more "interesting." I took a trip to the Dollar store and purchased a bunch of prizes (aka.. candy). When the lucky winner calls out BINGO, they get to choose a prize from the box. This is a great game to play when the kids have friends over! Bingo stays.

Going through these games was like going down memory lane. Oh the fun times these games were, and still are. I can still remember being in a panic trying to remove the rubber band from the Operation game, without having the little red nose beep at me. Or, getting the Connect Four before my opponent did! I was (and still am) a competitive gal. I try to go easy on my kids though! It just made me realize that my kids are growing up! Their interest in games may be advancing, but the quality time spent playing games and just being together as a family is still so important. Priceless.

vintage happy meal toys FOR SALE

Back in the 1970's my mom worked for McDonald's. One of her jobs was as the "birthday party lady." At the McDonald's where she worked they had a special room designated just for parties. It was complete with life sized statues of Ronald and various other McDonaldland characters. I also remember a make believe tree that children can climb in and play on. There were ride on toys and all sorts of fun stuff. My mom liked this job, most of the time. Times I fondly recall are when she would bring home an extra birthday cake! This was always a welcome treat! I can still remember chopping down the ultra-sweet sugar Ronald decoration on the top of the cakes. Pure sugar. Pure head rush!! Since my mom was in charge of these parties she was also was made available to all the happy meal toys that came out. She would bring home MANY toys! She also put some away and saved them. This bring me to the point of this post.
When my mom moved to Texas back in the 1990's I, somehow, became the new owner of all these happy meal toys. She was done with them and I said I would take them. Well, 4 Rubbermaid totes and 4 states later, I STILL have them! They are still in the totes in our basement. I have gone through ALL of them and know what I have. Many are very vintage and almost all are still in their original packages. I just want to clean house and move them out. I just don't know what to do with them!
So, if you or anyone you know, would be interested, email me junipercards@yahoo.com and I will let you know what I have. We can work out a great deal!