Half the fun of Halloween is the food. From slimy jello treats to pukin’ pumpkins, It’s so easy to create some really gross foods for Halloween. Blood, brains, and guts are a snap to replicate with food.
Check out my meaty eyeballs and other frightening foods for your Halloween party spread this year.
Meaty Eyeballs
Make your favorite meatballs. Spear on a pearl onion with a toothpick and follow with a slice of olive.
Bloody Fingers
Use crescent refrigerator dough sheets. Roll into bent finger shapes. The nails are almond slivers. Brush with melted garlic butter.Beat an egg in a bowl and add red food coloring. Drip on the “fingers” and bake according to package directions.
Mummified Franks
This is another trick using refrigerator rolls dough. Roll out into strings and wrap around hot dogs and then bake for about 15 minutes.
Creepy Salsa
For this creepy Halloween dip, simply toss some black olive slices in salsa. So easy yet so effective. I put mine in an autumn leaf-shaped bowl.
Slime Dip
Fresh homemade guacamole takes on a new look by simply calling it slime dip! Use my favorite guacamole recipe below.
Out in the fields and wastelands, at the edge of the forest and along roadsides, my favorite wildflower is at its peak. The goldenrod is like a wild golden-haired girl who wants to come home. Most think of her as a weed. Perhaps she has been grossly misunderstood.
Goldenrod
Ragweed or Goldenrod
Along about the time goldenrod appears, her nasty cousin ragweed starts spreading her free-blowing pollen causing hay fever among the masses. Some tend to blame their problems on our golden girl when in fact, her pollen is too heavy to become airborne.
The lovely goldenrod has run rampant through the fields and mutated with other weeds or wildflowers to produce numerous species. These species are called invasive in some areas. So what? She’s not the only one. Look at all the different false dandelions that exist all over the world today.
Goldenrod Herb
Many people consider goldenrod to be a health-healing herb. A few animal and test tube studies suggest that goldenrod may help with the following conditions:
reducing inflammation
relieving muscle spasms
fighting infections
lowering blood pressure
It has been proven that goldenrod has diuretic properties. Europeans have used it to treat UTIs and kidney stones for years.
Like dandelion, the parts of the plant above the ground can be used for making teas and tinctures. Unlike the dandelion, the roots are not consumed.Goldenrod supplements are available in capsule form. It is recommended that one seeks advice from a doctor or botanical medical expert (could be a pharmacist) before using dandelion supplements. Goldenrod can interact with other herbs and medicines.
Natural Remedies
Although there are no high-quality studies to prove so, goldenrod is thought to have health benefits in the following areas.
used topically as a wound healer
tuberculosis
liver enlargement
diabetes
hemorrhoids
internal bleeding
asthma
arthritis
mouth and throat inflammation
Goldenrod and the Food Web
Lots of different insects and their predators get free room and board with the goldenrod. Some of these insects lay eggs within her. As the eggs hatch, the goldenrod provides incubation for the larvae. A tiny ecosystem is formed that becomes a larger part of the food web.
How Goldenrod Benefits the Garden
Birds, bees, butterflies and many other insects visit the goldenrod, helping to spread her heavy pollen. If there are other flowering plants nearby, this animal life will visit them as well. In this way, our golden girl attracts pollinators to the garden.
Goldenrod Flowers Identification
Our golden girl has cross-bred several times over to produce any number of a variety of species in any one local. Because they look so similar, these species have been difficult to isolate and identify. Scientists finally grouped them generally into categories according to shape.
The following chart highlights the general shapes, types, scientific names and a brief description.
Goldenrod Classified According to Shape
Shape
Type
Scientific Name
Description
(Plume-shaped)
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadenis
9 to 15 flower rays, flowers on upper part of stem
Gray Goldenrod
Solidage nemoralis
slender one-sided plumes, groups of flowers form a crest
Early Goldenrod
juncea
plume-like or elm-like shape, flowering branches curve downward
(Club-shaped)
Stout Goldenrod
Solidago squarrosa
10-16 flower rays, flowerhead is narrow
Bog Goldenrod
Solidago uliginosa Nuttall
long,broad cluster of flowers, likes moist woodlands
(Flat topped)
Grass-leaved Goldenrod
Solidago graminifolia & Euthamia graminifolia
flowers grow in clusters, grass-like leaves on stems
Houghton Goldenrod
Solidago houtonil
umbrella-shaped head that is flat-topped
Ohio Goldenrod
Solidago ohioenis
large umbrella-shaped head massive tiny yellow flowers
Uplands White Goldenrod
Solidago ptarmicoides
white flowers 1 cm wide 10-25 ray flowers per head
(Wand-shaped)
Erect Goldenrod
Solidago Erecta
long, slender stem
Downy Goldenrod
Solidago pubuula
tiny hairs on stems and leaves
Ontario Goldenrod
Solidago simplex
ray and disk florets, sticky flowers, found on shores of Lake Huron
Blue-stemmed Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
scattered clusters in leaf axile, smooth purplish stem
(Elm branched)
Rough-stemmed Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa Miller
scaly stems, elm-branched with clusters of flowers
Goldenrod in the Garden
Now that we know all the benefits of goldenrod, perhaps it is time to bring her in from the wilds and tame her for our gardens. Goldenrod will attract pollinators to our winter gardens of kale, lettuces and other greens.Goldenrod is hardy growing in zones 2-8. they propagate by both the spreading of seeds and the spreading of underground rhizomes. A variety of goldenrod seeds are available for purchasing on-line to make growing goldenrod in the garden more convenient.
Plant seeds in flats in spring or summer. Make sure that they are exposed to plenty of sunlight. Goldenrod will look especially good growing alongside purple salvia and assorted asters.
The goldenrod’s stiff stems make her a lovely addition to cut flower arrangements.These arrangements are sustainable, practical and inexpensive. They are great for all those fall events from luncheons to weddings.
Now that school has started again, we’ve got less time, and probably a little less money. There were school supplies, clothes or uniforms, and electronics to purchase and book fees to pay.
Using frozen meat, both cooked and uncooked helps save money on the food budget and time in the kitchen. Purchase lean ground beef in bulk. Divide into planned meals by the pound. Add seasonings and spices for tacos, spaghetti or sloppy joes and then freeze in Ziplock bags.
Meatballs can be made and frozen cooked or uncooked. In the morning, toss frozen uncooked meatballs in a slow-cooker with marinara, Alfredo or pesto sauce. Add chopped onions, peppers, spices and 1/2 cup liquid like milk or water. Then simply boil pasta and add a veggie or two for a quick, healthy dinner.
Make and cook your favorite meatloaf recipe and freeze whole. On those school nights when homework makes the evening hectic, thaw out a baggie for quick dishes for pennies per serving, or cook the meatloaf until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rosemary Lemon Chicken
Buy frozen uncooked chicken breasts in bulk to save money on poultry dishes. They can be cooked in a preheated 350-degree oven for less than an hour without thawing. Top them with sauce, salsa or condensed soups about halfway through cooking, piercing the breasts with a fork.
There is no need to give up gourmet taste for meal planning in a hurry. Make delicious rosemary lemon chicken with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh rosemary. Make a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed rosemary leaves.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, pierce with a fork, and brush on the marinade. Add a sprig of rosemary and top with a slice of lemon.
Return to the oven about 15 or 20 more minutes or until the chicken breasts are done. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with steamed broccoli. Buy the frozen broccoli; it is quicker to cook and just as nutritious as fresh.
For a really special mid-week treat, serve rosemary lemon chicken with sweet potato home fries and steamed frozen broccoli. It is a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients For Rosemary-Lemon Chicken
4-6 Chicken breasts, Frozen
4-6 Sprigs Rosemary, Fresh
One Lemon, Sliced
1/4 Cup Butter, Melted
1/4 Cup Olive oil
Peppercorns, Ground
2 TBS Rosemary leaves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place frozen chicken breasts in a shallow dish and place in preheated oven
Mix butter, olive oil, lemon juice and rosemary leaves.
Meanwhile, mix the olive oil and melted butter. Add the lemon juice and garlic.
Baste frozen chicken breast with mixture often while baking. Pierce chicken with a meat fork.
Top each chicken breast with a lemon slice and sprig of fresh rosemary
Bake rosemary lemon chicken for about 50 minutes
Cook Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ready in: 45 min
Yield: four to five servings
Other Ideas For Cooking Frozen Chicken
Baste with your favorite barbecue sauce while cooking
Cook frozen chicken breasts in cream of mushroom soup
Make a quick chicken Parmesan
Cook with blue cheese dressing and bacon bits
Top with salsa halfway through cooking
These are just a few ideas for cooking frozen chicken breasts. I’ll bet you can get creative and come up with your own quick, delicious recipe
Cooperative learning is an instructional method based on past research of the theory that people who work together to achieve shared goals are more successful in achievement of goals(Alport Watson Shaw and Mead). The theory was established before the onset of World War One. Philosophers and Psychologists John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Morton Deutsh further developed the theory helping to establish it in the educational setting. Later David and Roger Johnson actively promoted the theory from 1974 to 1994. It has proven to be a popular and successful instructional method.
With the cooperative learning method, the teacher’s role becomes that of facilitator rather than just instructor. Learning occurs naturally as students interact among themselves. Students work together to create a common project or assignment by sharing opinions, knowledge, and skills. The success of each individual in the group is reliant upon the success of the whole group as a unit.
What Are the Positives of Cooperative Learning?
Research shows several positive outcomes when using cooperative learning. Studies show retention of learned material increases. Students will have greater recall of skills and facts covered in the activities.
The method has been shown to increase social skills that help students prepare for good citizenship and successful living in society. It is thought that cooperative learning can set the stage for students to experience greater success in the world of work. Most jobs and professions require employees to cooperate and work together toward a common goal.
Finally, cooperative learning encourages respect among students for one another when working in groups of varying abilities and ethnic groups. Acceptance and respect for diversity will be important all through life.
Implementing Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning can be implemented in lessons in any subject and in grade levels from kindergarten to college. It can be as simple as a group brainstorming a list of writing or research topics or as complex as a project for a science exhibit.
Grouping learning disabled or other special needs students with non-disabled peers is a valid and useful accommodation. It can become a part of the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plan. It can be a useful way to accommodate students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Work can be “chunked” for students to complete. A long set of math problems can be a daunting task for the ADHD student. Divided and shared between four students the task becomes more manageable for them.
Although good research exists proving the advantages of cooperative learning, educators may be finding themselves reluctant to use the method. Some claim that students socialize too much and often get off-task. They favor more direct instruction. While it is true that many students benefit more from direct instruction, cooperative learning may be well worth giving a second chance. A few strategies could help in making it successful.
The teacher will need to monitor and decide when and how to make adjustments. Do the students need to be rearranged within the groups? Is the activity either too easy or too hard? Begin with these questions. Keep in mind that motivation is a key underlying factor for learning to occur. Teachers may need to find ways to motivate students. This could be accomplished by allowing them to choose from a list of activities.
Strategies for Implementing Cooperative Learning
1. Begin with less complex tasks when first implementing cooperative learning. Pair lower ability students with higher ability.
2. Establish a set of rules within the other class rules. Make sure students understand the procedures and take a few minutes to go over them directly. Have the rules posted. Implement the same consequences for not following them as with the other class rules.
3. Keep groups small, no more than 4 to 6 students. Doing so will ensure that each member of the group will have to participate and be accountable for the finished product. Use a rubric for grading and always give grades.
4. Assigning a certain role for each member of the group will give guidance and direction making each student feel important. If they tend to argue over roles, then have them to draw numbers.
Roles to consider:
Leader- checks each member for understanding. reports problems in understanding or materials to the teacher
Recorder- records responses.
Reporter- reports findings to share with the rest of the class. reports problems in behavior to the teacher.
Monitor- can keep time for timed assignments. reminds others to stay on task.
5. Switch members of cooperative groups occasionally keeping in mind who does or does not work together well. Also switch roles occasionally.
6 Assign each student one fourth of a lesson to study. then have them take turns “teaching” their part of the lesson to the other students. Have a list of ways to share to choose from.
Ideas for sharing:
compose a song, poem or rap
draw an illustration
write a summary
give an oral report
write true/false questions for the other students to answer.
7. Students enjoy hands-on activities. Let them work together to create projects such as making a Frosty the Soap Man.Each student can be responsible for one part of creating the whole project. The leader can be responsible in making sure that each part is completed for putting the project together.
Thanks to the right mix of sunny days and gentle rain fall, we had a bumper crop of blueberries in North Georgia this year. That meant lots of plump sweet berries to munch on at the bushes, toss atop a bowl of cereal, whip up in a smoothie, and add to pancake batter.
Blueberries are easy to grow, easy to freeze, and good for easy jam recipes. This is all good news since blueberries are one of the top 10 superfoods and can be pricey at the grocery store.
The freezer is now stocked and a few jars of blueberry jam are put away. And we enjoyed a few tasty blueberry desserts along the way like a rich blueberry-peach Pavlova and healthy blueberry-banana swirl pops.
It’s always good to try something new. This year it was a blueberry skillet custard pie, a rustic dessert baked in a cast iron skillet. It was delicious and really easy to make. Just blend all ingredients except the berries in a blender and pour the batter into a buttered cast iron skillet.
I love the taste of blueberry together with lemon so I added a lemon glaze after baking, but this is optional. The blueberry skillet pie was delicious. Thanks to a bumper crop and a freezer full of blueberries, one will grace my holiday tables this year.
Blueberry Skillet Custard Pie
Ingredients:
1 TBS unsalted butter
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions for Blueberry Skillet Custard Pie
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine and blend all ingredients except the blueberries in blender
This summer I let a little swatch of lawn at the edge of the backyard get a bit out of control. Well, okay, way out of control. But now I am glad I did. The weeds offer a barrier, a sort of natural privacy fence. I’m a sort of lover of weeds, if you may. I love flowers that grow in the wild like Queen Anne’s lace and goldenrod.
So I was delighted when bunches of colorful ones sprang up on my neglected lawn. They were morning glories and I was amazed at the colors and variegations, so I took photos, wrote a bit of prose and did some research on the common morning glory.
Ode To The Morning Glory
I can always count on your pretty face to grace the day’s beginning.
Your soul unfurls wide open,
No secrets to hide,
To embrace each morning, no matter how misty.
As the sun climbs high you seem to disappear
All shriveled, faded and spent.
But you’re still there.
The cool darkness nourishes your soul with dew
You rest
And I see you again the next morning.
Facts About Morning Glories
Morning glories bloom in the early morning and then fade and curl up a few hours later.
Cultivars have been developed and seeds are available to grow them in gardens.
In the Australian bushland, morning glories grow dense with thick roots and are seriously invasive.
Some species of morning glories were used in ancient China for medicinal purposes.
Mesoamerican civilizations used one species of morning glory along with other plants to produce rubber.
Aztec priests used the morning glory’s hallucinogenic properties.
One species is used as a vegetable in culinary dishes in East and Southeast Asia.
The Japanese were the first to develop cultivars for morning glories.
One species known as moonflower blooms at dusk instead of the morning.
The long Summer break most traditional schools experience can cause the average student’s learning to regress by one month and is referred to as “Summer slide.” This can spell trouble for the students who have left the apron strings of the elementary school where the focus was on learning to read. Now the game has changed and it means reading to learn instead. The best solution? A Hot Summer Reading List that will keep them wanting to read all Summer.
Educators of younger students are all aware of how important self-selected reading is. Self-explanatory, this method of reading entails the child selecting a book himself, one that appeals to him to enjoy in a comfortable setting. Why should we change this for the older student? While there will probably be required reading assignments for the Summer, the teen and adolescent should make the time to select a few books that they really feel will be enjoyable to them.
It is estimated that even as few as 6 books will keep “Summer slide” at bay and more. Following are 10 good reasons for Summer reading for adolescents and teens along with 6 great books that will keep them engaged.
1. Improving Vocabulary
Summer reading fun can improve vocabulary. In middle and high school, vocabulary words aren’t sight words anymore. They are those “hard” words that show up in the content areas-general science, history, economics, etc. Reading for pleasure provides practice in making connections between familiar and unfamiliar words by using word structure (roots, affixes) and context clues. Studies show that the amount of reading time influences the size of both the reading and speaking vocabulary.
2. Improving Decoding Skills
Summer reading for fun is a good way for the budding middle school student to reinforce the decoding skills they learned throughout elementary school. Once an adolescent is out of grade 4, decoding instruction will likely be reserved for remedial reading classes. The middle school student will be required to read more supplementary materials for learning in the content areas. The vocabulary in these (expository) reading materials will be more difficult to decode than those in narratives.
3. Keeping the Mental Processes Active
Summer reading for fun keeps the mental process active. Scientists believe that attention, memory, and thought rely on the brain’s active neuron patterns. The firing of one memory network causes other memory networks to fire. Impulses travel through neurons and jump from dendrite to dendrite via the synapses in a sort of dominoes fashion. The reader can make connections between events in the story to events in her own life. Activation of related networks in the brain will strengthen the synaptic connections of neurons. It’s sort of the brain’s way of getting exercise. Additionally, a good riveting tale can stir the emotions which will also help connect memory networks.
4. Improving Concentration and Focus
Summer reading for fun can improve concentration and focus. A well-written story of high interest is a good attention grabber. The reader will be focused on the outcome of the story, paying attention to the details that contribute to the plot. The ability to concentrate and focus will essentially help in all subject areas.
5. Reading for Interests
Summer reading for fun is a good way to increase interests and hobbies. As students move through middle and high school career choices become issues. The purpose of school begins to be seen in the context of preparing for the workforce. For example, a story about a sick or wounded animal could spark an interest in veterinary medicine. Or a story about a social issue could encourage volunteering for a cause.
6. Reduce Summer Boredom
Summer reading fun can help reduce boredom. The bored adolescent or teen can get into trouble more easily. Boredom on long hot days can set in, especially toward mid-summer when interest in the beach, pool or lake begins to fizzle. A good story can be entertaining. Unlike TV shows or movies, the written story will be more mentally engaging. It will be like a “movie in the mind” and can stimulate creativity.
7. Reading to Improve Test Scores
Summer reading fun can help test scores. Like it or not, high stakes testing is a fact and is probably not going to go away. Not all high stakes testing is used to determine school funding. Students everywhere must pass the end of course tests, high school competency tests and attain certain scores on the SAT or ACT to get into higher institutes of study.
8. Learning About Other Cultures and Places
Summer reading for fun can create an awareness of other cultures and places. With the internet and travel life has become more global. Chances are the adolescent or teen will travel to other parts of the world. They can “travel in an armchair” and learn about their destinations through descriptive literature. They can “time travel” and read about other times in history and learn how the culture was different.
9. Solving Personal Problems
Reading for Summer fun can help teens with life’s problems. The adolescent and teen years can be bewildering times. New freedom gives rise to new issues. Or sometimes they feel they don’t have the freedom they should have for their age. Peer pressure, bullying, feeling left out of groups, problems getting along with parents and siblings and new attractions to the opposite sex are all issues that many authors write honestly on. Reading about the problems that characters face can be like receiving advice.
10. To Develope a Lifelong Love of Books and Learning
Whether ebooks or paper books, they will always be the door to learning. Kids who learn to love a good book will always have that love.
If you are an adolescent, teen or the parent of one please pick out at least 6 good books that you really think would be fun Summer reading. Don’t forget that required Summer reading list. But do have fun reading! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for many restaurants and florists and is second only to Christmas in retail sales.
Although some may argue that it is just another commercialized holiday, it does have roots dating back centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated a day in honor of mother’s of pagan gods. Early Christians in England celebrated a day to honor Mary, Mother of Christ.
By religious order, the holiday was set to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday. At that time many of the poor peasant servants of the rich were from a distance away. They were given the day off to return home and visit with their mothers.
Today a version of Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide. In the United States, Mother’s Day roots can be traced to Civil War activists to promote the rise of women against war, a mother’s day of peace.
Mom’s often put themselves last on a daily basis. Those cute new shoes can wait-the kids need winter coats. She will leave the last piece of pie on the plate for someone else.
This Mom’s Day try giving yourself a dose of self-love to boost your self-image. Kids pick up on the nuances of self-confidence and well being. With your role modeling, they will learn to be confident, self-reliant adults. After all, if one can’t take good care of themselves first it may be harder to take of care loved ones. Sending this message to kids is not selfishness but rather preparing them to be confident and assertive adults.
DIY Hair Conditioners, Facial Masks, and Skin Softeners
Do it yourself, or DIY cosmetics have been popular recently. Not only are they more economical, we know exactly what’s in them. Food science developments and research have helped us identify natural products that tend to benefit skin and hair, even teeth and nails for health and beauty.
Try these DIY beauty tricks or one of the new products containing natural ingredients. There is no need to scramble for essential oil, glycerin or any harder to find ingredients. These DIY hair conditioners, facial masks, and skin softeners use products that you already have in your kitchen cabinet. Turn your bathroom into a spa for Mom’s Day and pamper yourself from head to toe.
Light some candles, have soft music and a relaxing cup of tea.
DIY Hair Conditioners
Olive oil infuses the scalp with moisture and can help with dry scalp. Locks will be stronger and shinier and scalp healthier.
Rosemary has been indicated as a stimulant for hair follicles helping to prevent hair loss. It conditions the scalp, acting as a natural conditioner to prevent dryness. Used over a long period of time rosemary will darken graying hair.
Try this: whip an egg with 1/2 cup of water. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup dried rosemary.
Or buy this: Avalon organic shampoo and conditioner.
Avocado is rich in fatty acids that are essential for good health in our diet. Applied topically avocado strengthens and fortifies the hair shaft.
Try This: mix a ripe, mashed avocado with 2 TBS olive oil for a conditioner that will give shinier and stronger hair.
Or try Naked Naturals products will Shea butter and avocado
DIY Facial Scrub and Mask
Strawberries are very good for the skin, giving benefits from inside (eating them) and out (applied topically). They are loaded with vitamin C to help fight free radicals and promote strong tissue in the skin for a youthful look. The salicylic acid gets rid of dead skin cells making strawberries an excellent exfoliate.
Watch the tutorial to make an easy strawberry exfoliating scrub using mashed strawberries, sugar, honey and an egg for oily skin.
Or try a strawberry-rhubarb scrub by Eminence.
DIY Chocolate Facial Mask
Chocolate contains antioxidants that can prevent or repair damage to the skin from free radicals. Like strawberries, these antioxidant benefits can be applied directly to the skin. Chocolate facials are quite popular and there are several different recipes. The basic ingredients are cocoa powder, cream or curds and honey. Having the ability to retain water, honey has long been used in skin care products for cleansing and softening. Add oatmeal if desired for a soothing scrub. Oatmeal, with anti-inflammatory properties, is also good for any sort of rash or sunburn.
Suzanne McMinn at Chickens in the Road had the great idea to use cream cheese as the binding ingredient for chocolate facial masks. The cream cheese will give a smoother product that is easier to apply. Curds, or cottage cheese has a lumpy consistency that may be “yucky” to use and cream may be a bit runny. I opt for the cream cheese!
Try this basic recipe for chocolate facial mask:
1/3 cup powdered cocoa
3 TBS cream cheese
1/4 cup honey
Or try Freeman’s Feeling Beautiful chocolate-strawberry facial mask:
DIY Bath Salts and Soaks
Do – it – yourself bath salts and soaks are incredibly easy and inexpensive. All you need to do is take a trip to the kitchen and bathroom, and your herb garden if you have one. Bath salts can be created using Epsom salts, baking soda and any crushed and dried herb. You can even break open herbal tea bags to use. Put all ingredients into a food processor or blender and voila! you have great smelling, soothing bath salts.
Basic recipe for bath salts:
1 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup baking soda
3/4 cup ground-up herbs
Bath soaks:
Using milk as a bath soak provides the skin with plenty of the antioxidant vitamin A, protecting the skin from both acne and aging. Powdered milk combined with common kitchen ingredients like baking soda are easy and economical bath soaks that soothe.
Try these easy bath soaks with powdered milk as a base:
1. Add one cup boiling water to 1/2 cup powdered milk, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup honey.
2. Add one cup boiling water to 1/2 cup powdered milk, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup crushed herbs (fresh, dried or from an open tea bag).
3. Add one cup boiling water to 1/2 cup powdered milk, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup ground oatmeal and 2 TBS cinnamon. (Use old fashioned oats not instant and grind in a blender along with the baking soda).
Or consider a great Canus goat milk bath product or Calgon Ageless Nourishing Milk Bath for stress relief!
Doing Your Own Manicure and Pedicure
The key to good at-home manicures and pedicures is having the right tools. Kristin Logan, MSN blogger, and beauty writer explains in 8 simple slides the basic supplies for a manicure at home from nail polish remover to a fast dry top coat spray. A pedicure is a little more work that a manicure. It’s fun to get a professional pedicure, and not really expensive. They are good Mom’s Day gift choices!
For giving your own manicure and pedicure, skip down to the toes and do those first. Save the manicure for last. You don’t want to use those great looking nails right away! Begin by prepping hands and feet with a sugar scrub made with 2 Tbs. of sugar and a few drops of almond oil. Most grocery stores carry almond oil in the aisle where the other oils are. If not, check the health food store for almond oil. You can use olive oil in the sugar scrub as well. Follow with a refreshing foot soak. Add slices of fresh lemon and rosemary to warm water in a foot basin. Remove any nail polish from the toenails. Soak for at least 20 minutes. The lemon juice will help lighten the yellowing we get on the nails from nail polish build up. Then follow these steps to finish your pedicure.
Trim nails with a strong toenail clipper
Trim cuticles with cuticle scissors
Apply baby or olive oil to the cuticles
Apply a soothing, moisturizing foot balm
Apply polish in a flirty color
Celebrate Mom’s Day
A few makeup tricks and a cute outfit will have you looking and feeling your best. So polish your badge and shine on your day! You deserve it! Everyone will admire you even more. And even if just for today, go ahead and have that last piece of pie.
Makeup Tips for a Natural Glow
use makeup to accentuate positive features
use concealer or camouflage cream to cover dark spots and blemishes
use fingers instead of a sponge to apply foundation. The heat from fingers helps it blend better
Look for makeup with light diffusing micro crystals
Highlight top of cheek bones and brows with an illuminating powder
Apply bronzer with a brush to temples, chin and jaw lines
Apply a peachy or pink blush to the apples of the cheeks
Mix cinnamon in Vaseline and apply before lipstick, or just as a gloss.(Cinnamon brings blood to the surface and plumps up fine lines and lips)
Follow the video tutorial for creating Smokey Eyes!
I knew I was saving those plastic potato chip canisters for some reason. I usually buy the cardboard ones because they are more earth-friendly, but somehow over the summer and the holidays, those plastic ones found their way into my cupboards.
With a little imagination and some crafts supplies, I came up with the idea of this cute Easter Bunny candy holder. Tuck one in an Easter basket or give them to older kids, friends, and people at the office. I’ll bet your kids’ teachers would love one to sit on her desk year after year. Let’s get started.
Supplies needed for DIY Easter Candy Holder:
Plastic chip container such as Lays Stax
Pink & white craft foam (you can use construction paper, but it won’t be as durable)
White spray paint
White felt
Medium pink pom pom
Large white pom pom
White chenille stems
Googly eggs
Decorative ribbon
Black Sharpie
Hot glue
Spray paint the canister. Spray the lid separately.
Make ear patterns. Trace and cut from the craft foam. Assemble with hot glue.
Cut a circle of white felt to fit the lid. Other colors work too.
To assemble bunny: Glue the eyes on the back below the lid. Add googly eyes, pom pom nose, and chenille stem whiskers. Make him a pretty bow tie, and draw on the rest with the black Sharpie.
Don’t forget the bunny tail! I used a shimmery one because I had it left over from Christmas. You could also use cotton balls.
Now fill your DIY Easter Bunny Candy Holder with candy and you have a great gift. And you have done God’s creation a small favor.
