An Exciting Romantic Getaway
If you feel like the romance has gone out of your marriage and late night conversations and cuddling are a thing of the past, it is definitely time to make a purposeful effort to plan regular date nights as a couple! But every once in a while, a mini-getaway to yourselves, away from the hubbub of your homelife, is definitely in order!
Often it’s the simple things in life that can rekindle a romance. It’s time to remind each other how much you loved being together, how much fun you had, and how many romantic nights you spent walking in the park or strolling along the city streets hand in hand.
Arrange for a baby-sitter if you have children, and here’s some great tips for a fantastic date night or mini-getaway (ladies, email this article to your hubby):
Mini-Getaway. This is a fabulous way to surprise your spouse!
Set up childcare, and reserve a room at your favorite hotel…even better, reserve the honeymoon suite at the hotel. Call your spouse and ask them to be ready at 8 o’clock on a Friday evening. Make it clear that it is for a night or weekend away. When you make reservations at the hotel another fun thing to do is ask for them to have a basket of treats ready in the room when you arrive…your favorite chocolates, red roses, candles, wine, etc. You can even request your favorite music be playing.
Husbands, if you are doing this it is extra fantastic if you can take care of your own bags and simply ask your wife to only pack for herself. When Friday arrives, show up in a rented convertible similar to the he drove when you first dated. All of this plus the allure of mystery for the other spouse who does not know exactly what is happening is the best way to start a fun and exciting weekend 
.
Sound corny? Well, whether it does or not, it will create a weekend you are NOT likely to soon forget. This is the time for you and your husband to become reacquainted again. There are no distractions, phone calls, kids yelling for your attention, just you and your beloved spouse. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Right out of a romance novel.
This is just one suggestion, there are so many romantic things you can do to get away. This definitely takes time and a little extra money, so you may need to plan it fairly far in advance depending on your situation.
So often life gets in the way, and there is a feeling of disconnect between who you were then and who you are now. Family responsibilities, work and kids all play a part in putting aside the romance for the sake of the family.
Whether you spend a weekend or a few hours together, plan regular date nights with your spouse. Not having the time to have those talks you used to have, or take walks like you did when you dated, these are memories which you can never duplicate, but you can certainly take the time to create new memories.
Bacon Cheddar Melt Dip
September 22, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Appetizers, Featured, Recipes
Comments Off
Are you looking for something a little more unique to take with you to a fall potluck or party? This one is sure to please all ages!
Bacon Cheddar Melt Dip
Ingredients:
1 package of cream cheese softened
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped bacon
1/4 chopped green onion
1 small diced tomato
Directions…
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
After that is well mixed, add the bacon, green onion, and tomato.
Spread mixture into an ungreased 8″x8″ baking dish.
Bake until cheese has melted thoroughly.
Serve with crackers or French bread pieces.
Trixel iPhone App
September 22, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Featured, Technology, iPhone Apps
Comments Off
In my neverending quest to present fun and family friendly apps to all of you, this one stands out a bit because it is more of a brain teaser app. Trixel is fun but definitely meant to challenge you and make you think, and is sure to be loved by the whole family.
This logic puzzle game is simple to play but tough to master and has 100 games to challenge you. It also has three difficulty levels so that you can work your way up to the hardest levels.
You can read all about this iPhone game and it’s developers on the Adept Games site here.
A Cousins Prayer
This is a series I sincerely enjoy. Set in an Amish community, this is a simple heartwarming story of a young woman who is learning to trust God while healing from devastating events in her past.
If you like Amish novels, this is definitely for you.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
and the book:
Barbour Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
Wanda E. Brunstetter is nationally recognized as an expert on the Amish community, and her book sales have topped the three million mark. Her books White Christmas Pie, A Sister’s Hope, and Allison’s Journey topped Publishers Weekly Paperback Religion Bestsellers lists in 2008. Her books have also received other honors, including the 2006 Reader’s Choice Award and the CBD Book of the Week. Brunstetter enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and loves to visit their communities throughout the country.
Visit the author’s website.
Product Details:
List Price: $10.97
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602600619
ISBN-13: 978-1602600614
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Katie Miller’s stomach churned as she read the letter she’d just received from her cousin Loraine:
Dear Katie,
Wayne and I will be getting married the last Thursday of April. I’d like you to be one of my attendants.
Katie’s heart pounded. There was no way she could go to her cousin’s wedding, much less be one of her attendants.
“Who’s the letter from?” Katie’s grandmother asked, taking a seat on the porch swing beside Katie.
“Loraine. She’s getting married in April, and she wants me to be one of her attendants.” Katie almost choked on the words.
“That’s wunderbaar. I’m sure you’re looking forward to going.”
Katie shook her head. “I don’t want to go.”
“Think how disappointed Loraine would be if you weren’t at her wedding.”
Katie’s gaze dropped to the floor. “I can’t go back to Indiana, Grammy.”
“Loraine and Wayne have been through so much. Don’t you want to be there to share in their joy?”
Katie shivered despite the warm Florida breeze. If Timothy hadn’t been killed on their way to Hershey Park last fall, she’d be planning her own wedding right now.
“Katie, did you hear what I said?”
Katie nodded, hoping she wouldn’t give in to the tears pushing against her eyelids. “If I hadn’t freaked out about a bee in the van, Timothy, Paul, and Raymond would still be alive.” Katie drew in a shaky breath. “Jolene wouldn’t have lost her hearing, either, and Wayne would still have both of his legs.”
“You’re not to blame, Katie. It was an accident. It might have happened even if you hadn’t been afraid of the bee.” Grammy touched Katie’s arm. “You need to accept it and go on with your life.”
“I–I don’t know if I can.”
“Timothy wouldn’t want you to continue grieving for him. He wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for the accident.”
“You’ve said that before.”
“Then you ought to listen.” Grammy took hold of Katie’s hand. “Let’s go inside so you can write Loraine and let her know you’ll be at the wedding.”
“I–I’m afraid to go. The thought of traveling alone scares me. I don’t think I can deal with all the painful memories that are there.”
“Will you go to Loraine’s wedding if I go with you?”
“What about Grandpa? Would he go, too?”
Grammy shook her head. “He has things to do here.”
Katie couldn’t imagine what things Grandpa would have to do. He was retired and spent a good deal of his time at the beach.
“What about it, Katie?” Grammy asked. “Will you go to the wedding if I go along?”
Katie sat for several seconds, thinking things through. Finally, she gave a slow nod. It would be easier going back to Indiana with Grammy along, and as soon as the wedding was over, they’d come back here.
Chapter 1
“It sure is good to have you home,” Katie’s father said as they headed down the road in his buggy toward Uncle Amos and Aunt Priscilla’s house. He glanced over at Katie and smiled. “Your mamm said Loraine was real pleased when she got your letter saying you’d be one of her attendants.”
Katie clutched the folds in her dress as she stared out the window. She didn’t know why she felt so edgy. She hadn’t felt like this when she was in Florida. She’d been depressed after Timothy died, but not quivery inside the way she’d been since she’d climbed into Dad’s buggy. She was grateful they didn’t have far to go.
Dad motioned to what was left of the barn they were passing. “Take a look at the devastation from the tornado that hit this past winter. That terrible storm affected nearly everyone around these parts in some way or another.”
“No one was killed, though, right?”
“No, but some were injured, and the damage was great. Many, like Wayne’s folks, lost their homes, barns, and shops. It’s a good thing the house Wayne started building before he lost his leg didn’t sustain any damage from the tornado,” Dad said. “Several of the men in our community finished it for him, and Wayne’s folks have been livin’ in it ever since.”
“Will they continue living there after Loraine and Wayne get married?” Katie asked.
Dad nodded. “At least until their own house is done.”
Katie knew from some of the things Loraine had said in her letters that she and Ada hadn’t always gotten along so well. She wondered how things would be having them both living under the same roof.
“Look at the Chupps’ place.” Dad pointed to the left. “They lost their barn, his buggy shop, and the house. Only those who’ve actually seen the destruction of a tornado like we had here can even imagine such a sight.”
Katie gripped the edge of the seat. “I don’t understand why God allows such horrible things to happen.”
He shrugged his broad shoulders. “It’s not our place to question God. His ways are not our ways.”
Katie clamped her teeth together in an effort to keep from saying what was on her mind. Dad wouldn’t understand if she told him how angry she was with God for taking Timothy. He’d probably give her a lecture and say it was Timothy’s time to die, like he’d said to her on the day of Timothy’s funeral.
“Do you know how long you’ll be helping at Loraine’s?” Dad asked.
“Probably most of the day, since I’m sure there’s a lot to be done before the wedding. You can come by sometime before supper and pick me up, or I can ask someone to give me a ride home.”
“I don’t mind coming back for you. I’ll be here around four, okay?”
“That’s fine, but if we get done sooner, I’ll just ask for a ride home.”
“Sounds good.” Dad guided the horse up Uncle Amos’s driveway and directed him toward the barn. When they stopped at the hitching rail, Dad turned to Katie and said, “Have a good day, and don’t work too hard. You’re lookin’ kind of peaked today.”
“I’ll be fine, Dad.” Katie climbed out of the buggy and headed to the house. She wasn’t fine at all. It seemed strange being back here again. She’d only been gone from home a little over six months, but it seemed a lot longer.
She noticed several people in the yard, pulling weeds and planting flowers, but didn’t see any sign of Loraine or her folks. She figured they must be in the house.
When she stepped onto the back porch, she drew in a shaky breath. She wished Grammy or Mom would have come with her today, instead of going shopping in Shipshewana. Katie figured since Mom and Grammy hadn’t seen each other for several months, they probably wanted to spend some time alone.
Just as Katie lifted her hand to knock on the back door, it swung open. Loraine stepped onto the porch and gave Katie a hug. “It’s so good to have you home! Danki for coming. It means a lot for me to have you and Ella as my attendants.”
“Danki for asking me.” Katie forced a smile. In some ways, it was good to be here, but she felt as out of place as a chicken in a duck pond.
“I just wish Jolene could be here, too.”
“She’s not coming?”
“Huh-uh. Her aunt’s been dealing with carpal tunnel on both of her wrists, and she recently had surgery to correct the problem. Jolene thought it’d be best if she stayed in Pennsylvania to help out.”
“That makes sense. But do you think Jolene will ever come back to Indiana?” Katie asked.
“I hope so.” Loraine opened the door and motioned Katie inside. “Ella and her sister Charlene are in the kitchen. We decided to have a snack before we head out to the barn to help decorate the tables for the wedding meal.”
When Katie entered the kitchen behind Loraine, she saw Ella and Charlene sitting at the table.
Ella jumped up, raced over Katie, and gave her a hug that nearly took Katie’s breath away. “It’s so good to see you! We’ve all missed you so much!”
Katie smiled. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“Would you like a glass of iced tea?” Loraine asked.
Katie nodded and took a seat at the table.
“How about a piece of my sister’s appeditlich friendship bread?” Charlene motioned to the plate of bread on the table.
“I’m sure the bread’s delicious, but I’m not really hungry right now.”
“As skinny as you are, you oughta eat the whole loaf.” Charlene’s eyebrows lifted high. “Are you sure you’re not hungry?”
Katie shook her head.
Ella shot her sister a look of disapproval, but Charlene didn’t seem to notice. She was busy cutting herself another hunk of bread.
“Didn’t you have a birthday last month?” Charlene asked, her mouth full.
Katie nodded. “I turned twenty.”
Charlene grabbed her glass and took a drink. “You’d sure never know it. Why, you don’t look like you’re more than sixteen.” She pointed to herself. “I look older than you.”
Katie groaned inwardly. She didn’t need the reminder that she looked young for her age. She couldn’t help it if she was short, petite, and had the face of a teenager. At least I act more mature than my sixteen-year-old cousin, she thought.
“I got a letter from Jolene last week,” Ella said. “She won’t be coming to Loraine’s wedding because—”
“She already knows,” Loraine interrupted. “I told her about Jolene’s aunt when we were out on the porch.”
“I wonder if Jolene’s using her aunt’s surgery as an excuse not to come home. She might be afraid that she won’t fit in with the rest of us now that she can’t hear,” Charlene put in.
Ella shot her sister another look. “I’m sure that’s not the reason. Jolene would never make up an excuse not to come to the wedding.”
Katie’s shoulders tensed as she shifted her gaze to the window. What would her cousins think if they knew she hadn’t wanted to come home for the wedding? Did they have any idea how hard it had been for her to make the trip? Even with Grammy along, Katie had felt anxious on the bus ride. Every horn honk and sudden stop had sent shivers up her spine. She knew she couldn’t have made the trip home alone. Even though she wasn’t looking forward to riding the bus again, she looked forward to going back to Florida where there were no painful reminders of the past.
Loraine stood. “Would anyone like to see my wedding dress?”
Charlene’s hand shot up. “I would!”
“Me, too,” Ella said.
Katie nodded as well.
“I’ll be right back.” Loraine scurried out of the room.
Charlene nudged Katie’s arm. “What’s it like in Pinecraft? That’s where your grossmudder lives, isn’t it?”
Katie nodded as she fiddled with the edge of the tablecloth. “As you know, Pinecraft is the section of Sarasota where many Plain People have homes or come to rent. It’s a nice community.”
“Is it true that there are no horses and buggies?” Charlene asked.
Katie nodded. “Unless they’re going out of the area and need to hire a driver, everyone either walks or rides a bike.”
“Do you go to the beach very often?” Ella questioned.
“Jah. Grandpa and I go there a lot. We enjoy looking for shells, and Grandpa likes to fish.”
Charlene sighed. “I wish I could visit Florida sometime. I’m sure I’d enjoy being on the beach.”
“Maybe you can visit me there sometime.”
Ella’s eyes widened. “You’re going back?”
“Of course. My home’s in Pinecraft now.”
The room got deathly quiet. Ella and Charlene stared at each other as though in disbelief.
Katie figured it was time for a change of subject. “Who did Wayne choose to be his attendants?” she asked.
“Jolene’s bruder, Andrew, and Freeman Bontrager,” Ella replied. “Wayne and Freeman have become good friends since Freeman and his sister, Fern, moved back to Indiana a few months ago.”
“Freeman opened a bicycle shop,” Charlene added. “Mom and Dad bought me a new bike for my birthday in February.”
“Oh, I see.” Katie stifled a yawn. She’d had trouble falling asleep last night.
“Freeman won’t be helping here today because he has lots of work at the shop.” Charlene sipped her iced tea. “You should see all the bikes he has. I’ll bet he’d do real well if he had a shop in Sarasota, since so many people ride bikes there.”
“Here it is,” Loraine said, sweeping into the room with a khaki green dress draped over her arm. “I’ll wear a full white apron over the front of the dress, of course.” She held it out to Katie. “What do you think?”
With trembling fingers and a wave of envy, Katie touched the smooth piece of fabric. “It–it’s very nice.”
“Are you okay?” Loraine asked with a look of concern. “Your hand’s shaking.”
Katie dropped both hands into her lap and clutched the folds in her dress. “I’m fine. Just a bit shaky because I didn’t have much breakfast.”
“Then you oughta have a piece of this.” Charlene pushed the plate of friendship bread toward Katie. “You’ll blow away in a strong wind if you don’t put some meat on your bones.”
Katie ground her teeth until her jaw began to ache. One of the first things Mom had said to her when she’d arrived home was that she needed to gain some weight. Of course, Dad had mentioned it, too.
“Charlene’s right.” Ella spoke up. “If you’re feeling shaky, then you should eat something.”
“Maybe you’re right.” Katie grabbed a piece of bread and took a bite. Then she washed it down with a sip of iced tea.
Bam! The screen door swung open, causing Katie to nearly jump out of her seat. Walking with a slow, stiff gait, Wayne entered the room. His face broke into a wide smile when he saw Katie. “Wie geht’s?”
“I’m fine.” The lie rolled off Katie’s tongue much too easily. She was getting used to telling people what she thought they wanted to hear.
Wayne moved across the room and stood beside Loraine’s chair. “We’re sure glad you could come for the wedding.”
Katie forced a smile and nodded.
“Would you like to see my new leg?” Before she could respond, Wayne pulled up his pant leg, exposing his prosthesis.
Katie bit back a gasp. “D-does it hurt?” She could hardly get the words out.
“It did at first, but I’ve pretty well adjusted to it now.” Wayne took a seat beside Loraine. “It could have been worse, and I’m grateful to be alive.”
Uneasiness tightened Katie’s chest, and she blew out a slow, shaky breath. Seeing him like this was a reminder of what she’d caused—and what she’d lost.
Wayne reached around Ella and grabbed a piece of bread. “Looks like you’ve been baking again, huh, Ella?”
She nodded. “It keeps me busy when I’m not helping my daed in his business.”
“Those wind chimes he makes are so nice,” Loraine said. “I might buy one soon, to hang on our porch.”
“You won’t have to do that,” Charlene said. “Dad and Mom are planning to give you one of his nicest sets of wind chimes for a wedding present.”
Ella poked her sister’s arm. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
Charlene covered her mouth. “Oops.”
Loraine poured another glass of iced tea and handed it to Wayne. “How are things going outside?”
“Pretty good. By the end of the day, I think your folks’ yard will look like a park.” He grinned and lifted his glass to take a drink. “This sure hits the spot. It’s getting mighty warm out there. Much warmer than normal for April, I think.”
“That’s fine with me,” Loraine said. “A warm spring day is exactly what I wished we’d have on our wedding day. I hope the weather stays just like it is—at least until Thursday.”
Katie stared out the kitchen window, blinking back tears of envy and frustration. I’d give anything if it were me and Timothy getting married in two days. Oh, Lord, please give me the strength to get through Loraine’s wedding.
Deal and A Freebie – The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
September 17, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Homeschooling, Information & Resources
Comments Off
You build a strong foundation. With much effort and team work your walls are constructed, one brick at a time.
You make progress along the way with needed adjustments, getting expert advice, and adding important personal touches. You delight in the whole process that enables you to glimpse the ideal vision you hold for your family.
Homeschooling is a wonderful labor of love but you don’t need to do it alone—The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is available for you! I personally subscribe and find it to be an invaluable resource! Below, there’s even a link for you to enjoy the Spring 2009 Edition for FREE!!!!
Here’s the information they sent me:
Special Offer: For the next few days ONLY The Old Schoolhouse Magazine offering the craziest price for a one-year print (US only) and one-year digital subscription for only $7.95! This is a savings of 68% on the print edition and over 50% on the digital edition.
To get this price on the US, one-year print edition, you must enter coupon code FB795 at checkout.
At this price, you can purchase a gift subscription for friends. Just fill out the easy-to-use gift form at checkout. They’ll take care of the rest. Already a subscriber? Add onto your existing subscription NOW.
There are few places you can go to find the kind of information, support, and encouragement that you’ll discover inside of TOS—approximately 200 pages worth! Within each packed issue, homeschooling families and experts share their triumphs, ideas, advice, resources, and products. For more information on our quarterly magazine, click HERE to enjoy the digital edition for our Spring 2009 edition.
Gain encouragement for every day, helpful teaching tips, and incredible information about resources for every aspect of homeschooling—gain a stronger, more confident teacher and better fruits for your labor.
The digital edition has the same great content as our print edition. Enjoy instant delivery, live links to your favorite homeschool resources, the ability to bookmark items of interest, and you’ll be going green!
Want to see a sample first? Click HERE to see their Spring 2009 edition!
Get refreshed. Stay Encouraged. Be informed. Be reminded that you are not alone.
Links to Subscribe:
The Old Schoolhouse(TM) Magazine Digital Edition
The Old Schoolhouse(TM) Magazine Print Edition
Dawn’s Prelude
This book, despite it’s moments of tension, is really quite good. For all of the historical fiction junkies out there, this is another slam dunk written by Tracie Peterson (who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors). I encourage you to follow the link below to read the first chapter for yourself.
This is definitely not for the faint of heart though, there are issues of abuse and treachery and even murder throughout the book, so this one is for mature adult audiences only.
The ending will probably surprise you, but I truly look forward to the sequel to this book to continue following this family.
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
(Bethany House – October 2009)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she’s been working on — its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband’s fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.
Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia’s arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn’t expect.
One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband’s child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father’s fortune? Lydia soon finds her life–and that of her child’s–on the line.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn’s Prelude, go HERE
Tidings of Great Boys
Here’s the latest novel in the “All About Us” series, for young women. Join the girls during the holiday season for plenty of eventful happenings thrown in! This is a teen book that reaches out to girls who are really into trends and fashion, but also reminds them of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Shelley Adina wrote her first teen novel when she was 13. It was rejected by the literary publisher to whom she sent it, but he did say she knew how to tell a story. That was enough to keep her going through the rest of her adolescence, a career, a move to another country, a B.A. in Literature, an M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, and countless manuscript pages.
Shelley is a world traveler and pop culture junkie with an incurable addiction to designer handbags. She writes books about fun and faith–with a side of glamour. Between books, Shelley loves traveling, playing the piano and Celtic harp, watching movies, and making period costumes.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Finals week is approaching and Mac is still undecided on where to spend the holidays. Normally she’d go home to Scotland, but spending two weeks alone in the castle with her dad isn’t as appealing as it used to be. So she invites Carly, Lissa, Gillian, and Shani to join her for the holidays!
Mac is determined to make this the best Christmas ever. She even decides to organize the traditional Hogmany dance for New Year’s Eve. If she can get her mother involved in the dance, maybe her parents will finally get back together.
But when Mac and the girls arrive in Scotland, they are faced with bad news: the castle is falling apart and Mac’s parents are struggling financially. Not only that, but Shani is in big trouble with Prince Rashid’s royal family. Can the girls find a way to celebrate the holidays, get Mac’s parents back together, save the castle, and rescue Shani from her relentless pursuers? There’s only one way to find out…
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tidings of Great Boys, go HERE
iPhone Game Sale
September 11, 2009 by Shera
Filed under Technology, iPhone Apps
Comments Off
Just thought I’d pass along this information on a great sale on one of my favorite iPhone games…
G5 Entertainment announces great deals: only this weekend (Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13) hot time management games Supermarket Mania and Stand O’Food are available just for .99c each!
If you still don’t have Supermarket Mania on your iPhone, it’s a great chance to grab it: the game has got highest points from all seasoned reviewers, including Silver Award on Pocketgamer.co.uk. You will love it too: Supermarket Mania has a challenge, exciting storyline and high-quality graphics. You’ll spend hours of fun making your way in tough store management business with cute and savvy character Nikki.
As for Stand O’Food, the game will be very appealing for all food lovers and aspiring chefs. While playing you’ll master in burger making, learn dozens of recipes, try out new spices and innovative kitchen equipment: all to satisfy spoilt customers of your restaurants.
Considering the great price, pick up both games this weekend, and you’ll definitely hone your time-management skills!
Supermarket Mania is definitely my favorite game, but these are both being offered at a fabulous price so I wanted to let you know!
Homemade Soap
We all use soap, and as women, most of us truly love the uniqueness and freshness of homemade soaps. In the “old days”, most people made their own, but today of course, we are much more likely to buy it from the store. Most of us even have our favorite brands to use.
Making your own soap has some definite advantages. One of the most significant is the price. We can make soap much cheaper than we can buy it. Making it ourselves also gives us complete control over the ingredients, so we can create a soap that’s perfect for our skin type in a scent of our choosing.
Making soap is a lot easier than you might think. It is, however, important to take certain safety precautions. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients
* 12 cups lye crystals
* 5 cups softened water
* 6 pounds lard
Instructions
1. Put water in a glass or plastic bowl. Carefully pour lye into water, stirring constantly with a plastic or wooden spoon. This should be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, because it produces caustic fumes.
2. Mixing lye and water produces heat. When the lye is completely dissolved, set the mixture aside to cool.
3. Place lard in a stainless steel or enamel pan. Melt over low heat.
4. Allow both the lye solution and the lard to cool to room temperature.
5. Slowly pour the lye solution into the lard, stirring slowly and constantly with the plastic or wooden spoon.
6. Continue stirring after all of the lye solution has been added. Drizzle a small amount of the mixture into the pot periodically. When the soap keeps its shape for a moment before sinking into the mixture, you can add scent, color and herbs.
7. Pour the soap into a mold greased with Crisco. Wrap in a towel, and let set for about 18 hours or until completely cooled. Uncover and let set for 12 more hours.
8. The soap may now be unmolded and cut into bars. Let the bars cure for 3 to 4 weeks before using.
Customizing Your Soap (ie: the fun part):
There are a lot of different ways you can customize your soap. To make the best soap for your skin type, you may want to use different oils. Some that are commonly used include olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. The correct amount varies depending on which oil you use, so look for recipes online or in books until you get the hang of it.
Essential oils have therapeutic properties and add fragrance. Oatmeal, cornmeal and other grains can be added as exfoliants. And skin-safe colorants may be used to produce the desired color. These ingredients should be mixed together and added to a cup of the soap mixture, then stirred into the rest of the soap mixture immediately before pouring into the mold. There are great shops online that sell soap making products for home use and in bulk.
It can be a lot of fun and surprisingly rewarding to make your own soap. Coming up with the perfect concoction for your skin is rewarding, and sweetly scented homemade soaps make wonderful gifts for any occasion.
Beef Stew
The seasons are changing in our little corner of the world. It’s as though the weather actually knows that the children are going back to school and someone flips the switch from sunny and warm to cool and rainy.
There’s nothing our family enjoys more on a cool damp night than a hearty and warm bowl of Beef Stew…especially if it’s served with (or IN) sourdough bread.
Ingredients:
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 pound boneless flank steak, cit into small chunks
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped red onion
8 ounces sliced white mushrooms
3 cups beef broth
4 teaspoons tomato paste
3-4 large thyme sprigs
1 large bay leaf
1 pound baby white potatoes, unpeeled, cut in quarters
8 ounces baby carrots
4 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions:
In a heavy zip lock bag place the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Close and shake to incorporate all ingredients together.
Add meat to bag and shake to completely coat the meat.
Add 2 teaspoons of oil to a large Dutch oven. Heat over high heat until oil is hot.
Add meat and brown about 3 minutes per side.
Remove meat.
Add onions and mushrooms to oil.
Cook until onion is soft about 5 minutes.
Add broth, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
Whisk until all ingredients are combined.
On medium high heat bring mixture to a boil.
When begins to boil add bay and thyme.
Continue boiling until it becomes a rapid boil.
Add potatoes, carrots and meat to boiling liquid.
Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer approximate 15 minutes.
Remove bay leaf and thyme before serving.
