Icky-Sticky Grease Cutter

Just in case you don't know, I live in an old house. The original part of the house is 170+ years old. Of course, there have been many, many up-dates through the years and even some of those up-dates are old. 

For instance, my range cover. The "dear" (eh-hem) old people who lived in this house for about 40 years before us, merely "up-dated" (and I say that with MUCH GRACE) simply to make it livable for themselves. In the 17 years we've lived here, each time we repair or improve something we find out just how good God has been to us, in that, this house hasn't burned down over our heads! 

One of the "improvements" that came with the house was an old range hood with the obligatory over-the-stove light and exhaust fan . . . only . . . we can't use the exhaust fan because it goes up into my cupboards and into the wall. 

*sigh*

And without an exhaust fan, all the icky-sticky grease from everyday cooking attaches itself onto the stove back splash and the exhaust hood. 

Over the years I have used commercial cleaners, grease cutters and my own homemade soft scrub, which only go "so far." My soft scrub is one of my favorite cleaners but it is, admittedly, better for counter tops, sinks, tubs and showers. 

Earlier today, I had a EUREKA moment ~ I was making some of my homemade toothpaste and while pouring in the hydrogen peroxide, I thought, "why not try this with some baking soda on the range hood?" I grabbed my hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, mixed them in a shallow dish, wet a sponge and went to work . . .

WELL! . . . 

Sure enough! Not only did it completely whisk away the icky-sticky greasy crud from my range hood like butter . . . but . . . it also got the formerly unremovable grease marks off of the tile back splash!!!!

Looks like new. I am tickled pink.

Just had to tell you. So, leave me a comment and let me know how much you LOVE this cleaner.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Good Friday's Great News

A lot can happen in just three days . . .

Have a blessed and meaningful Resurrection Sunday!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Chicken Fried Rice ~ Yes, It's THAT Good!

If you enjoy Chinese food, you probably have your favorite place to go. Seems that some of the best places are not the big chains, but are the little hole-in-the-wall places that, lo and behold, are actually run by Oriental people. 

However, one of the drawbacks is that many of these restaurants use MSG to season and add flavor to their foods. Not good. Fortunately, our little local place doesn't use it and, if your favorite restaurant does, you CAN ask that they leave it out. 

One of our family's favorite dish is Chicken Fried Rice. When you have that "taste" for Oriental food but just don't want the breading of Sweet and Sour Chicken, or don't want a slurpy noodle dish like Beef Lo Mien, Chicken Fried Rice seems to always be the go-to dish. And NOW you can make it at home.

I just made some last night and I have to admit here that I tried something a little different that I liked, but wasn't a favorite for the family (sigh), so I'll probably go back to my original way of making it. Either way, to me, it is SO good!

You will need:

~skillet OR wok
~3 c. prepared brown rice (1 c. uncooked brown rice, 2 c. water, 1/4 ts. sea salt. Bring to boil, stir, lower heat to low, cover, let cook for 50 minutes)
~1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cooked & diced into bite-sized pieces
~1 c. frozen peas and carrots (here is where I tried to switch things up last night - as you can see in the photos - I used a frozen mix with peas, carrots, snap peas and whole baby corn)
~1/4 c. chopped green onions
~2 minced garlic cloves OR 1 ts. garlic granules
~2 eggs
~3 TB. sesame oil OR grapeseed oil
~1/4 c. Bragg's Aminos (a healthy substitute for soy sauce, ESPECIALLY for men)

Directions:

1) Prepare rice according to the above directions ~ should be approximately 3 c. when cooked
2) Heat oil in skillet OR wok on med-high heat
3) Add onions, peas and carrots, and garlic and stir fry until veggies are tender
4) Crack eggs over the veggies and let them cook/scramble as your stir them throughout the veggie mix
5) Once eggs are fully cooked and blended, add the rice and chicken, gently stir until it is all evenly blended throughout
6) Add the Bragg's Aminos and stir through
7) Enjoy!

Be sure to leave your comment and let me know how much you love this dish.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Homemade Paleo Sandwich Bread

THE Man is dealing with some health issues that are result of a car accident he was in about 7 years ago. It is truly amazing how he came out of being T-boned with mostly scrapes and bruises . . . but as of roughly 3 years ago, he is suffering more from the results of the accident now than then. 

Some of these issues have even affected what he can and cannot eat. As the Lord would have it, we began eating largely what is "prescribed" in The Daniel Plan about a year ago. It is very close to The Paleo Diet and interchange very well with each other. 

Recently, he has had to go through some extensive medical tests because, even though he is a generally healthy guy, he is developing arthritis in the top and bottom of his spine, as a result of that wreck, and it is causing other problems. He started walking with a cane when he has to be on his feet for more than a few minutes because of the pain. So, while our Dr. and other specialists are looking into things a little deeper, he has been told to modify his diet a little more.

 My Paleo sandwich bread

is a yummy dark color.

One of the things he needed to change was bread. Last year I started making my own Ezekiel Bread and only make our old standard (and favorite) flax bread occasionally. :-( So, looking into what he can and cannot have, I found (and modified O:-) ) a Paleo-type sandwich bread . . . and . . . HE LOVES IT! 

Please note, that as with ALL Paleo-based breads, it DOES NOT rise very high. But it is VERY tasty. 

You will need:

~an 8"x3" bread/loaf pan (so that, since it doesn't rise very high, you will have a fuller-shaped loaf)
~2 medium mixing bowls
~electric mixer (hand-held works best)
~whisk
~vegetable oil (I prefer grapeseed oil)
~3/4 c. organic almond butter
~2 TB raw honey
~1/4 melted coconut oil
~6 eggs (brown, farm fresh are best)
~1/2 ts Bragg's apple cider vinegar
~1/4 c. ground flaxseed meal
~3 TB coconut flour
~1 ts baking soda
~1/2 ts Celtic sea salt (preferred)

Directions:

1) preheat over to 350 degrees (F)
2) grease loaf pan (I use grapeseed oil)
3) in a mixing bowl, with your mixer, mix first 5 ingredients until there are no lumps
4) in the other blowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients
5) Combine dry ingredients in with the wet
6) pour into the greased loaf pan
7) bake for 35-40 minutes
8) once baked, let cool for about 10 minutes before you let it cool the rest of the way on a wire rack
9) Enjoy!

Please leave a comment and let me know how much you enjoy this.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Sweet Reunion

Today was such a good day . . . 

I had lunch with my very 1st bestest friend. :-) 

We met in kindergarten and went all the way through our school years together. We hadn't seen each other since our high school graduation in 1977.

Life has handed us both a few lemons, but the Lord made sweet lemonade out of it all.

Love you, Bev.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Antiseptic Skin Spray

Everybody gets boo-boos, right? 

Minor cuts, scratches, scrapes, bug bites, sunburn . . . 

 DD#1 with a sunburn ~

Ouch!

My personal favorite cure-all is my homemade Thieves Oil and all the wonderful uses there are for it, but some people simply do not like that strong smell. (I happen to love it and would wear it as a perfume if I could! :-D )

So, for my family and friends who prefer something that is very effective, quickly relieves that pain or sting and stops those germs in their tracks, I also have on-hand a wonderful antiseptic skin spray that is just as strong, just not as strong smelling.

Another easy-peasy recipe:

 This is all you need ~ 

easy-peasy!

You will need:

~a clean spray/mist bottle (approx. 4 oz. size for this recipe)
~10 drops tea tree essential oil
~10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
~7 drops lavender essential oil
~4 drops frankincense essential oil
~3-4 oz. of distilled water
~1/2 oz. whiskey or vodka

Directions:

1) add all essential oils to your spray/mist bottle
2) add distilled water
3) add whiskey/vodka
4) shake to blend

To Use:

1) Shake well before using to blend the oils
2) spray liberally onto boo-boo
3) if necessary ~ cover boo-boo with a band-aide. 
4) reapply as needed

**NOTE** If you are concerned about the alcohol, remember that MOST common cough syrups (also see my Medicinal Hot Toddy recipe) and antiseptic meds contain alcohol. It is a time-tested germ killer. 

As bug and outdoor activity seasons approach, be sure to let me know how you like this product. Your comments are always welcome.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#140~ The Overflow of the Heart

I suppose it is a sign of the times, but it seems to me that our world is suffering from a hardening of the heart. 

And it breaks mine.

In Scripture, the heart is the human center of a person, and we are warned that in the last days many (most) hearts will grow cold (Matt. 24:12). While it is an exciting time to live in ~ KNOWING that the Lord will return soon ~ it is also heartbreaking to see sin's increase that must take place before Jesus comes back. And sometimes that sin, that hardness of the heart, happens to people that we love. 

Whether we love or hate, those emotions are rooted in our heart. These emotions can take a bitter root or are rooted in God's love, and God IS love.

So, guard YOUR heart. Don't let any root of bitterness or hatred grow in your heart. Keep weeding it and feeding it with God's Word. After all . . . you are what you eat!

Share the GOOD NEWS of God's Holy Word, let it overflow from your heart and encourage each other as we watch Scripture unfolding before our very eyes.

Stand strong. God is on His throne.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Antibiotic Capsules

This winter has been terrible for colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia . . . and everything in-between. We've all had sick friends and relatives, co-workers, schoolmates, church family . . . it may even have hit you. Almost everyone has had to miss something because they were laid-up in bed or on the "sick couch." 

And most of those people were talked into taking Rx antibiotics for help getting rid of the Creeping Crud . . . which usually leads to other problems ~ lowered resistance to catch another virus, yeast infections, body chemistry completely screwed up, gut problems because the good bacteria was killed along with the bad bacteria. I have waited on people (at the health food store) who have come in, over and over, with ALL of these issues ~ ALL caused by reaction to their Rx antibiotics. 

But, when you're sick, what are you supposed to do?! 

One thing you can do is make your own antibiotic capsules. Using essential oils that (unless you are allergic) will kill all the nasties without the above side effects. 

(**NOTE** While on ANY antibiotic, be sure to take a good, strong probiotic; 50 billion - 100 billion strains. This will replace any good bacteria that is being killed off with the bad bacteria.) 

These are SO very simple to make, only 4 items . . . 

You can buy empty capsules at most health food stores, a few drug stores, or through bulk companies like Frontier and Mountain Rose Herbs; in gelatin or vegetarian capsules.

Thieves Oil is, I believe, a large part of what keeps my family well. This is an historic blend of 5 essential oils with germ killing wellness factors all of their own, but together will fight off almost anything. I use my homemade Thieves oil in so many things ~ I keep a little bottle in my purse which I also take out and keep in my work apron at the health food store; I rub a couple drops into my hands as a hand sanitizer after every 2-3 customers and especially after I handle dirty money or use the credit card of someone who is obviously sick. I use it in my homemade toothpaste, I use it in my homemade room spray for the bathroom and to spray around the house when a family member is sick, and I put a drop into my Wellness Tea if I think I'm starting to feel a little fuzzy-headed to nip-in-the-bud anything I might be coming down with. EXCELLENT oil blend.

Oregano Oil is a certified herbal antibiotic all by itself. I switch back-and-forth between using oregano essential oil and a product called Oreganol P73. Frankly, in my own experience, not a lot of difference between the two. My family likes to use the Oreganol P73 sublingually (under the tongue) to boost their immunities because they like the teenie little dropper in the small size. :-) Oregano oil is antibiotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal and kills nearly any virus.

Frankincense, a.k.a. Boswellia, is the king of most healing herbs/oils. Frankincense has been getting some highly favorable press in at least 2 studies (that I know of at this writing ~ read about one of them HERE) as being a very effective cancer fighter. Frankincense is a genuine healer, it is antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. It brings down the swelling of nasal passages, sore throats, relieves canker sores; helps with arthritis, gout, stiffness and pain.

You Will Need:

~empty "00" capsules
~10 drops Thieves Oil**
~6 drops oregano essential oil OR Oreganol P73**
~2 drops frankincense essential oil**
~glass supplement bottle; a clean, used AMBER supplement jar/bottle is preferred 
**PER CAPSULE**

Directions:

1) pull capsules apart
2) carefully drop oils into the large end of capsule
3) attach short end of capsule, gently but firmly pushing the capsule together as tight as you can
4) store in an amber bottle in a cool, dry place

To Use:

Take 1 or 2 per day with water.

Make a few ahead of time so that you have them ready to use when you need them. Let me know how much you benefited from these homemade antibiotic capsules.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
**Please see the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of page**  

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#139 ~ Be Still, Stand Firm & See

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today . . . The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.'" ~Exodus 14:13-14

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" ~2 Chronicles 20:17

Are you up against the lions of this fallen old world today? 

Some seasons of our life just seem like that, don't they? Nothing seems to work out the way we want it to . . . the family prodigal seems intent upon helping your gray hairs to "be fruitful and increase in number" (Gen. 1:28) . . . someone you trusted has stabbed you in the back . . . some change has happened and your happy work environment falls apart . . . there's too much month at the end of your money . . .

So . . . sit back, take a deeeeeep breath and remember that 

GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE.

Do not cease in prayer and trust that the LORD will handle this. He is our Paraclete ~ He is the Warrior Who guards our back, Who sees what we can't and fights FOR and WITH us. 

". . . In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33(b)

Encourage each other and take heart with God's truth in your life.

Be still, stand firm . . . and SEE. 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Dandelion "Coffee"

As much as it pains me to say, there are some people who can't have coffee. Oh, how sad! I start my mornings with a tasty, hot mug of coffee and then I drink tea the rest of the day. 

It seems to be the trend, lately, that people are catching on to Dandelion "Coffee" . . . which is really simply a Dandelion Tea with a twist. 

A couple of years ago, I posted on the MANY benefits of dandelion. What a mighty little "weed." So, if you are unfamiliar with those benefits, you really should read my earlier post.

Dandelion Coffee is so easy. To make a pre-made jar full . . . 

You Will Need:

~1/4 c. dried dandelion root
~1/4 c. chicory (a.k.a. cowboy coffee)
~1 TB. mini carob chips
~small mixing bowl
~whisk
~jar with lid

Directions:

1) in the bowl, whisk together all ingredients to blend
2) pour ingredients into jar

To Use:

~add 1-1/2 to 2 ts. of blend to a tea ball or infuser, put into a mug, pour hot water over the blend, let steep for 10 minutes. Enjoy. 

This will help those of you who have had to give up coffee or who just want an occasional alternative with many health benefits, for extra measure.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><