The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#150~ 1/31/12

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . lovely long-awaited sunshine! It may even get up to 52*F ~ record for this date is 54*F in 1917.

I am thinking . . . that I hope a local job opportunity for THE Man will work out. He now drives 1-1/2 hrs EACH way to work everyday. :-(

I am thankful . . . that THE Man even HAS a job!

In the kitchen . . . bread baking day. Also making a batch of laundry detergent.

I am wearing . . . jeans, long-sleeved shirt w/gray & pink hearts, socks.

I am creating . . . a peaceful, Christ-centered home.

I am going . . . to take DD#2 to work.

I am wondering . . . how long, Oh Lord?

I am reading . . . Bible; daily scheduled assigned reading from The Story. And reading Being George Washington.

I am hoping . . . that life will calm down enough that I will have more reading time. I used to read SO much & just haven't been able to. I can't believe how long it now takes me to finish a book! Sheesh.

I am looking forward to . . . getting a facial & mani/pedi tomorrow!! Woohoo!!! THE Man blessed me w/a gift certificate from CHRISTmas & tomorrow is the day. Ahhhh!

I am learning . . . new lessons on God's timing . . . whether I want to or not. :-/

Around the house . . . FINALLY finishing-up some trim work on the bathroom, the new wall cupboard for the bathroom should be finished this week.

One of my favorite things . . . singing ~ all by myself, in front of an audience, praise & worship w/the saints ~ what a wonderful gift of expression & worship the Lord has given us.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, a possible schedule change at work :-) Sunday worship w/the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Feminism is mixed up with a muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands." ~G. K. Chesterton.

Scripture thought . . . "Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge." ~Psalm 119:54

A peek into my day . . .

My hammered dulcimer. I play as much as I can.

Read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Treasure for the Generations

"For the sake of Your word and according to Your will, You have done this great thing and made it known to your servant." ~II Samuel 7:21

"Your words have supported those who stumbled; You have strengthened faltering knees." ~Job 6:25

"I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word." ~Psalm 119:16

"May Your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word."
~Psalm 119:41-42

I have kept a habit for the around the last 10 years. Oh, don't worry, it's a GOOD habit! lol

It starts out that I am a note-taker. I keep a little notebook in my purse to write down ideas for articles or blog posts, & for great quotes that come up from time-to-time. I am also one of those people you might see furiously writing down notes in Sunday School or during the Sunday Sermon. I learn more by writing and seeing.

I used to have piles of notes & church bulletins with notes scribbled all over them . . . and because they were in a pile, many eventually got thrown away. So sad.

When my girls were little, the Lord put the idea into my heart that 1) why take all those notes if they weren't going to be saved and re-read? 2) His Word, along with my thoughts on them, may benefit someone ~ my family, in particular. 3) They are all written in my own hand & may be treasured just as much as I treasure hand-written letters from loved ones who have passed.

So, I started getting those blank notebooks that they sell in gift shops & book stores (there are some really beautiful ones, I especially like the ones that already look old & worn) & from there was born the habit of writing out my sermon notes, adding my own thoughts to them & writing out the words to worship songs that touch my heart. With these all being written my own handwriting, I'm hoping that they will become treasured by my daughters & for future generations. I'm hoping that they will help to lead my descendants to the loving arms of Jesus Christ (should He tarry) & also give them a glimpse into my own life, thoughts, prayers, favorite music, my walk with the Lord & how precious God's word is/was to me.

And it will all be in my own handwriting. In a world going high-tech, I'm hoping that this will be appreciated as a treasure from their past.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homeschooling is NOT the Experiment

"Home-based education is NOT an experiment. It's how people learned to function in the world for centuries. And there is no reason to think people today can't do the same thing. School is the experiment, not the lack of it, and the experiment is in trouble." -Wendy Priesnitz/author


Our dear friend, Gregg Harris, has often observed, arguments against homeschooling by parents are equally valid against home cooking by parents. (But don't tell Michelle O.)

"Parents might not balance meals properly, they might give their kids ... junk food, some might not feed their kids at all. Some might leave "gaps" in their children's dietary experience. Shouldn't we then require all parents to use meal plans prepared and approved by university educated and certified dietitians? And bring their children in at least once a year to be measured and weighed to make sure that they are following the plans properly? And if their children are not within the proper height and weight ranges on the charts, then their right to cook at home would be revoked and the children required to take their meals at state-run and -supervised cafeterias?

"I actually hesitate to spell this out in too much more detail for fear that someone will take me seriously and draw up plans to implement state-certified nutritional and cooking programs for parents. Don't laugh!

"It sounds ridiculous when applied to the matter of feeding our children, but it is equally ridiculous when applied to the far more important matter of educating our children."

As many of you know, we homeschooled our girls their whole lives ~ officially for 16 yrs, K through 12 for both. I would never have done it any other way.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Diary of 5 ~#3~ 1/26/12

I am seeing . . . the driveway & yard almost back to normal after our roof was replaced.

I am hearing . . . radio, Maggie the dog barking.

I am smelling . . . chili.

I have tasted . . . the sweet & spicy taste of chili on this cold, dreary day.

I am feeling . . .

Anxious to get my little herb & little kitchen garden started. I would love to have one just like this. Come on, Spring!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#54~ But Even If He Does Not . . .

PASSAGE: "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'" ~Daniel 3:16-18 [emphasis mine]

"Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." ~Job 13:15

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." ~I Peter 2:12

LESSON LEARNED: Hard times . . . persecution . . . outcast from the popular crowd . . . we've all struggled with being accepted for who we are. More-over, as Christians, is seems that the deck is always stacked against us.

More and more, we are faced with decisions that MUST be shaped by our walk with Jesus Christ. In the culture we live in ~ whether school or work or even with extended family members ~ there are times when we never quite know what situation we will be thrown into. Will my profession of faith & life of integrity condemn me as an outcast because I'm a "goody-goody" and won't go along with the crowd? . . . keep me from getting promoted because I won't bend the rules? . . . foster false rumors that will run through the family grapevine because of some sort of miss-placed jealousy? There will be times in our lives when things, or people, will be lost to us because of our stand with Christ.

Oh, but when we stand!

When we stand, I have no doubt that "the God we serve is able to save us from it . . . But even IF He does not . . . " And even IF He does NOT, our God is a great God. He alone will bring glory unto Himself even out of our weakness. Whether winning or losing in the Lower Story (the "earthly realm" as referred to in The Story), our walk with the Lord ALWAYS ends in VICTORY! Our obedience and integrity will ALWAYS quiet the nay-sayers. God is concerned that we handle what the world brings against us in a way that brings glory to Him. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had no guarantee that God would deliver them out of the blazing furnace or the jaws of the lions, although they knew that He could. But what they KNEW God would do ~ whether they lived or died ~ was that He would bring glory to Himself. That lives would be touched because of their faithfulness.

Our faithfulness gives those around us tangible evidence of God's glory in our good times or bad ~ that's what really matters when we face difficulties in this world. May He shine through it all.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Keystone XL Pipeline . . . Just So Ya Know . . .

I just HAD to bring this up. Sometimes, those in this current White House boggle my mind & make me want to scream.

But I just wanted you to see this for yourself so that if any of your more Liberal friends or relatives tell you that B.O. did the right thing by denying the pipeline ~ & the jobs & energy independence that would have come from it ~ PLEASE show them THIS . . .

This is a layout of all the pipelines ALREADY running between the USA & Canada. Isn't it "funny" that the people who work on these pipelines & related jobs AREN'T complaining, "funny" how they AREN'T proving with photos that their "pristine" land is being destroyed (because it's not), "funny" how there are no "endangered" animals that are being disrupted or put farther into danger. BUT we can't help ourselves with our own North American resources.

By the way ~ Look at ALL those pipes going through Ohio! I have no idea where any of them are. They aren't bothering anyone I know.

OK . . . rant over . . . blood pressure going down. Thank you for your time.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#149~ 1/24/12

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . a blue tarp. Beyond that, it's gray & c-c-cold.

I am thinking . . . about errands I need to run.

I am thankful . . . for being able to get a huge home repair done.

In the kitchen . . . bread baking day. Chicken & stir-fried veggies later on.

I am wearing . . . jeans, rust-colored thermal Old Navy shirt, wool socks. It's COLD!

I am creating . . . a peaceful, Christ-centered home.

I am going . . . to run some errands, get as much done around the house as I can before I go to work.

I am wondering . . . about doing the Daniel Fast.

I am reading . . . Bible: This week's assignments for The Story are in Daniel & Jeremiah.

I am hoping . . . a certain relationship w/an extended family member will have to come to an end. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18. Unfortunately, sometimes "living at peace" with someone means severing the strings. :-(

I am looking forward to . . . the possibility of some day-time hours at work!

I am learning . . . not to rush a good thing.

Around the house . . . a new roof; banging & pounding . . . driving Maggie the dog crazy. :-/

One of my favorite things . . . laughing & talking about wonderful family memories.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, home repairs, cleaning house, Sunday worship w/the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Christianity is NOT a 'self-help religion;' it IS about FORGIVENESS of sin & a RELATIONSHIP with & IDENTITY in Jesus Christ. I am NOT worthless BECAUSE Jesus Christ died for ME!" ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "I will show the holiness of My great Name, which has been profaned among the nations, the Name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show Myself holy through you before their eyes." ~Ezekiel 36:20-21

A peek into my day . . .

The view outside my window as the roof is being replaced.

Read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#21~ The "Baby" is Always the Baby

"I want to ask a favor of you, Marmee," Amy said, coming in, with an important air, one day.

"Well, little girl, what is it?" replied her mother, in whose eyes the stately young lady still remained 'the baby.'"

Little Women ~ Ch. 26

For my youngest "baby" who will soon be 21 ~ whether I want her to be or not. :-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Do NOT Pass Up this Freebie!

ATTENTION homeschoolers & lovers of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott . . .

Here is an opportunity to down-load a FREE (FREE!!!!) audio version of Little Women.

This is a classic radio version of the reading of the book, complete with Katherine Hepburn as Jo.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim (a.k.a. Marmee)<><

Homemade Hot Flash Remedies

OK girls . . . if you haven't already experienced it, you KNOW it's coming!

HOT FLASHES! . . . NIGHT SWEATS! Que the Psycho music!

Your own personal quick trip to the tropics whether you want to go or not.

I don't know about you, maybe it's a regional thing, but once I started having peri-menopausal/menopausal symptoms I found that there were really very few women I could talk to about it all. SO MANY women have had hysterectomies ~ including my mother ~ that I found very few who were facing this change of life naturally like me.

So, like so many other things I have faced in my life, I figure that if I need the information, someone else will, too. And, once again, like so many other things I needed information about, I researched & conjured up a few things by trial-&-error.

Here are some of my favorite finds~

HOT FLASH MIST
~10-15 drops clary sage essential oil
~10-15 drops lavender essential oil
~8 drops geranium essential oil
~2-5 drops peppermint essential oil
~distilled water

1) Nearly fill an 8-10 oz misting bottle w/distilled water
2) Add essential oils
3) Shake well before each use, to mix oils
4) Store in refrigerator.

SAGE TEA
Drink a couple of cups per day. Cuts down on perspiration & body odor. (This works for men, too.)

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
1,300 mg per day (some may need to double the dose ~ start low & add more ONLY IF you need to). I have taken this for years & often recommend it to my customers at the health food store. Helps w/hot flashes, mood swings & breast tenderness. Great source of Gamma Linoenic Acid (GLA).

HOMEOPATHICS
~Lachesis ~ helps w/hot flashes & mood swings
~Palsatilla ~ helps w/hot flashes followed by chills
~Veleriana ~ helps w/intense sweating & insomnia
~Sepia ~ helps w/hot flashes that make you feel exhausted &/or depressed; also good for headaches, including migraines (Sepia is good for so many things)

GOOD TO KNOW . . .

Even sucking a piece of hard candy can help ward off a light/moderate hot flash. That could be a matter of diverting your attention ~ as in Lamaze during labor ~ but it seems to work for many.

FYI . . .

I have written previously, in the Women's Health category, that I elected to not go the HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) route because of it's relationship to causing breast & other female cancers. You may read in those posts that I have chosen to use Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil & Progesterone Cream as my regimen & the reasons why.

I have been on this regimen for nearly 6 yrs, having "crossed the line" of peri-menopause to menopause approximately 16 months ago. I must give testimony that I believe this regimen has kept me sane. :-) As many of you may know, 2 yrs ago THE Man was laid off from a great job, I had to go back to working outside of the home, my mom suffered from Alzheimer's & passed away in Sept. 2011, our DD#1 is getting married this year, we've had home repairs & we have a very strained relationship w/a close relative . . . all having gone on while I was in the throws of menopause. I am thrilled to tell you that, other than a few hot flashes & night sweats (usually when I forgot my Evening Primrose Oil) I have done very well. To prove it to myself ~ so as not to think I was imagining how well I was doing while my family was suffering (HA!) ~ the other day I asked THE Man if he knew that I'd gone through menopause about a year ago & he had NO idea! I'm sure he's been gearing up for all those horror stories he's heard of other men of nearly getting eaten alive by their wives, or that I would dissolve into a puddle of incoherent cries & tears, that he was so surprised to know that he'd not noticed ANYTHING! lol

Now, I am NOT saying that prayer & the grace of God didn't play a LARGE part in all of this, but I also believe that He led me to these resources that helped me so much.

I hope that this information will help some of you. And you younger readers, might just want to copy this information to keep for later use ~ in those blessedly busy years while you are raising our children, this may be the last thing on your mind ~ it was for me ~ but it sneaks up on you before you know it. :-) And then YOU will be able to bless someone else with this knowledge.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#53~ Wonderful, Fearful Knowledge

PASSAGE: "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn . . . Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak My words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious." ~Ez. 2:4, 6-7

"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned . . . " ~Ez. 16:49

"Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!'" ~Ez. 33:11

LESSON LEARNED: Our church is currently going through the entire Bible using Randy Frazee's (Max Lucado's associate pastor) The Story. This week we are treading on sad, scary ground. Over and over again, Ezekiel was told by the LORD to go to the rebellious people around him and TELL THEM about the LORD.

Tell them.

Whether Ezekiel or ourselves, we are to TELL THEM. And in telling them about the salvation that the LORD has provided through the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus, that knowledge has now left them responsible before the throne of God.

They know. What a wonderful, fearful thing.

Now that they know, THEY now have the benefit and responsibility of accepting or denying God's plan of salvation. They cannot ever say that they were never told, that they never had the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior. The choice now is theirs. We have done our part as the LORD has led us.

I hope that we will consider one or more persons in our lives and dedicate this year to praying for the LORD to break up the hard, "fallow," unplowed ground (Hosea 10:12) of their hearts so they will be softened and receive the good seed of God's word and His love for them. And then that it will grow and bare much fruit.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Diary of 5 ~#2~ 1/18/12

I am seeing . . . the remnants of last night's light snow outside my window.

I am hearing . . . the radio, typing fingers.

I am smelling . . . dirty rice simmering on the stove.

I have tasted . . . honey from the comb.

I am feeling . . .

Read other Diary of 5 entries & register your own!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Seven Lies about Homeschoolers

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

{ BE SURE to turn my music off at the bottom of the page before watching the video }

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#148~ 1/17/12

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . Rain, dreary, dark & gray.

I am thinking . . . that I hope the farm has milk today. I went out there to get milk & brown eggs yesterday & could only get the eggs. Try #2 today.

I am thankful . . . for a dry, warm, cozy home . . . especially on days like this. Lord, please take care those who don't have a dry, warm place to stay out of the rain.

In the kitchen . . . usually Tuesday is bread baking day, but I needed to make a loaf yesterday. I may make some chicken noodle soup, today.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black long-sleeved t-shirt.

I am creating . . . a peaceful, Christ-centered home. A refuge & safe harbor for my family & friends.

I am going . . . to FINALLY take our Christmas tree down today! Ha!

I am wondering . . . if I will REALLY get that Christmas tree down today. '-)

I am reading . . . Bible; The Story.

I am hoping . . . in the expectation of answered prayer.

I am looking forward to . . . 2 days off work!

I am learning . . . once again . . . that God's timing is not my timing.

Around the house . . . general pick up, laundry, making soup, finishing off a little trim work . . . taking down the Christmas tree!

One of my favorite things . . . when THE Man sweetly wakes me up every morning to kiss me good-bye when he leaves for work.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, worship practice, taking down the Christmas tree '-) & Sunday worship w/the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "So many people live a 'guilt-focused life' ~ God IS NOT out to get me! If He is, then Jesus Christ died in vain. The opposite is true ~ I AM FORGIVEN BECAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST!" ~from Sunday's Sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." ~Isaiah 55:6-7

A peek into my day . . .

Went & got milk off the farm this morning ~ the internet ~ & then the electric ~ went out before I posted the above. Fortunately, I could copy & paste what I had earlier written & then post it after it came back on. I love to go to the farm for my milk & eggs & open their refrigerator & see that line of cream at the tops of the jugs. Mmmm Mm!

Read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#20~ Back to Shouldering Our Burdens

"Oh dear, how hard it does seem to take up our packs & go on," sighed Meg, the morning after the party; for, now the holidays were over, the week of merry-making did not fit her for going on with the task she never liked.

"I wish it was Christmas or New Year all the time; wouldn't it be fun?" answered Jo, yawning dismally.

"We shouldn't enjoy ourselves half so much as we do now. But it does seem nice to have little suppers & bouquets, & go to parties, & drive home, & read & rest, & not work. It's like other people, you know, & I always envy girls who do such things; I'm so fond of luxury," said Meg, trying to decide which of two gowns was the least shabby.

"Well, we can't have it, so don't let us grumble, but shoulder our bundles & trudge along as cheerfully as Marmee does."

Little Women ~ Ch. 4

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#52~ Better Than a String on His Finger

{Word-Filled Wednesday . . . Thursday Edition '-) }

PASSAGE: "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children . . . " ~Ps. 103:17

"The LORD appeared to us in the past saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'" ~Jer. 31:3

"Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name . . . 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands . . . " ~Is. 49:1(b)-15-16(a)

LESSON LEARNED: At sometime or other, many of us have had such hectic schedules, days with too much to remember, or suffered from a bout of bad memory, that we have had to enlist the old trick of tying a string around our finger so that we wouldn't forget something important.

What if the Lord had to do something like that so that He could remember us? After all, He has A LOT on His plate . . . He has all of creation ~ everywhere ~ to be in charge of, not to mention all those prayers being prayed, sins to forgive, healing to administer, comforting those who mourn and rejoicing with those who rejoice. How does the great-big, incredible God of All remember simple little ol' you and me?

Well, of course, we KNOW that simply BECAUSE He is The One True God that that's part of Who He is. But I think He purposefully stuck this precious "word picture" in the middle of a passage over-flowing with reminders of the promise and hope in His faithfulness so that we would be reminded of just how much He loves even us. God doesn't need a string tied around His finger to remind Himself of us, He loves us so much and thinks of us so often because He has "engraved you on the palms of My hand . . . " What a word-picture! How deep is His love!

So, here's something we should need no string on our finger to remember: God has said to even us ~ "I will not forget YOU!"

Glory in the highest!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

I Think of You Everyday . . .

26 years ago this morning, our sweet little Jessica graced Heaven's gates. I still remember exactly how she felt in my arms & I still think about her ~ even if it's a simple, fleeting thought ~ everyday.

I did this drawing as a Mother's Day gift for myself the May after she passed. The model I used from it was from her last photo, 5 days before she passed.

If you have never read her story, click HERE.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Heavens Declare HIS Glory!

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of HIS hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
~Psalm 19:1-4

{Please turn off my music, at the bottom of the screen, before listening to this incredible song}

CANNONS

It's fallin' from the coulds, a strange & lovely sound
I hear it in the thunder & the rain
It's ringing in the skies, like cannons in the night
The music of the universe plays

We're singing: You are holy, great & mighty
The moon & the stars declare Who You are
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

Beautiful & free, the song of galaxies
Reaching far beyond the Milky Way
Let's join in with the sound, C'mon let's sing it out!
As the music of the universe plays.

We're singing: You are holy, great & mighty
The moon & the stars declare Who You are
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of You!

All glory, honor, power is Yours, Amen!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part 5 ~ The Little Touches

We (that being The Royal "We" ~ meaning us giving our handyman a break :-D) took some time off the bathroom renovation for the Holidays. But I just wanted to show you a little bit of the neat little extras that help w/the look.

One of THE Man's wishes were fulfilled by getting this bowed shower rod. It makes for a little more room for your extended elbows while reaching up to shampoo your hair. No more of the icky, clingy feeling of the shower curtain "grabbing" you.

The other is the matching small tile above the tub surround. It turned out much nicer than I thought it would. That's always a good thing.

Wish we could "talk" more but I have a busy, busy day today! Leave me some love!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

One of my favorite & most-used herbs from my little herb garden is rosemary. I have it on my window sill in the fall & winter & then I replant it in my little herb garden in the spring & summer. It's by far one of the most hardy & useful herbs. I even love to run my fingers over the leaves & take a whiff of it's wonderful aroma.

My rosemary from my herb garden to my windowsill for the winter.

I use rosemary quite often while cooking ~ we eat a lot of chicken & my favorite way to prepare it is my version of "fried" chicken: a couple of TBs of olive oil ~ OR, as I'm about to show you how to make, rosemary infused olive oil ~ w/a couple of sprigs of rosemary in the frying pan, boneless/skinless chicken breast sprinkled w/a little Spike Seasoning & my Absolute Favorite Seasoning Mix. (TRY THIS: next time you grill, lay a rosemary sprig on top of your chicken!) Serve w/sides of broccoli & yellow rice . . . mm mmm! This also makes a great dipping oil.
OK . . . now that I've made myself hungry, I need to get on w/my original topic . . .

Infusing your oils w/rosemary ~ or any other herb ~ is quite easy. The recipe I'm going to share w/you is mostly for cooking, but can also be used for your hair (stimulates circulation for shinier hair) or even as a sore muscle liniment (comforts sore joints & muscles, stimulates circulation by increasing the blood supply). Besides making nearly any salad dressing, or anything prepared stove-top taste better (Italian dishes, fish, chicken, pork), the leaves are antiseptic/anitbacterial/antifungal (which is why I use it in my oily skin face wash) & the antioxidants in rosemary can aid w/digestion & weight loss.

You will need:

~8-10 sprigs of fresh rosemary
~2 c. of cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil (I recommend Hain)
~small cook pot/sauce pan
~pint-sized bottle or jar w/tight-fitting lid or cork
~enough decorative & useful olive oil bottles/decanters ~ for later use in displaying in your kitchen or for gift giving
~small funnel ~ to aid in pouring from bottle to bottle

Directions:

1) Gently wash your rosemary sprigs w/a damp washcloth; set aside to dry.
2) Pour 1 pint of olive oil into the small pot on low heat to warm ~ DO NOT BOIL ~ just warm.
3) Place a few sprigs of rosemary into your pint bottle ~ do not stuff it full ~ rosemary is very herb-a-licious, & you will have another sprig in your finished product, so a little goes a long way.
4) Pour warm oil into pint bottle w/the rosemary, seal w/lid or cork, set aside in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for at least 1 week.
5) After that time, take out your used rosemary sprigs & either use to cook something that day or throw them away. In the bottles you will now use for your infused oil, put in a fresh sprig of rosemary &, w/your small funnel, pour the infused oil into the new bottles over the fresh rosemary. Seal w/a lid or cork.

Your new infused rosemary oil is ready to use & enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><