Busy, Busy, Busy!

Please forgive the lack of posts this week. It has simply been a busy, busy, busy week.

Please go to the Post Categories list & help yourself to reading some older posts & trying out some of my frugal recipes that you've always wanted to try.

Leave me some LOVE by leaving a comment!

See you on Monday.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Sept/Oct Christian Women's Voice Mag Now Available!

The NEW Sept/Oct issue of the Christian Women's Voice magazine is NOW available! Both on-line & hard copy.

My frugal living column is on comfort foods & herb mixes.

Find out more here . . .

 

                 

     

               Christian Women's Voice Sep/Oct 2012      

   

     CW Voice is created and written just for YOU by women who love the Lord! Join us as we usher in the glorious season of Autumn with helpful tips, recipes and articles that offer encouragement!    

   

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 Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#164~ 8/27/12

For today . . . 

Outside my window . . . gray, dreary, rain. But I rejoice in it because it is so needed.

I am thinking . . . about the great weekend I had as some of my co-workers & I represented our health food store at the health & wellness conference in Indy. I had so much fun & the vendors were more than generous to us. PLUS ~ a lovely hotel room. Wow. A little bummed that I forgot my camera :-/ BUT the COOLEST part . . . I received a FREE microwave oven!!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!! So blessed.

I am thankful . . . for that new microwave oven :-) AND that my precious DD#2 cleaned the whole house for me while I was gone. Once again . . . so blessed.

From the kitchen . . . DD#2's yummy meat balls & sauce.

I am wearing . . . let's just say that I'm in "post-convention grunge" until I have to get ready for work.  Ha!  **blushing**

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

I am going . . . to sort through all the paper-work I brought home from the conference.

I am wondering . . . when the Lord's timing & mine will intersect.  
I am hoping . . . that it will be soon. :-)

I am reading . . . some favorite blogs that I've fallen behind on.

I am looking forward to . . . going to DD#1's final wedding gown fitting. Her big day is getting closer & closer.

I am learning . . . that, once again, my faith & belief in God's mighty power is my strongest gift.

Around the house . . . unpacking, laundry, sorting through conference paperwork.

One of my favorite things . . . being reunited with my family after being away.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family, work, homeschool assessments, DD#1's final wedding gown fitting, worship practice, worship with the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . “The longings of your heart are not incidental, they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored, they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate.” ~Max Lucado/Just like Jesus

Scripture thought . . . "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . . Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." ~Romans 4:18, 20, 21

A picture thought for you . . . 

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Chickweed & Simple Chickweed Salve & Tea

Working at a health food store, it doesn't take too long to find out what Dr. Oz has talked about on his show on an given day (since I'm at work when he's on, I don't get to watch him). And, yes, he is a blessing AND a curse. lol

Something that seems to have struck a chord with many viewers has been his discussion that Chickweed herb is good for weight loss; preferably in a tea. So, if you would like to make you own simple Chickweed tea ~ & not spend $8 per box just to have someone else put it in a bag for you ~ all you need to do is go to your nearest health food or bulk food store & buy 1-2 oz of Chickweed & . . . 

You will need (per cup):

~1 to 1-1/2 ts Chickweed herb
~ boiling water

Directions:

1) boil water
2) put 1 to 1-1/2 ts of Chickweed in your tea ball
3) steep for 5-10 minutes
4) sweeten with honey, if desired

My favorite way to use Chickweed is as a salve for severe itching ~ as in eczema, psoriasis, rashes. You can even use it as a joint balm for arthritis AND as a on of the better drawing salves for splinters.

You will need:

~1/2 c Comfrey
~1/2 c Chickweed
~Extra Virgin Olive Oil
~Bees wax, grated
~1/8 ts Vitamin E oil
~small crock pot; the type used for pot pourri works well
~cheesecloth for straining

Directions:

1) put herbs in the crock pot & cover with enough olive oil to stand about 1" above the herbs
2) heat on LOW for 3 hours
3) after heating, let stand for cool for about 1/2 an hour
4) arrange cheesecloth in a measuring cup (for liquids) with a pour spout, pour herbs & oil through. When most of the oil has drained through, pick up the cheesecloth & gently squeeze out as much of the remaining oil as you can back into the crock pot
5) add your grated bees wax & melt through
6) add the Vitamin E, mix well
7) carefully pour into your container(s) & let it set up into a semi-hard balm

You'll LOVE it, especially for itching skin & as a drawing salve.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Herbal Freeze Pops

I'm always looking for more pleasant ways to keep ourselves well ~ or to get better from an illness. Especially since having kiddos & with a daughter about to get married, we'll be nearing grandparent-hood. (woohoo!) So this ol' Marmee recently discovered a fun, refreshing way for the whole family to better enjoy any "wellness" tea that we need . . . Herbal Freeze Pops!

Google

So, whether someone has a fever & is looking for a cool, healing refreshment, or a mom-to-be or family member with an up-set tummy wants a cool, tummy-settling way to take their healing herbs or simply a fun, cool way to "drink" your healing tea blends in the summer ~ Herbal Freeze Pops might just be the way.

As a reminder, here are links to some of my own herbal tea mixes:

*this link has recipes for up-set tummies, nursing mommies, sage tea (for mouth sores & sore throats), peppermint for digestion & fever reduction, chamomile/lavender for relaxing & soothing a fussy, teething baby . . .
*click here for a lovely, red hibiscus tea

Google

You will need:

~the herbal ingredients of your favorite tea blends at triple strength, depending upon the effect you desire or need (or your favorite bagged tea)
~water
~strainer
~freezer pop molds with handles or wooden sticks

Directions:

1) bring to boil enough water to fill your freezer pop molds
2) once water boils, take off heat & add your herb mix; let steep for 15-20 minutes **NOTE, again, that the pops work better with a TRIPLE STRENGTH tea**
3) strain tea into freezer pop molds
4) freeze

Enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#69~ The Mercy of a Choice

"But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'

"He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid . . . so I hid'

". . . 'have you eaten from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?'" ~Gen. 2:9-10

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . ." ~Romans 3:23

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade ~ kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time . . . Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~1 Peter 1:3-5, 8,9 [all emphasis, mine]

Often, I hear those who are unsaved ~ searchers and doubters, alike ~ ask the question: "Why would a loving God make faith in Jesus Christ the only way to heaven?" 

My answer is ~ Why not?

Adam and Eve, the first man and woman of God's beautiful creation, broke the ONE RULE that God gave them: ". . . you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Gen. 2:17) One rule ~ just ONE RULE, and they chose to disobey. 

My question back to the searchers and the doubters is ~ Why should God have even given us a second chance at all? He made us, he had every right to just wipe us out and start from scratch . . . but He didn't. Praise God, He didn't!

In His love for us, He has mercy on us. He sent is only, precious Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our foul sin and, in His loving mercy, He adopts us as His children to spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

So, once again, God gives us a choice of ONE simple rule to follow to wipe away our sin ~ just ONE RULE ~ we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. That's it. That's all. The spiritual chains will be broken and your future will be secure.

O, what a Savior!

Blessings, Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#163~ 8/20/12

For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . a lovely, sunny day. A few clouds but sunshine & pleasant temperatures to be enjoyed.

I am thinking . . . for my sweet husband. He has problems w/his legs, but he took me to a local country fair yesterday & walked around until he simply needed to sit for a while. Just for me. God bless him abundantly.

I am thankful . . . for a great family weekend. DD#1 came over Saturday night for pizza & an old movie; Sunday was great worship, great sermon, yummy fair food for lunch & another old movie w/the the family that night. It went by far too fast.

From the kitchen . . . comfort food ~ chicken noodle soup.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black tank w/a black drapey.

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

I am going . . . to work the late shift at the health food store.

I am wondering . . . how the Lord will bring Himself glory in a particular situation.

I am hoping . . . that it is soon.

I am reading . . . Bible ~ Ezekiel.

I am looking forward to . . . Wednesday.

I am learning . . . that the Lord loves to amaze me.

Around the house . . . not a whole lot of picking up today, had 2 homeschool assessments come over this morning.

One of my favorite things . . . the homeschool community.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, attending a convention for work; I will miss my family while I'm away.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Christianity is both PERSONAL & PUBLIC; & though my faith is PERSONAL, it is NEVER to remain PRIVATE." ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "'Is not this the kind of fasting I [God] have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ~ when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?'" ~Isaiah 58:6-7

A picture thought for you . . . 

DD#1 & her fiance'

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Horse Chestnut ~ For Vein Health & So Much More

 Horse Chestnuts

I love learning about new home remedies. One of the best I've found, since working in the health food industry, has been Horse Chestnut. This little bud & it's properties are used quite often in Europe & the UK but are often over-looked in America.

It is best known for it's ability to help with varicose veins & general circulation issues, including hemorrhoids. Horse Chestnut can be taken orally ~ in capsule form, as the seeds are toxic ~ & is widely used in a cream.

To help even more, you can use the cream AND take the capsule form, together. I often recommend that, if possible, to attack a problem from the inside-out ~ such as with Arnica Montana (a homeopathic remedy) ~ if you can battle an issue two ways, your healing time will be cut down & your comfort level will increase.

Natural cosmetic companies are catching on & are including Horse Chestnut in many of there "mature" skin products. Because it helps with vein health, helping to repair & prevent vein & capillary fragility, it can offer anit-aging benefits.

Whether by capsule or in a cream or both, be sure to check it out next time you visit a health food store. It's amazing what a little dab'll do ya.

Horse Chestnut Tree

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#68~ Does the Condition of Your Bible Reflect Your Life?

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like abundant rain on tender plants" ~Deut. 32:2

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless . . . " ~2 Samuel 22:31(a)

"A person whose Bible is falling apart, usually isn't" ~Frank A. Clark

My old Bible ~ I used this one for 14 years ~ pages falling out, notes abound

 

Today, I have a few questions for you: What is the condition of your Bible? What does it "say" about you? If someone broke into your home, what would the condition of your Bible tell them about you?

~ Is it easily found?
~ Is it out where anyone could see it?
~ Do you leave it open to the last place you were reading? 
~ Do you underline and high-light?
~ Are the pages torn or falling out?

 Held together with masking tape

~ Is your well-used Bible's binder held together with duct or masking tape . . . yet?
~ Is it stuffed with markers, important papers and old sermon notes?

OR

~ Is it dusty?
~ Is it even left out or available?
~ Do you even know where your Bible is?

I'm not asking these questions to shame anyone ~ I'm as flawed as they come ~ but simply to make us think. There are so many in our world who are forbidden to own a Bible and to worship the One True God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed more than we deserve by being "allowed" to hold God's Word in our hands. To be able to let it mold and shape us. Let the condition of your Bible reflect your life.

Let's not waste the opportunity.

 I hope my newer Bible (2 years old) will someday be as worn as my old Bible

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#162~ 8/13/12

For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . .partly sunny morning giving way to clouds & over-cast skies before the storms roll in.

I am thinking . . . of the next step I need to take . . .

I am thankful . . . more and more everyday for my sweet little family that loves me.

From the kitchen . . . steeping some thyme leaves in the process of making my Tea Tree and Thyme Healing Tonic. I use is as a toner for my oily-acne-prone skin (yes . . . even at 53).

I am wearing . . . jeans, lime green shirt, black drapie.

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

I am going . . . to set out a "fleece" in answer to a prayer.

I am wondering . . . what the answer to my fleece will be?

I am hoping . . . that I will have courage to act when I get my answer to prayer. (I pray with great expectations.)

I am reading . . . a brand new magazine: American Dream Cottages. Lovely. I look forward to seeing more.

I am looking forward to . . . a dream made reality.

I am learning . . . all that I don't know. :-?

Around the house . . . general pick-up, making the Tea Tree & Thyme Tonic, another batch of laundry detergent & tonight I will make another batch of Chamomile Healing Salve so that it can cure over-night.

One of my favorite things . . . making my own skin care, health care, home remedies & home care products that really work & passing those recipes on to you. :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, a few more homeschool assessments, worship practice, Sunday worship with the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "DO NOT settle for second-best . . . God doesn't" ~From Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . ."He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." ~Micah 6:8

A picture thought for you . . . 

 I'm stuck in a rut of Irish Cottages. But at least it's a pretty rut '-)

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Foot Detox Recipe

I am on my feet walking, walking, walking all day at my job at the health food store. Some days I wish I had a pedometer on so that I could see how far I walk each day. And with the still fresh memory of how my mom suffered to the point of death with her feet circulation issues (brought on by 40+ years of wearing high heels at her job at a high-end department store) & then compounded by circulation problems associated with Alzheimer's Desease, all still fresh in my mind; I am determined to include the care of my feet with the rest of my over-all personal health care.

One way that we can all take better care of our feet AND help our entire body feel it's best is to do an occasional foot detox. Some will say to do it once a week, twice a month, once a month . . . you get the picture. I simply say to do it when you feel that you are noticeably run down either physically or mentally, you are recovering from a cold, flu or other illness, you've had poison ivy, oak or if like me, you are on your feet a lot.

Foot detoxing is a great way to reduce aches, pains, over-all tiredness and even headaches.

You will need:

1 pan large enough to fit both of your feet covered with water
hot water enough to cover your feet up to your ankles
1 c. sea salt
1 c. Epsom salts (great source of magnesium and sulper)
2 c. baking soda
1 TB fresh, grated ginger root
2 TB dried sage (great for foot and body odor)
5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil 
1 towel or blanket 
a handful of clean, smooth creek rocks (**optional**)
a jar with a good lid

Directions:

~ Mix all ingredients EXCEPT eucalyptus essential oil and fresh grated ginger root & the rocks.

To use:

~ Pour the hot water into the pan & add 1/4 c. of the detox salt mix 
~ Add the eucalyptus essential oil & fresh grated ginger root ONLY at the time of use
~ Carefully submerge your feet in the hot water ~ please DO NOT scald yourself. If you need to pour in a cup or two of cold water, do it.
~ If you like, put in a handful of clean, smooth creek rocks to give your little piggies a something to do while they soak. :-)
~ Cover pan & feet with a large towel or blanket to hold in some of that relaxing heat
~ Let soak for about 30 minutes
~ Dry your feet & liberally apply your favorite lotion or my Very Simple Chamomile Healing Salve.
~ Keep the left-over detox salt mix in a jar with a good lid for your next use.

Leave me some love by way of a comment & let me know how you LOVE this when you try it.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Snicker Surprise Dessert

Just this weekend, my lovely DD#2 reminded me that I hadn't made one of our family's favorite desserts for quite a while ~ Snicker Surprise.

We started calling it "surprise" because 1) it is surprisingly mmm, mmm, good & 2) it's one of those fun desserts that you can serve at a carry-in, not tell anyone what is in it & see the look of "surprise" on their faces as they taste buds go on a yummy ingredient tour.

You will need:

~1 16oz (large) container of Kool Whip
~1 apple of your choice (Red Delicious for those who like sweet; Granny Smith for those who like tart), cored & chopped w/skin on
~1-2 bananas, sliced
~1 15 oz can of Mandarin oranges, drained
~2 large Snickers bars OR 1 6-bar slip of fun sized Snickers bars, sliced

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients in a large decorative mixing bowl or serving bowl.
2) If you are not serving it immediately, cover with plastic wrap & store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Let me know how you LOVE it!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Just Had to Show You . . .

I just had to show you this incredible kitchen that hit my Facebook. Oh . . . my . . . goodness!

Yes, yes, I could SO live here.

Click on the photo to see a larger view.

Just sayin'. '-)


Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Creamy, Dreamy Flax Oil Salad Dressing

I am a big believer in the benefits of flaxseed & their oil & meal. So, I always enjoy finder new ways to use the oil, seeds or meal for my family's benefit.


Here is a completely YUMMY salad dressing using flaxseed oil.

You will need:

2 TB flax oil
2 TB balsamic vinegar
2-3 TB grapefruit juice OR the juice of 1 fresh grapefruit
2 TB Barlean's Berry Greens

Directions:

~Simply mix all ingredients well & pour over your salad
~Enjoy!


Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

God Bless America . . . Again

I am so proud of my fellow Christian countrymen & women & how we stood up to those who try to bully us, our businesses & our 1st Amendment rights. Thank you, Gov. Huckabee & Chick-Fil-A for giving us a venue to show the world & those who work to subvert our country from the inside how many & how strong we are.


This song rang through my head while I was in line for 1 hour & 45 minutes to get our family's Chick-Fil-A dinner & it's been ringing in my mind ever since. 

I'm feeling very red, white & blue today.

GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!!

God bless America

Land that I love

Stand be her

And guide her

Through the night

With the light

From above . . .

From the mountains . . .

To the prairies . . .

To the oceans

white with foam . . .

God bless America ~

My home Sweet Home !

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#67~ When You Feel Alone, Look Around You

"When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh, my lord, what shall we do?' the servant asked.

"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'

"And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and the he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.'" ~II Kings 6:15-17 [emphasis, mine]

It seems that I have always been a person who will stand alone. Whether it brings me shame and ridicule (like being the only kid in 3rd grade to raise my hand and admit that I still believed in Santa) or when my standing will encourage others to stand ~ that just seems to be the way the Lord made me. I know many of your are the same way.

And when you stand, some don't like it. It can seem as if you stick out like an island in the midst of the sea raging all around you. Funny thing about islands in the midst of storms ~ they can save your life. 

People all around us, whether they admit it or not, are looking for spiritual safety but they are spiritually blinded in their unbelief. 

The Lord has put us in this time and place "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). We are the ones He has put here to be His people of refuge, who are those who pray for the eyes of unbelievers to be opened and see God's hand at work; who, in times of trouble and doubt, point to God's mighty angels in chariots of fire all around us, fighting our battles for God's glory.

And when you are weary in doing good, look around you, you are not alone.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><